New member with 1981 El Camino SS

[Havasutom]

I just found this forum looking for information for a 231 v6 to 383 V8 swap. I found a 81 El Camino SS with 16,750 documented original miles 4 months ago. A solid no rust starting point. I retired as a master electrician recently and my wife wanted me to have a project to get me out of the house. I put 270,000 miles on a 1985 El Camino as a superintendent for an commercial contractor and have wanted one ever since. I am collecting all the parts I need to complete this project. Included are a new BluePrint 383 stroker long block, new Performance Automatic 350 trans with lifetime warranty, Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake topped with a Holley XP 750, and a long list of back ordered parts because of the COVID virus. I want to thank everyone that has posted on this subject since it is a great source of information to help me with my build. The weather here in Arizona has finally cooled off enough to work outside so I hope to pull the engine in the first 2 weeks of January. It takes me longer to work on things now days since I am in a wheelchair. I will post some pictures of the build if anyone is interested in an old school build.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and to all a good night.

 

[Doug Chahoy]

Welcome. What is it with El Camino’s with 383s? I’ve got one in mine and read about quite a few others on here. I have a Performance Automatic Street Fighter with a Q P 9 in mine. I’m impressed that your going to do this from a wheel chair. Nothing stops a dedicated car nut, me included.

 

[pagrunt]

Nice El Camino. Why run a TH350 when your could look into a TH200 4R. That 383 will thank you when you want to enjoy a long highway trip.

 

[airboatgreg]

Welcome from SW Georgia. I have an 82 El C. Thinking about a 383

 

[Michael Watts]

Welcome aboard >I also have a 1981 El Camino SS ,But mine originally had a 267 cubic inch small block .And now has a 290 HP 350 Chevrolet crate engine and true dual exhaust.

 

[melloelky]

I just found this forum looking for information for a 231 v6 to 383 V8 swap. I found a 81 El Camino SS with 16,750 documented original miles 4 months ago. A solid no rust starting point. I retired as a master electrician recently and my wife wanted me to have a project to get me out of the house. I put 270,000 miles on a 1985 El Camino as a superintendent for an commercial contractor and have wanted one ever since. I am collecting all the parts I need to complete this project. Included are a new BluePrint 383 stroker long block, new Performance Automatic 350 trans with lifetime warranty, Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake topped with a Holley XP 750, and a long list of back ordered parts because of the COVID virus. I want to thank everyone that has posted on this subject since it is a great source of information to help me with my build. The weather here in Arizona has finally cooled off enough to work outside so I hope to pull the engine in the first 2 weeks of January. It takes me longer to work on things now days since I am in a wheelchair. I will post some pictures of the build if anyone is interested in an old school build.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and to all a good night.

welcome to the site from boston,boy that's some hot weather you've got there.sounds like you've got a good game plan and a clean low mileage ride to start and from dry country no less.that's a REALLY good start.you're rite between the holiday and covid shipping/parts availability has become an issue for a lot of people.I'm looking forward to your build it sounds good.

 

[L92 OLDS]

Welcome to the forum! That is one clean looking El Camino! I second the opinion regarding a four-speed automatic. Unless you’re car is drag race only a three speed transmission is a relic.

 

[Longroof79]

Welcome aboard! Wow!! That is a nice clean El Camino. Good find with low miles. I hope your retirement wasn't forced due to a work related injury.
It might be a tough endeavor for you working from a wheelchair. Good luck! The 383 should motivate it nicely.

 

[Havasutom]

Welcome. What is it with El Camino’s with 383s? I’ve got one in mine and read about quite a few others on here. I have a Performance Automatic Street Fighter with a Q P 9 in mine. I’m impressed that your going to do this from a wheel chair. Nothing stops a dedicated car nut, me included.

Thanks for being the first to welcome me. I have 2 questions on your build. What headers did you use and how much did you invest in the QP9 ?

 

[Havasutom]

Nice El Camino. Why run a TH350 when your could look into a TH200 4R. That 383 will thank you when you want to enjoy a long highway trip.

The El Camino is just a hobby for me now. Whenever I go a long distance I use my diesel 2500HD . It has been extremely reliable for me. Even have 138,000 miles on first set of brake pads with over 50% of the pads remaining. So for around town the TH350 and 2.73 rear gears will be fine .