My K5 Project

[Koots]

I figured I'd post up the reason that I needed to buy a car:



That's basically how it looks, but it was taken winter 10/11'.

Here is how it sat for 5 years...until May 10':



It's a 1983 GMC Jimmy, all original paint and body, it's got a 4" Tuff Country lift, 35" Tires, 6.2 Diesel, Built TH350 (in progress...needs motivation LOL) and a bunch of smaller stuff too numerous to list.

I bought the Corsica because the truck is currently down and stripped of it's drivetrain. The truck is becoming too much of a project to keep as my DD, even though it could get 16MPG (used to get 23 before the lift LOL).

I'm hoping to make it into a x-country/apocalypse survival rig.

I hope you all enjoy

[Koots]

Here are some in between shots...such as pre-lift (in my shop):



Post-Lift (painted the stock wheels at the same time):



Here it is with a fresh set of 35x12.50x15 BFGoodrich KM2's:



Then I decided to paint the grille, buy some cheapo black "projector" headlights and 6000k 35w HID's in all 4:



Here is my fav. shot of the truck though:

[Barry]

I approve! I have been around k5's ever since I was born, my dad owning 3 or 4 of them. I will some day own one as well. Would like to 6.5 turbo swap one

[Koots]

I've always been a big fan of them all my life as well, which is why I hung onto this truck for sooooo long, cuz I knew I would have the money to fix it up like I've always wanted.

I'm currently working on piecing together a full turbo setup for my 6.2.

I had a full setup from a 97 6.5TD but i've already picked up a rebuilt, fully tested H1C turbo. My current plans are:

-6.5TD heads, freshened up and a very minor gasket matching/cleaning up of the casting.
-New HG's and ARP headstuds
-Ceramic "coated" precombustion chambers/turbo/manifolds (using VHT ceramic paint)
-Header wrapped 3" downpipe (then ceramic painted)
-4" modified 6.5TD exhaust

I've already got 6.5TD injectors, a military H1 6.5TD injection pump and ported/ceramic painted intake manifold.

I'm just hoping I don't blow up this old motor. If I do, I've got some friends in Quebec who can fire-ring and girdle a rebuilt motor for me, then I won't have to worry so much LOL

[spacecadetz26]

2 door FTW! I love my 2 door tahoe.

[Koots]

I never cared for 2drs, at first, but it's perfect for me and the wife. We don't have kids or anything yet, so there is no backseat, which leaves 5' of interior cargo room.

[woody90gtz]

FSC FTW! Big improvements so far.

[Koots]

FSC FTW! Big improvements so far.

Thanks!

I always admired your stable of vehicles too

[Chazzman]

Back in high school a couple of buddies and I road tripped from Michigan to Gulf Shores Alabama in an ex-military diesel Blazer like that. Drove non-stop the whole way and it was noisy. Good Times!

[Koots]

My 6.2L made for an alright road trip truck, but i've got carpeting,sound deadening,etc.

Let alone a stripped out M1009 Blazer with a TH400 LOL Must have been a wild ride.

[wicked-irocz]

I do like. Done quite a bit of work on a friends 89. He has 4" leafs up front, ORU flip in rear, rock rockers, D60 front, 14 bolt rear, reman 350, Detroits front and rear, 36" swampers, etc.

Please keep us updated on your progress.

I need to start a thread on mine some day.
Here it is:

[Koots]

I'd love to run 1-ton axles on mine, but these little 10 bolts are holding up fine.

I was thinking of running a rear diff into the front axle assembly, so I can have the same spline front and rear.

Anyway, that K5 sounds awesome and I really like your truck!.

I've been craving a 73-87 RCLB 3/4 or 1-ton, but I've already got a 2500HD and one would get neglected.

[Koots]

I should post pics of my seat swap as well. The stock seats were killing my back, so I swapped in a manual cloth set from a 2005 regular cab Silverado.



It only required 2 new holes to be drilled for the drivers side and 3 for the pass. side (it had a fold forward seat with a hook that latched into the floor, so no bolts)

It's a great little upgrade to anyone sick of their near 30 year old upholstery.

[spacecadetz26]

i just want to swap out my carpet for rubber floor. my carpet is in good shape but needs to be cleaned and the dogs always make it doggy smelling.

[Koots]

If I weren't trying to make my K5 more livable, it would have all rubber floor, but the carpet keeps it quiet.

I loved the rubber or polyvinyl floor in my 98 GMC. Made for a guilty free interior, that I could jump into even with muddy boots.

I hate having to shake em off, so I don't dirty up my OEM carpet. There is still a lot of OEM stuff in the truck and didn't want to mess with all of it.