8.1 vortec into 1979 k30

[Lu Blunt]

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[AuroraGirl]

I got the headers installed but I need to relocate drivers knock sensor. I’m trying to find a knock sensor with smaller threads so I can use a different hole on the side of the block. New spark plugs installed. I made brackets and mounted the oil cooler, power steering cooler and psc external reservoir. Also made hoses for the oil cooler. Pressed the 8.1 pulley onto the psc power steering pump. Oil changed with new filter. Filled trans and tcase with new gear oil. I will need to source a different oil fill tube or modify the current one inorder to clear the throttle cable. Installed cold case radiator but still need to get longer heater core hoses and new radiator hoses. Headlights, new grille and trim installed.

The knock sensor can be omitted for the time being and you won’t have as much ignition advance. Are you only equipped with one knock sensor or two? Factory calibration?

Can I see your power steering reservoir

 

[AuroraGirl]

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Invest in fuel injection hoses and replace the worm gear clamps. The ones from harbor freight are good.

 

[Lu Blunt]

I installed new radiator hoses, new heater hoses and found a knock sensor that I can relocate to another hole on the side of the block

 

[Lu Blunt]

Also finally tracked down the discontinued S shaped oil filler tube that’s needed to clear the dbc throttle body

 

[AuroraGirl]

You must be registered for see images attach

@bucket ran across this, only showing you here because its relatively recent thread and i remember you have an 8.1

1 quart per 100 gallons
Not ideal.... crazy that is considered acceptable lol

 

[bucket]

You must be registered for see images attach

@bucket ran across this, only showing you here because its relatively recent thread and i remember you have an 8.1

1 quart per 100 gallons
Not ideal.... crazy that is considered acceptable lol

Mine is an '05 and has the updates, but I haven't run it enough to know how much oil it does or doesn't consume. Far as I know, folks have determined that the pcv system is the main source of consumption. The most I've heard is about a quart every 1k miles or so. I guess that math works out. Either way, I'm good with it.

 

[Broken85]

I installed new radiator hoses, new heater hoses and found a knock sensor that I can relocate to another hole on the side of the block

I like your fab work on top of the cold case radiator to fill that gap, I have the same issue I am trying to solve. I bought the same one and, this is a rare case where I am really impressed with the fabrication quality of a product. Cold Case Radiators are expensive, but once the bill is paid you are really happy that you have something of this quality keeping things at temp.

 

[Lu Blunt]

@Broken85 I didn’t have to fab anything to fit the larger radiator. I bought new insulators and top plate. My radiator support doesn’t have threaded holes for the top plate so used longer bolts with nuts.

Cold Case Radiators GMT556A21SK Aluminum Performance Radiator with Dual 14 in. Fans 1977-1987 GM C/K Pickup [21 in. Height]​

Prothane Radiator Insulators 1968-87 GM Big Block​

Part # 7-1712-BL​

Spectre Radiator Support Panel 1973-80 GM Trucks Part # 4366​

 

[77 K20]

Mine is an '05 and has the updates, but I haven't run it enough to know how much oil it does or doesn't consume. Far as I know, folks have determined that the pcv system is the main source of consumption. The most I've heard is about a quart every 1k miles or so. I guess that math works out. Either way, I'm good with it.

I had a 2003 Silverago with the 8.1. Mine had pretty bad oil consumption when I first bought it. I ended up getting a Blackbear tune that required a 180 degree t-stat and at the same time I switched from conventional 5-30 to Mobil 1 synthetic 10-40. It was my tow rig used mainly in the summer. Oil consumption dropped so that by the time it was ready to add a quart I was almost ready to do an oil change.