5.3 LS Swap: 1971 Chevrolet C20 Longbed Pickup
People on the interwebs use the term “LS” to describe just about any small block Chevy V8 from the last 20 years — but the more accurate term is the Gen III, IV, & V small block V8. Gens I & II were based on the original 1955 small block V8, but in 1996, GM released the first version of what has become the most desirable engine swap candidate since the original Gen I/II small block. Anyway, today’s “LS” has found its way into a 1971 Chevrolet C20 Longbed offered for $8,500 in San Fernando Valley, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
1971 Chevy c20
condition: excellent
cylinders: 8 cylinders
fuel: gas
odometer: 00000000
paint color: green
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
Vortec motor from 2000 Silverado,new tires, rebuilt 4L60E transmission,starter,rear main seal,runs great.no ac or heater.daily driver, solid , surface rust on bottom left fender.2nd owner.3/4 ton long bed . 2 minor dents. 1 year warranty on transmission.rebuilt master cylinder & power booster.$8500
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Looks like all the heavy lifting is done. Just customize to your liking or drive as-is. I'd find some slim bumpers and mirrors and cool wheels and drive the heck out of it. Cool truck!
Truck looks pretty nice. Could have used more pictures and maybe a few of those could be under-carriage shots. Ad says no ac and heat. Looks like most of the hardware is there. Can't find the AC compressor, but maybe that is down low on the engine. Kudos to the seller for the green industrial equipment in the background of some of the pictures.
Getting the heat hooked up must of went beyond his technical skills, those hose cutters take a keen eye and steady hand. You can see the AC lines open to the air just behind the battery where they'd hook to the missing compressor. 1971 and 2000 AC systems are not compatible. With the Evap, condenser and all the air ducting in place its an easy to fix with new lines & compressor. My '75 Trailduster blows so cold with 2018 components that I have to turn it down.
I didn’t look close enough to see that “end” behind the battery. Good eye.
And to those high-tech hose cutters, we all can’t be rocket scientist. LOL
Very cool truck. Job #1 for me would have to be fitting an OE style airbox. That tiny open filter has to be restrictive vs. a massive stock style unit, just by surface area difference alone.