Bear With Me Here, I Have A Ton Of Questions And Zero Knowledge

[darlin]

Hi,

 

-Okay so I have been looking at buying a 1982 GMC Sierra 1500 and I want to know if it is possible to rebuild the truck into a more fuel efficient, dependable truck? Restore the old thing back to it's glory days, in a sense.

 

-If it is a reasonable vision, how would I go about doing it? I've never had anyone around that could teach me about vehicles/fixing them up, so I have the IQ of a potato when it comes to all this, but I am willing to learn.

 

-Where is my best bet to go and learn everything about trucks, rebuilding them, yada yada yada. Should I post an ad in the paper for someone to help me with all this? Find a way to help out at a garage or something? Go to an actual school?

 

-Tips on making the truck as winter ready as possible?

 

Ideally I want to turn the truck into a dependable daily driver that will last me years to come, without being too hard on the wallet (gas prices notwithstanding). Other places I have looked at for answers have gone so far as to suggest an electric engine... your thoughts on that too?

 

thanks!

[blacksierra01]

Ive always wanted to see a 5.3 or a 6.0 fuel injected motor swapped into an '80's GM truck, would be more fuel efficent than a carbed motor. If you dont have any experience working on trucks, id definatly try to find someone who does or a good shop.

[GMstrong]

First off carb will have to go there no good with fuel,If your not worried about power and speed drop in a vortec 350 or TBI/tpi or even a LT1 motor.I presonally wouldnt want to waste my time converting it to tb injected motor.Now for it lasting a longer time then it has around,under coat everything under the truck EXCEPT for fuel lines,bare rusted and such the undercoat will eat right threw a rusted line which could leave in you a big whole pocket wise.I know my TBI 350 does very well with gas probably some where around 16 or more hitting just about every red light.

[SpeedyV]

...If your not worried about power and speed drop in a vortec 350 or TBI/tpi or even a LT1 motor...I know my TBI 350 does very well with gas probably some where around 16 or more hitting just about every red light.

 

I'll second that. I'm not that familiar with that generation (although my dad had an '82 Sierra 1500...I believe with a TBI 305). I would guess that a TBI 350 would drop right in and would work with the factory harness. Is that right, GMstrong? If so, you've got a rock-solid motor with minimal effort. But depending on your miles, the stock transmission might need more attention than the motor...

 

If you decide to go for it, then good luck on your project!

[GMstrong]

They didnt make TBI until 87 on the 305 and 350 motors.It depends weather he wants power and speed a vortec 350 is excellent all round motor has great power and torque and gets up quick stock.Lt1 is even quicker,tbi motors are for dependabilty they will last forever with out a doubt.If you have no intentions on making a fast powerful truck then go with a TBI350 and grab the whole hareness and ECM.and you should be good.Dont get me wrong TBI 350s have power and they do get up pretty quick after a few mods,i know mine gets up fast also has ALOT of torque especially around 3000 rpm.

[Mike G]

What is your budget on the truck? If the motor is in pretty good condition, then you may just want to consider upgrading the induction side of the equation, going with a Holley pro-jection system or something equivalent. I understand you have limited automotive knowledge, but don't tell too many folks that or they will take advantage of you.. Run things by us here first, there are plenty of people that can help you along.

Welcome aboard! --Mike