A little o/t: Chevy Farm truck

JBMac · Sep 30, 2009

I tried to post earlier, but it didn't show up. Basically I have acquired a 1986 Chevy k10 with a 305 for use in the hunting woods / around the farm. It runs a little rough, but strong. I suspect it needs a carburetor and I know it needs an exhaust manifold. I started to dig into some repairs under the hood and my gosh, the vacuum lines and emissions crap!

Can I just replace the smog exhaust manifolds with headers and use an edelbrock intake / 600 cfm carb that I already have and still have some of the creature comforts (cruise, inside ac / heater controls, etc) functional? Any help will be appreciated.

John

ryanwheelock · Sep 30, 2009

I've put headers on like your talking about. The big thing is when you do that it eliminates the EGR set-up which recirulates a little of the exhaust gas back into the engine for a faster warm up. Doesnt really hurt it just makes her a little more cold blooded. Other thing is changing the intake manifold/ carb alot of the time theres extra vacumm lines, I always end up plugin em, not sure the proper way to deal with the extra lines.

ted regentin · Sep 30, 2009

You can eliminate he smog controls. If you do your truck will no longer be compliant with emissions laws. I don't know if you have inspections in your area. You would need to change the carb and distributer for starters. Also fyi, the egr valve has nothing to do with cold starting. It is for combustion temperature control.

Bob · Sep 30, 2009

You will need to get a replacement distributor that has vacuum and mech advance.

When you ditch the feedback carburetor the 'puter ain't gonna be happy and won't control the spark timing for the best power and economy.

Josh in MI · Sep 30, 2009

I have done what you are suggesting, and it is not that difficult. your best bet is to find an older small block with the HEI distributor and carb. It can be more difficult to piece a system together.

I have a Chevy from that era with a '68 327. Under the hood is very clean (no extra stuff). I have also replaced the computer control lean burn system in a dodge truck. Having a parts truck (or car) is the best way since there may be other parts you need, like brackets and such. You could also go the points route, but point service on a Chevrolet distributor is a pain being next to the firewall and all. A good donor would be easy to find where I am at, because rust seemed to claim these trucks before they were completely worn out.

Basically, the small block v8 is the best engine for the work you are thinking about. That is why you see so many in hot rods. The HEI distributor is a stand alone unit, meaning there is no external ignition control. The distributor IS the ignition system.

If you know anybody with 80's Camaros, talk to them. I have seen very few of them that still retain the computer controls.

Nat · Sep 30, 2009

If as you say, I keep and restore it. It is the only "strong"305 I"ve ever heard of. I"ve had 2 and strong was never a way I"d describe either LOL, later, Nat

primerk5 · Sep 30, 2009

I'm pretty sure that year truck doesn't have an electronic advance on it.

I could be wrong though

Beings its a Carb truck Emission controls should be very basic.

I did this same stuff on my old 85 2wd with 305. I didn't change my Carb though. Just ran the old quadrajet.

Only vacuum lines that need to be hooked is the vacuum brake booster, vacuum advance on the distributor, and the vacuum line to the heater box if its a sliverado model. If its not a silverado model and has a TH350 Trans, (Non overdrive I doubt you have it in that year) you'll need to hook up the vacume line that gose to that to.

You may want to unplug the ECU that is in the glove box area. I did this to mine and never saw a check engine light. It only controls emission equipment as far as I know.

IT DEFINATLY WON'T BE EMISSONS COMPLIANT but for a woods truck that dosen't see the road again, you'll be fine.

Tim in OR · Oct 2, 2009

you used to be able to get EGR headers

A little o/t: Chevy Farm truck

JBMac

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ryanwheelock

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ted regentin

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Bob

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Josh in MI

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Nat

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primerk5

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Tim in OR

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