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78 Chevy LUV Build w/ 4G63T

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mattp_65

Supporting Member
515
167
Aug 16, 2004
Granite Falls, Washington
Hello All,

Long time DSMer, Here will be my official Build page for my Luv Truck.
I will be posting here @ http://www.hotrodcoffeeshop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1703 for Non FB members and here is my Facebook Blog (https://www.facebook.com/ChevishLUV/?notif_t=page_invite_accepted&notif_id=1503025244878051) Like and share. I just started this Facebook page for Project ChevishLUV, slow process but will update as much as possible as the build goes.

Here is my little truck: 1978 Chevy LUV Stepside That I want to do a mild build with 4G63 turbo attached with a TH350 Auto trans

New luv1.jpg
 
My Mom has a 1980 step side that she is the original owner of. The thought crossed my mind of doing what you are doing, if I can ever get it off her :hmm:... Definitely going to be watching this:hellyeah: Stepsides are the best looking little luv's, my moms is black too.

You should keep this thread updated! Just created a profile on the hotrod site just so I could see your pictures LOL
 
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So far my only build journal I have is on Facebook and Hotrodcoffeeshop. I didnt want to make multiple updates on different sites.
Don't even worry about it, took me all of 2minutes to sign up for that hotrodcoffeeshop site. Just post an update notification here so we can check it out there.
 
Got some rare wheels for my LUV. Keep it chrome or poweder coat it?
Let me know
5 lug? Has a swap been done? Maybe I missed it in your build thread. Those are rare though. I think it would look good powder coated black/gun metal with the hearts and lip being outlined with what ever the color of the luv is gonna be!
 
Deep purple wheels/black heart outlines. Keep truck black with purple pinstripes.

Actually if you're keeping the bumpers and whatnot chrome then keep the wheels chrome as well. With silver sparkle black paint.

Or convert all chrome to black chrome. PITA but looks badass.
 
5 lug? Has a swap been done? Maybe I missed it in your build thread. Those are rare though. I think it would look good powder coated black/gun metal with the hearts and lip being outlined with what ever the color of the luv is gonna be!

Yup 5 Lug the reason why its rare. LUV comes in 6 lug but I just picked up an Explorer 8.8 rear end 3.73 gears POSI and will need to redrill the fronts. I have not updated my page yet for that.
The truck itself I am thinking of painting it gun metal/graphite gray but all colors are up in the air right now.
 
Thanks! So far my only build journal I have is on Facebook and Hotrodcoffeeshop. I didnt want to make multiple updates on different sites.
You could set up a DSM Profile here and have all of your specs saved in one place. We could attach this build thread to that profile too.
 
You could set up a DSM Profile here and have all of your specs saved in one place. We could attach this build thread to that profile too.

Good Idea Chris! Could you attach this build thread to my new DSM Profile?

thanks!
 
Good Idea Chris! Could you attach this build thread to my new DSM Profile?

thanks!
Done... I hope more DSMers take advantage of the DSM profiles, even those doing swaps. So much nicer to organize the build info, specs of the car, photos, etc, for others others to view and follow along with.
 
Small update. Picked up an evo 8 intake manifold and sent it to Bill's auto fab to get injector holes welded. I cut part of the egr hole and evo fuel rail standoffs and then painted with high temp black. Looking good on this 2G head.


EVOmani.jpg
EVOmani2.jpg
 
luv garage.jpg


Almost getting ready to join these two together to be able to mock up some motor mounts. Bumper and headlights n grill are off. Project CHEVISH update!
 
Well here are some engine shots of me test fitting the motor mounts. Looks right at home and the trans tunnel has lots of room. Adapter installed provided by Bill's fab shop to mount my TH350 to my 4G63T. Next attaching the adapter, flex plate, starter. I'm in the middle of adding new suspension oem parts.

More pictures on my Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/ChevishLUV/?no ... 5244878051
Or check out my thread here as well:
http://www.hotrodcoffeeshop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1703&start=30

luv4g63t_1.jpg
luv4g63t_2.jpg
 
Thanks to Aerospace Components Inc. For their awesome street brake kit. They look fantastic and great quality, can't wait to install them on the LUV. I highly recommend them
aerospace_brakes3.jpg
aerospace_brakes2.jpg
aerospace_brakes1.jpg
 
These brakes are sweet! Can't wait to "brake" these in. Thanks to Aerospace Components Inc. For the awesome brake kit and awesome customer support! LUVLEE is coming together slowly but surely.

brakes3.jpg
brakes2.jpg
brakes1.jpg
 
Well the engine fits with the trans. Just need to add the trans bracket, then I can start peicing the coolant system. LUVLEE is coming together more n more.
4g63_3.jpg
4g63_2.jpg
4g63_1.jpg
 
Long over due update. Got a Honda radiator with fan and shroud installed. Also a small intercooler for the tiny horsepower 350hp installed. Intake manifold installed. Missing brake master cylinder until I get it bench bled. Working on centering trans mount, thanks Derrick for welding an extension. And working on clocking the turbo to make it work. Thanks @JusMX141 fixed my stripped bolt holes. More to come!
luv4g 4.jpg
luv4g 3.jpg
luv4g 2.jpg
luv4g 1.jpg
 
That upper radiator hose looks like it's gonna be a pita to route.

Looks really good though, can't wait to see more updates!
 
That upper radiator hose looks like it's gonna be a pita to route.

Looks really good though, can't wait to see more updates!

I got a plan for that. Once I get the turbo in and temp gauge routed
 
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