'91 GMC Shortbed

[jrm81bu]

Hated to give up my 4wd S10 Blazer but it just wasn't practical(like i've ever worried about that before) to keep around. It needed tires and the mileage sucked, and maybe I was just a little bored, lol. So I traded for this 1991 GMC Sierra. It's a 2wd, short bed. Currently powered by a 4.3 with a 5 speed. I'm sure that will change eventually, maybe throw the engine from the Malibu in it! For now, I'm gonna just fix the body up and paint it hopefully this summer. Maybe lower it. Basically just make it mine. I'd like to go the full sport truck route but it still needs to pull my trailer, so no slamming it. Anyways here's some pics to get started with. I'm sure progress will be slow on this one.
This is how I got it.


I know, your jealous of the stack lmao!


And now for some changes. Before:


New headllights.


Before:


New taillights and new hitch.

 

[Qdub24]

Nice trade; I'm a fan of short bed trucks as well. Sounds to me like a swap to an SBC 350 would be beneficial and easy on the wallet.

 

[DRIVEN]

454SS tribute?

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Please ditch that hideos stack Haha either way nice looking truck and im with Driven on this one....

 

[jrm81bu]

Wish I could tell ya what's in store for it but i'm not 100% sure yet. I'm thinking black for color so It's be close to a 454SS but i'm a small block guy so it won't get a big block. If I find a 6.0 or 6.2 for the Malibu it might just get the supercharged 350 from that. I don't think the 5 speed would like it but, it would prolly last a little while, maybe. Might pull the motor from the Chevette as well or even build a copy with one of my 400's.
If any of you have any ideas, throw them out!

 

[DRIVEN]

400SS?

Have you checked the gearing yet?

 

[jrm81bu]

400SS?

Have you checked the gearing yet?

I like that! Rear is a 3.08, at least according to th rpo.

 

[DRIVEN]

If you are going to use it primarily for towing the 400 makes the most sense. I agree that the 5 speed probably won't live too long though. My El Camino is my hauling/towing mule. I've had several engine and transmission combos in it over the years and I'm really pleased with the current setup. Basically just a stock 400 longblock with an XE256 (which seems pretty tiny but makes ridiculous torque) Performer Intake, HEI and stock Cadillac 425 Qjet. The gearing is 3.08, like you, and the transmission is an MY6 (New Process A833) overdrive. It's indestructible, pulls like a diesel, and still gets close to 20mpg.

I'll definitely be watching this build. Always really liked those trucks. You made a smart trade.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I'm a fan of short bed, standard cabs too. You can't go wrong with a truck because you always need one. I've been thinking of trading my Caddy towards one. I'm eyeballing the '04-ish models myself.

 

[pencero]

I'm confused. You want to put a diesel engine in the Malibu but a gas engine in the Silverado?