I have a 14 year old that struggles with conventional schooling and kind ADHD. He generally aces his tests, but struggles with some reading dyslexia and turning in home work. He's taken a fairly strong interest in mechanics and engines. Enough so that he's got really good grades in his Ag Tech/shop class and is wanting to pursue mechanics at the local technical college next year. I'm thinking if he stays interested a budget project/first car build might be a good way to keep him focused. Along the way he'll learn some valuable skills/life lessons and see that hard work gets rewards.
Recently the wife's 2005 escalade blew the transmission and we are looking for her a new rig. The engine runs gear and I have access to every donor part for a swap. I allay have a line on a '72 LB C20 from another forum member/great friend and I'm really tempted to snag it. The body as is would be a decent sleeper/farm truck/high school 2wd cruiser. It needs a trans right now, but the current engine with a little work will probably run decent.
All of that said, I'm debating picking it up and swapping the Lq9 in with new gaskets, maybe a quick hone, new stock pistons and bearings. Then rebuilding or sourcing a 2wd trans. I already have a set of stock bore pistons and lifters in the garage so it shouldn't be too much get the engine in top, stock running shape.
Would you go RWD 4l80 and a crank spacer (LQ9 is currently mated to a blown 4l60e), or a 4l60/65e? I don't want to get into a full 4wd swap or 6l80e due to costs. I *could* rebuild the 4wd 4l60 and swap it to rwd, but I think staying with a basic rwd transmission from the get go will be a better option cost wise.
The truck currently has front discs and an 8 lug dana 60 in the rear. It's definitely not the typical hot rod 5/6 lug disc all around, but it will drive and function for a high school kid and a tight to modest budget.
What are the RME folks thoughts? Appropriate crank spacer, flex plate and 4l80e or stock with a 4l60/65e and call it good?
A budget build on modest funds would be the goal. Nothing drag strip or show winning intended, just a fun, HS kid learning project to get him focused, make memories and have fun.
Recently the wife's 2005 escalade blew the transmission and we are looking for her a new rig. The engine runs gear and I have access to every donor part for a swap. I allay have a line on a '72 LB C20 from another forum member/great friend and I'm really tempted to snag it. The body as is would be a decent sleeper/farm truck/high school 2wd cruiser. It needs a trans right now, but the current engine with a little work will probably run decent.
All of that said, I'm debating picking it up and swapping the Lq9 in with new gaskets, maybe a quick hone, new stock pistons and bearings. Then rebuilding or sourcing a 2wd trans. I already have a set of stock bore pistons and lifters in the garage so it shouldn't be too much get the engine in top, stock running shape.
Would you go RWD 4l80 and a crank spacer (LQ9 is currently mated to a blown 4l60e), or a 4l60/65e? I don't want to get into a full 4wd swap or 6l80e due to costs. I *could* rebuild the 4wd 4l60 and swap it to rwd, but I think staying with a basic rwd transmission from the get go will be a better option cost wise.
The truck currently has front discs and an 8 lug dana 60 in the rear. It's definitely not the typical hot rod 5/6 lug disc all around, but it will drive and function for a high school kid and a tight to modest budget.
What are the RME folks thoughts? Appropriate crank spacer, flex plate and 4l80e or stock with a 4l60/65e and call it good?
A budget build on modest funds would be the goal. Nothing drag strip or show winning intended, just a fun, HS kid learning project to get him focused, make memories and have fun.
