Owned my El Camino 43 years!

[sandman900ss]

Bought my '79 new in 1980, we've been through a lot through the years. I've done a lot of minor changes, but left the drivetrain stock. Sure would like to upgrade the 305, 200 metric trans, and 2:41 rear axle to some thing more "alive"! Has Recaro seats (best upgrade I ever did), custom steering steering wheel, more. Helped many friends move, hauled furniture, lumber, motorcycles, garden supplies. Suspension mods, lowered 1"- 26" bed height means easy loading, unlike most new trucks.

 

[LeftLaneOnly]

like to see the seats

 

[sandman900ss]

Recovered them last year, I bought them used around 1982. Solid, correct, simple seating: not heated or air conditioned, no air lumbar/compressor, no electric adjustments, no massage, no air bags. You can drive two states away in them, no problem.

 

[Longroof79]

Welcome aboard!
Nice ride. I like to see stories from original owners. also love the Recaro seats. They look like they'd be comfy on a road trip.
Looks like you added an additional arm rest pad to the existing console door pad.

 

[doood]

Love the seats!

Changing from 2.41 open to 3.55 posi from quick performance was an amazing upgrade. I'm sure it would really wake the car up. But then you lose the highway cruise until you swap to a 2004R. None of that would be inconsistent with a later SBC swap you likely don't need.

 

[sandman900ss]

Welcome aboard!
Nice ride. I like to see stories from original owners. also love the Recaro seats. They look like they'd be comfy on a road trip.
Looks like you added an additional arm rest pad to the existing console door pad.

Yes, when I found the Recaros I added a Cutlass center console and padded the top to match the new upholstery. Seat center sections are perforated vinyl. Seats and steering wheel upgrades well worth it- I appreciate them every time I drive it.

 

[CopperNick]

The 305/TH200R4 is what comes stock in the 85 Monte. They are a well matched pair that will give you thousands of miles of reliable driving. The argument for more cubes is about as old as the garden of eden. And one option to the 200 is the 700R4 Either way you get a good t-box that can support upgrades and be upgraded itself.

You can wake up the 05 with an RV type hydraulic cam which typically possesses a close to stock lift but extends the duration time for better intake and exhaust events that will improve your low end and acceleration. They work well with a small 650-ish 4 barrel and matching intake and, as always, hedders.

But in this case i would wonder why? You have a good combinaton as is and the transmission swap is almost a bolt in. The only things you might have to play with would be the flex plate, the TV cable adjustment and maybe the front driveshaft slip yoke. For the "while you're in there" thing to do, maybe replace the starter; they tend to be reliable until they aren't (Ask me how I know that)

Oh yeah, pictures. this bunch almost salivates at the mention of pictures. They are a very visually oriented crew that subscribe wholeheartedly to a belief in the concept of a picture being worth a thousand words.



Nick

 

[JimmyD]

Welcome to the forum. Love the fact you 'use' your Elky. I would do the transmission swap (I like the 200-4r) and a gear swap to around 3.43, posi of course, and you will fall in love all over again.
Again, welcome.

 

[clean8485]

Welcome to the site. Nice looking El Camino! I agree wholeheartedly on the Recaro seats. Not cheap, but definitely worth it.