I just bought an 80 GMC K1500 and became a member today on this forum. I'm trying to get some idea of what donor truck would be the best for a drive train swap. I want more power, better mpg, better brakes, overdrive, 4+4 options, and maybe suspension options? What do you think. Or maybe previous links that would help. Thanks.

 

A 1987 will have the throttle body motor and overdrive, but i wouldn't buy a whole truck just for that. You should be able to get simialr mileage with the right carb set-up. Unfortunately more power and better MPG's is a hard combo to get. An overdrive transmission will help. So get a good healthy 350, a 700R4 transmission, the right size driveshaft, and do a brake upgrade. There are some fairly simple rear disc brake conversions. It all depends on how deep you pockets are.

 

Thanks Mr. Shamrock, I will post pics too.

 

if it were me (and if i had some money set aside for the project) I would do a swap to an even newer engine with fuel injection...5.3 or 6.0 with the 4l60e or 4l80e trans, and a full disc brake swap. I've always been a huge fan of newer technology in classic vehicles though..keep us posted on what you do. we can make an ongoing project thread so others can follow your progress in one easy place (take alot of photos)

 

nj85z28, What year trucks had that set up? I'm a big fan of new technology in old vehicles myself. I'm a tech. with Volvo so that's really all I know. Fuel injection and networks. It's going to be awhile before I do anything with it. If I'm going to use a donor, I'm going to wait for one to pop up at one of my shops. This truck will be my tow vehicle so I do want it to have some power. Thanks for your input.

 

I would say 98 or 99 and up. Im fairly sure thats right when they switched from the 5.7 to the 5.3 and 6.0 LS series engines. they are relatively cheap and easy to find from what i hear, and with a cam swap and a few other upgrades it makes alot of power