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95 Sierra Engine Swap


Abella
06-18-2013, 04:54 AM
Recently i had received a 1995 GMC Sierra 1500 for my uncle. He gave it to me for free i just had to fix it because it did not have any brakes. So about $1000 later i had replace the front rotors, calipers, wheel bearings, brake lines, along with the full rear drum set up, everything but the backing plate is brand new. The truck is in great condition. There is almost no rust on the frame and just a bit of surface rust on the body so little that i could remove it with a few minutes and some 400 grit sand paper. Unfortunately the truck has been sitting for long periods of time off and on for the past almost 20 years so after driving it as my daily driver for a few months i noticed a few problems. The engine has a flat spot in the rear main where the crank settled in so it leaks oil out of there. The engine is leaking oil into the 7th cylinder via the piston ring, and both head gaskets are leaking coolant into every cylinder or so i assume the exhaust doesnt smell very sweet like you would usually see in a car that is burning coolant but i am losing about 2 cups every few months im assuming that when the engine sits over night the gaskets contract and leak coolant into the cylinders and then when i turn it on the gaskets expand because it seems to only leak when it sits and if i leave it for a long period of time, it is tough to start usually requires a few taps on the gas pedal i also have to do this when its cold. I am getting a new car but i want to keep my sierra because besides the engine the rest of the truck is in like new condition with a clean title. Here's my problem. I had two choices, rebuild or replace the engine. Now i hate TBI and i hate Kesley-Hanes even more. When i went to replace all of my brake lines i took my truck to multiple dealerships to have the ABS bled and every single one of them told me that they didnt want to work on it because of the age and value of the vehicle, but they could get me a great deal on a new truck. That in mind i decided to replace the engine to try and get away from the electronic bullcrap that i know nothing about. So i have a rebuilt 350 4bolt main with a high rise intake and a holly spread bore carb. I wanted to know besides the engine, tranny, gauges, and fuel pump what else do i need to replace. i dont know much about these newer cars and how the electronics operate most of my work has been on cars and tractors with out the computers so an engine swap was pretty simple. Also if i delete the computer and rip that piece of crap abs out of there can i just run the brake lines i just put in, into the old master cylinder or do i have to replace it as well. with the wiring when i remove the ecm will i have to rewire the radio and lights and stuff or will it just remain un effected? Sorry for the book, i just wanted to make sure that i was thorough. I have a haynes manual for it and i am pretty good with the technical stuff i just figured with the little amount of money i would put into replacing and fixing up this truck it would be cheaper then buying a new plastic piece of junk

jamesslcx
06-19-2013, 02:18 PM
That's a pretty big job to do and get it right, are you sure that's the route you want to go? It would be easier just putting a long block in. Cheaper as well in the long run. Me, I love fixing stuff, I would probably just fix the engine that's in it now.

Abella
06-19-2013, 09:31 PM
Its the 305 and i really dont like the abs or the computer i really just want to know the electrical work and any parts that wont convert over ie electrical components such as the electric fuel pump thats in it. I know its a big job that is why i am going to buy a new car first. I love this truck and i dont want to get rid of it but i dont really like a lot of the first gen modern features that it has i would rather have an old carbourated engine

jamesslcx
06-20-2013, 04:09 PM
I can understand wanting a carbed engine. I worked with a guy a few years back who converted his truck to older engine and running gear so it's very doable. He had an older model truck that was rusty but in great mechanical condition as a donor truck. He basically swapped parts over and went with an inline electric fuel pump to provide gas to his 350. It worked out great for him.

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