Little different fenderless 53 pickup

[Paul_J]

I'll second the Megasquirt setup! Get the free 5.3l running and then start adding the upgrades as you can!

 

[SLCviaAK]

LS !!! If it's free, use factory truck stuff and put a snail (or two) on it. There are guys on performance trucks dot net getting 500+ to the wheels on turbo 4.8's! With a turbo and fuel, maybe a cam. LS all the way. I think it suits the truck better than the 12v anyway.

 

[jfg455]

Use the 0411 PCM with the 5.3L. You can easily get 650 Crank HP with a single Master power T76 turbo ($750 brazil made not junk china) or two master power T61's. All you change in the motor is cam and springs (Use an 04 Z06 cam and springs) and up the injectors to at least 60lb ones. I have used both Megasquirt and stock PCM's and like the stock PCM for the simple reason of using the factory knock sensors. Then you can really lean on it and watch for knock. 18 psi boost with 18* timing (Methenaol injection over 10 psi) nets you about 650hp. we had a 4400 lb C1500 pick up running 11.90's @ 121mph in the 1/4 same set up. If you drop a set of 6.0L heads on it (317 casting number) you can go up to 24-25 psi due to the heads dropping the compression ratio down to 8.5:1 (stock 5.3L is either 9:1 or 9.3:1 depending on year) Give a shout if you need some info. [P

 

[Donuts1]

Use the 0411 PCM with the 5.3L. You can easily get 650 Crank HP with a single Master power T76 turbo ($750 brazil made not junk china) or two master power T61's. All you change in the motor is cam and springs (Use an 04 Z06 cam and springs) and up the injectors to at least 60lb ones. I have used both Megasquirt and stock PCM's and like the stock PCM for the simple reason of using the factory knock sensors. Then you can really lean on it and watch for knock. 18 psi boost with 18* timing (Methenaol injection over 10 psi) nets you about 650hp. we had a 4400 lb C1500 pick up running 11.90's @ 121mph in the 1/4 same set up. If you drop a set of 6.0L heads on it (317 casting number) you can go up to 24-25 psi due to the heads dropping the compression ratio down to 8.5:1 (stock 5.3L is either 9:1 or 9.3:1 depending on year) Give a shout if you need some info. [P

Great info there!!!! I was a little lost at what turbo to look for. Also is this using an intercooler or just the methanol injection? If I go this route you will probably be hearing lots from me...lol!

 

[62ChevyII]

Woo Hoo! Glad to hear momma is doing better and the truck project is back under way! I agree, this truck is kind of new tech in old school clothing so the LS seems like the logical choice. As you know the 5.3 pull-outs are dirt cheap and can make a lot of power with a little boost.

 

[SLCviaAK]

For boosted LS research, I would suggest LS1tech dot com and performance trucks dot net. Lot of good info on those sites.

 

[Donuts1]

Well contrary to popular vote I ended up with a cummins. A buddy had a clean 89 cummins that he was willing to trade me for a tranny I had. Went today and picked up the adapter to mate the cummins to the 4l80e. Should be able to get the truck back to my shop this weekend and start mocking up the new drivetrain!

 

[Tim...Ok]

Well contrary to popular vote I ended up with a cummins. A buddy had a clean 89 cummins that he was willing to trade me for a tranny I had. Went today and picked up the adapter to mate the cummins to the 4l80e. Should be able to get the truck back to my shop this weekend and start mocking up the new drivetrain!

They aren't exactly a powerhouse, but those 160 and 180 6BT's were bulletproof motors..Keep in mind that motor weighs about the same as two small block Chevy's..

 

[Todd]

That will be interesting to see. [P Looking forward to the progress.

 

[Donuts1]

They aren't exactly a powerhouse, but those 160 and 180 6BT's were bulletproof motors..Keep in mind that motor weighs about the same as two small block Chevy's..

You sir would be absolutely correct. While they are some heavy things they were very strong and long living motors. The old ve pump motors were easily tuned for quite a bit more power. I put one in a tahoe a while back and it would move on pretty good. Also wanting to do alot of road cruising with this thing so milage should be awsome. Have a few other plans too which include a little towing! And if all else fails and I don't like it i know a ls motor will bolt right in!!

 

[Donuts1]

Made a little progress today. Got the engine cleaned and painted. Went and got the ole girl and unloaded it in the shop.

Had to do a little cutting to get the cummins to fit...

Was nice to see an engine back in this thing!

 

[Todd]

Looks cool in there. That smile is good too, glad to see you back at it.

 

[bowatjr6969]

Well if that isn't a **** eatin grin!! Looks Good Bro!! long time no hear!!!

 

[Dirtyrat]

That is looking dang mean with the cummins back in the hole!

 

[21willys]

Can't go wrong with a cummins!

How much that trans adapter cost? I have a one ton dump that needs a engine upgrade!

 

[tjmath]

Looks great! I would love to see some of the pics from back in the day that dont show in the thread now. Too bad you didnt go with the LSx motor...would have been a perfect build for me to follow for what I have been dreaming up.

 

[jfg455]

Diesel smoke makes me horney![ddd

But then so does a turbo'ed LSX motor.....[S

 

[SLCviaAK]

Any updates? Hope all is well.

 

[rboutlawmotorsports]

Diesel Power

Bro you have a nice build going here, Im digging it keep it coming ... (The Outlaw)[cl [P [cl

 

[gold03]

I like the diesel idea a lot. This is real cool. I've seen a few tube frames, and really liking the idea.

Those engines are big heavy though. I might think about adding triangulation to your top spring mount area. Maybe... Just a thought. Not sure about that vertical tube with that much side load. Some diagonal bracing would really stiffen the frame a lot. Up from the back through the upright just above the spring mount, then continuing forward to your top rail.

Gold03