Well played.
:thumbsup: :flag2:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

https://i.postimg.cc/50BHRTBm/1-B503...8-AE893-E3.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8f9bbabd2d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...80bc2c61e1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6cd42ab6a8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c79372e883.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b14b47c443.jpg


Now where caught up. I’m in the process of attempting to get it running this week.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Turned out great, nice work!

Torqstorm

Cool truck!

Ron

The problem is it will be full of dog hair.

Old AC with new 5.3?
 

Mark,

Can you address what was easy and what was difficult if anything?

ie. Old AC with new 5.3L?

Every looks like it just dropped in easily and fell into place!

Great job as always!!!

p.s. when do you want me to ship you my 2nd Gen F-body? LOL

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4e8e5f6391.jpg

I used the Holley mid mount accessory drive that gave me a clean a/c mount and power steering pump.

If I would have pitched an aftermarket wiring harness this deal would have been fairly straight forward. Use all the GM stuff made it look cool be a bit more work to sort out the wiring.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Outstanding build!

The engine, trans and stock exhaust manifolds fit fine. I had to make custom engine mounts to position it where I wanted it. I think Holley sell mounts now. I just made my own because I knew it would fit.

The transmission mount was easy. I used the stock 78 Blazer transmission crossmember and mount and moved it back one set of holes. So far on the engine swap I had to drill two holes for the trans crossmember. The hot side of the exhaust the passenger side was stock and the drivers side needed reworked. I retained all the catalytic converters for cheap mufflers.

The Holley accessory drive fits great and solves the power steering pump issue that LT have.

The stock radiator went in very easy.

So far this has been one of the easiest projects I’ve ever done.

It’s been a lot of fun so far.

Mark


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome build! I love these Blazers.

Thats because you didn't try to reinvent the wheel like we always try to do. Looks awesome, love the factory look. Are you going to try and hide a vintage air unit in there or retain the factory system?

I intentionally looked for a Blazer with stock A/C to use it. I hope it works well converted to R134


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ac
 

The stock AC is a little lacking. Chevorlet just used the truck ac in the blazer. lots more area in a blazer than a truck. i had an 84 blazer. always had to run it on max to get it cool.

Thanks good to know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey Mark, why factory AC over Vintage Air?

It came free in the truck.... Keeps with the factory look of the truck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Evolution has almost gone full circle...….. Great Job !!!!

I think Vintage Air can us the stock controls.

or add a Suburban secondary unit? Might be overkill, but would look factory...

This is a really neat project. I need to replace the 454/TH400 in my '89 Sub. This looks like a fairly easy deal. THX, Mark!

1978 Blazer
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c142d3aeb6.jpg

We got the Dakota Digital dash in it!

Looks great.

Hope to be driving it this weekend.

Mark


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8efc7e2792.jpg

It running. It was the best maiden voyage of any project I ever built.

The truck is a lot of fun. The 5.3l L83 runs great.

The Dakota Digital dash is very impressive. The set up was easy and it looks great.

Mark


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are you using can data for the gauges using their BIM module? Any functionality you are looking for that the BIM doesn’t provide? i.e. fuel pressure, map, etc?

Thanks,

Yes I’m using theirhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...12e94c718a.jpg BIM. Worked great. Hook up 2 wires and you get RPM,MPH, Oil Pressure, Water Temp, Trans Temp, Gear State PRNDL, and Fuel Level. You can add o. A BIM and it gives you a compass and ambient air temp.

Cool set up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is so sweet!!

Only thing I would change is the title to my name... :lol:

That sounds like a great gauge setup. Is the gauge just an image or does it have numbers that are back light like the original gauges. They look great regardless. Dakota Digital has come a long way.

Congrats on getting it running, Mark. How much more until it's ready for power tour?

The gauges are back lighted and you can set them up to be “incandescent” and the look just like the originals. Very cool set up!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well done Mark, another cool build! The Dakota Digital dash looks great, it's crazy how it resembles the original gauges so much.

1978 Blazer
 

So far I’ve but 430 miles on the Blazer. The first tank full I averaged 17.6 MPG. Mainly city and goofing around. With a 31 gallon tank this thing should have over 500 mile range on the high way.

It no track car but it’s been a lot of fun so far!

For engine, trans, radiator, fans, fuel pumps, fuel pump controller and exhaust for under $6000 it is a bargain. The most expensive parts on it are the Holley Mid Mount Accy Drive. But that was worth it because it works and fits great.

My SWAG is the truck would run high 14 sec quarter mile time. Fast enough to get on the highway and pass.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...34a1197d85.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'd say that's a successful build!

These are the best projects to me these days. Something you can actually daily drive and not lose a minute of sleep.

Mark, do you happen to have a build list of all of the parts you used for the swap? Great build!

I used the following from a totaled 2018 Tahoe with 3 miles on it. Found it on EBay all the parts are like new.

Engine 5.3 L L 83
Transmission 6 speed
Engine harness
ECM
Radiator
Stock fans
Complete induction
Complete under hood fuse block and harnesses
Fuel pump and controller
Stock exhaust manifolds and Cats

For the accy drive I used a Holly Mid Mount set up. This fits great and gave me a power steering pump

Dakota Digital Gauges that work of the GM CAN data

Dorman 31 gallon fuel tank

Custom exhaust CAT back

Detroit Real Steel wheels

Michelin Tire

Ride Tech suspension parts.
Rear springs did not work I used the stock ones with Ride Tech hangers.

I made engine mount and moved the stock cross member.

We used HP tuners to turn off stuff in the EVM to make it work stand alone.

That pretty much it.

Runs and drives great.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mark,
I tried to send you a PM but your box is full. I have a few questions about the swap and specifically the comment above.

Thanks for the info Mark!

Very cool build!! Nice job

Sorry I cleared it out

Mark long shot but what are your thoughts on trying to make this all work in CA and Smog legal? My understanding is that you have to transfer the fuel tank and support EVAP from the original vehicle?