Need advice
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Of course you can just keep the sender wires.
If you're using an HEI, I suggest a relay triggered by the old coil wire.
The wiring in these trucks doesn't pass enough current to keep the coil in cap units happy for long.
If you're using an HEI, I suggest a relay triggered by the old coil wire.
The wiring in these trucks doesn't pass enough current to keep the coil in cap units happy for long.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Gulf Coast, MS
No focus lost at all just trying to find things I can do while I can save up for parts. The tach cluster just happened to be staring me in the face when I was looking for parts so I grabbed it. Other than that my mind was just rambling. I was going to drop the gas tanks today but had to fight off red wasps and hornets instead. I think I got them all and will try again tomorrow after work. I wish I owned my own tow truck so I could bring it to the fire station when I am on duty so I can work on it there.
Since its been talked about, can I just swap clusters out? Both seem to have the same gauges in it as far as alt, oil, and temp.
Since its been talked about, can I just swap clusters out? Both seem to have the same gauges in it as far as alt, oil, and temp.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Gulf Coast, MS
I just got an email from the guy I had originally started talking to about parts, it seems that he has the ECU as well as the injectors, fuel rail, and harness for the injectors. Now I know I am ignorant to all this but if I can get all of this AND it works then unless I am missing a component that I hadn't thought of will I be better off this way now?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Gulf Coast, MS
If memory serves the tach cluster was from an 86 like mine but not sure either.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I just got an email from the guy I had originally started talking to about parts, it seems that he has the ECU as well as the injectors, fuel rail, and harness for the injectors. Now I know I am ignorant to all this but if I can get all of this AND it works then unless I am missing a component that I hadn't thought of will I be better off this way now?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Gulf Coast, MS
OMG I am being wishy washy!! Sorry guys but I guess it's time to let my ***** drop and fill the sack up and make a decision.
Excuse the OMG.....I have kids and sometimes things slip.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Gulf Coast, MS
It was 80 before I knew he had the ECU, the 80 was for the fuel rail with new pressure regulator injectors, and speed density harness. I didn't even ask about the ECU cause once I thought about everything I still feel that going the other route is going to be better in the long run.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Gulf Coast, MS
Oh, I found an ad on craigslist and have a line on a 81 that has a 302 and C6 but both have been pulled out already but he does have the distributor and all that goes with it. He said he would sell me the motor and trans for 200 but then he also told me it was a 347 and that he had someone stroke the motor and put a cam in it. Normally I will give anyone a 50/50 shot on being truthful but this thing looks worse than mine does and he said it was done 6 months ago. I guess I can find out what the stroke is between a 302 and 351 and measure and see if he is correct
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
So, you are probably looking at over $100 with all the parts and shipping. With that you should be able to get it running well, although it is possible that the same part will be bad on both trucks. However, it isn't likely you'll have two instances of that. On the other hand, you don't know that you have a good in-tank pump nor a good high pressure pump, and that could run into many more $'s.
with the other approach an intake manifold will cost you $100 for a used one. A used dizzy maybe $25. A used carb between $50 and $100. Add in a harness and a fuel pump and you are around $250 to go with a carb and DS-II.
So, the EFI approach could be least expensive one - depending on fuel pumps. But, it could also be as expensive and it is probably much more involved since there are lots more parts.
with the other approach an intake manifold will cost you $100 for a used one. A used dizzy maybe $25. A used carb between $50 and $100. Add in a harness and a fuel pump and you are around $250 to go with a carb and DS-II.
So, the EFI approach could be least expensive one - depending on fuel pumps. But, it could also be as expensive and it is probably much more involved since there are lots more parts.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 4
From: Gulf Coast, MS
I concur with your assessment, I admit I got a little excited because for a minute there seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel but it was just a lightning bug. I think the best route is the one I am following. It will be my little project truck for sure. If nothing else it will give my son and I something to work on together.
