What if it was a 465 1991 truck? It's the same truck.
CK5
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4l80 to nv4500 swap
- Thread starter obijuank5
- Start date
Yes, it's still the same truck but there are literally hundreds of thousands of 465 trucks whereas there might be 1000-ish 480e/205 trucks. It's what makes it special.
I know I will not change anything on this 1991 Chevy V3500 draivetrain 350/4L80E/205...other than I would like to get a large bore (383 or 400) small block TBI engine for it.
A few months ago I tracked down my old 91 crew cab in hopes of buying it back. I found it in Tn, the body was still in good shape and it was actually for sale but the original 350/4l80e/205 had been replaced by a carb'd 454/465/205, I was disappointed to the point I no longer have the urge the buy it back.
I realize my point is a little over the top considering that in spite of the truck being "special" I still lifted it etc. It's just the little factory details, like not swapping a factory tach for an Autometer unit.
I realize my point is a little over the top considering that in spite of the truck being "special" I still lifted it etc. It's just the little factory details, like not swapping a factory tach for an Autometer unit.
While whining about Obijaun's trans swap, I should also clarify that I'm the same guy that took a loaded 91 Blazer (built August 14th of 1991 - yes, 2 weeks before the end of square body production FOREVER) and stripped/swapped it of everything including it's roof and made it a wheeler.
I totally understand where you're coming from and I felt the same some time ago. But this is just not in line with a truck I'm going to drive to my grave. It just ain't go no chili. It cant pull a wet booger out of your nose. It's got to change.
I can't help but agree with that, my truck looked great but was a weak turd.
Why don't you let me hold that 4l80e/205 for a few years?
Why don't you let me hold that 4l80e/205 for a few years?
Then you could buy your old truck back, and have an original drivetrain for it.
Yes a 91 is special being the last year, but it's not likely to fetch Barrett Jackson type money either because of the engine/trans combo like the last year of a generation of a Corvette or Camaro would.
He wants to put a 5 speed in he can. I know the feeling when it's a drag to drive it's not fun any more. I've caught similar flack for me pulling a perfectly running LS swap out for a big block. I'm in the same boat I just don't enjoy flogging the snot out of it to drive it.
Getting back to the point, I drove Larry's polar bear burb when he swapped in the 4500 but prior to the 8.1 install. In Larry's words, the TBI 350 couldn't pull a greasy string out of a Coke bottle either. But after the nv4500 went in it was more enjoyable to drive. He swapped out the 465 (another rare one btw 89 3/4 ton barn door burb with factory manual trans) but by having the of gear and less than 465 dump truck gear throws it was nice to pedal around.
He wants to put a 5 speed in he can. I know the feeling when it's a drag to drive it's not fun any more. I've caught similar flack for me pulling a perfectly running LS swap out for a big block. I'm in the same boat I just don't enjoy flogging the snot out of it to drive it.
Getting back to the point, I drove Larry's polar bear burb when he swapped in the 4500 but prior to the 8.1 install. In Larry's words, the TBI 350 couldn't pull a greasy string out of a Coke bottle either. But after the nv4500 went in it was more enjoyable to drive. He swapped out the 465 (another rare one btw 89 3/4 ton barn door burb with factory manual trans) but by having the of gear and less than 465 dump truck gear throws it was nice to pedal around.
To be clear, my saying leave the trans in the truck had nothing to do with money/value.
I got that but rareity comes in the same way. Keeping it one way because of being rare is solely up to the guy who's name is on the title.
Besides, this is only one phase of his plans. Eventually he's going diesel anyway.
Actually, yes the 1991 V3500 Crew Cab could bring Barrett Jackson money because it is the most valuable of all the square bodies. From the money I have seen lesser square bodies bring at Barrett Jackson auctions the 1991 V3500 Crew Cab would probably bring the highest money.
It's a small block rubber floor non ac truck. Barely has a dome light option lol. I dont consider this in the same category as a Silverado equipped truck. This thing is lucky to be alive.
A 1991 V3500 Silverado package truck would definitely make a big difference, but since no other 1-ton 4X4 square body truck ever came with an over-drive transmission other than the 1991 V3500, even the most lowly one can fetch good money if in good condition.
Wow, I never realized it was a non a/c truck. Surprising for 1991, I would have assumed by then a/c would be like p/s and p/b - pretty much non negotiable.
While I can't deny squares are increasing in value and those that were built in lesser numbers will command higher prices, they will only do so in pristine condition (unrestored or restored). As noted the cheaper level of equipment while maybe rarer still drops the value.
I know the values will continue to rise up, but I don't think they are going to hit the level that the muscle cars have.
I have attended a number of auctions by Barrett and Mecum over the years, and I think the square body trucks I am seeing more and more of are fillers because there seems to be less muscle cars available for sale.
JdubBurb
Registered Member
I'm kind of in the same boat. I have a 1991 V2500 GMC Suburban with the 350 and 4L80E. I had the trans rebuilt about 3 years ago now the bell housing earned a major crack. I would love to swap an NV4500 in.
