txfiremank5
1/2 ton status
looks good to me 
CK5
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What year K5 do you recommend?
- Thread starter joeysworld
- Start date
fireplug
1/2 ton status
Let's see some pics of these different front ends!
txfiremank5
1/2 ton status
fireplug said:
My 89's front end
sparkyincali
Registered Member
I would say in cali depends on how much you wanna do to it.Pre smog is nice because you can do anything you want to the engine and never worry about the smog.As far as creature comforts and grills those can be swapped to an older truck with the right time and money.If you are just looking for a simple way and dont want to do too much to it get a newer one as they already have the comforts od and efi.I personaly bought an 85 because it was a very good deal but kinda wish I coulda found 73 to 74 since I will probabl; keep mine for a very long time and would be easier to work with if pre smog
monster man
1/2 ton status
just be lucky that pre-smog in CA is 76 or older, we smog all the way back to 68 here, and that doesn't change, it will always be set at '68 
And it's every year smog here
My vote- definitely 73-79 for classic good looks, carb simplicity and solid, simple construction. The newer you get you have all kinds of wires and sensors and crap, it's much easier throwing on a creature comfort you want than sorting out all the broken ones (of which I've seen plenty on late 80's early 90's Chevy trucks). I'd say consider the Gear Vendors overdirve over the 700R4, length wise you're looking about the same, cost wise the gear vendors is more, but you can do SO MUCH more with the gear vendors overdrive that it's worth it. SPlitting gears is fun
I am DEFINITELY more drawn to round headlights and orange lenses than fancy new square thingamabobbers
And it's every year smog here My vote- definitely 73-79 for classic good looks, carb simplicity and solid, simple construction. The newer you get you have all kinds of wires and sensors and crap, it's much easier throwing on a creature comfort you want than sorting out all the broken ones (of which I've seen plenty on late 80's early 90's Chevy trucks). I'd say consider the Gear Vendors overdirve over the 700R4, length wise you're looking about the same, cost wise the gear vendors is more, but you can do SO MUCH more with the gear vendors overdrive that it's worth it. SPlitting gears is fun
I am DEFINITELY more drawn to round headlights and orange lenses than fancy new square thingamabobbers
Skigirl
1/2 ton status
You have to get something before 1976 to avoid emmissions. So 75 or earlier. Cheaper in the long run to go that way I think unless Bakersfield has no biannual smog check.
Don't know why you want a 700. Th350 or Th400 are great trannies.
Don't know why you want a 700. Th350 or Th400 are great trannies.
steve_kibbe
1/2 ton status
If you want fuel mileage, I'd go diesel. 17+ mpg with 4.10's and 33's (oh with no OD)
Here some grill options
The first one is like my 83
(oh with no OD)Here some grill options
The first one is like my 83
sandawgk5
3/4 ton status
I say get a 73-75 no smog, they have the body style of the later version and you can swap out the fenders and grill to be the 89-91 version. With no smog you can put aftermarket programmable fuel injection in it. Hell you could even put an injected big block in it and not have to worry about a thing. If I had it to do all over again that is what I would do.
Ira
Ira
mouse
1/2 ton status
Up to 1977, blazers were built without catalytic converters. Although 76-77 would be smogged, it should be at a low standard. You could add TBI injection and a 700R4 trans, fairly cheaply (depends on how you do it) and have the advantages of the newer vintage, with lower emission standards (keep the original block).
joeysworld
Registered Member
Thanks for all the reply's!
Has there been anybody here that has converted a mid 70's K5 from the "th350-400" transmissions, to a 700r4?
And if so, is there adapters availble for the np203-205 transfer cases of yester year?
Will a 700r4 bolt on to a 400 s.b.?
Is there driveline mods, and just heavy mods in general?
Anyone written an article on this subject?
I would gladly consider this conversion as the rig will be a daily driver, and I would rather not have to deal with mandatory visits for emission test's. Also, even though gas prices are currently dropping, it's still not cheap. That's why I see an updated 700r4 with the lower first gear, and overdrive a plus for off road, and at the gas pumps!
Has there been anybody here that has converted a mid 70's K5 from the "th350-400" transmissions, to a 700r4?
And if so, is there adapters availble for the np203-205 transfer cases of yester year?
Will a 700r4 bolt on to a 400 s.b.?
Is there driveline mods, and just heavy mods in general?
Anyone written an article on this subject?
I would gladly consider this conversion as the rig will be a daily driver, and I would rather not have to deal with mandatory visits for emission test's. Also, even though gas prices are currently dropping, it's still not cheap. That's why I see an updated 700r4 with the lower first gear, and overdrive a plus for off road, and at the gas pumps!
blazin_blazer
1/2 ton status
just give them some time
yea weird as in going to be a collectable you could get an 80 with the round lights, just the silverado's got the square headlights, and i love mine because there is no mistaken it for any thing else people that know chevys see it an bam they know its an 80 model and its more squared than any other year i've seen....shaped like a brick
CheyenneKid said:
yea weird as in going to be a collectable you could get an 80 with the round lights, just the silverado's got the square headlights, and i love mine because there is no mistaken it for any thing else people that know chevys see it an bam they know its an 80 model and its more squared than any other year i've seen....shaped like a brick
mouse
1/2 ton status
joeysworld said:
The 700R4 will bolt right to any small block chevy, including the 400. Adapters are available for the transfer cases as well. You would probably have to get a custom (shortened) rear drive shaft.
joeysworld
Registered Member
Where do I find this adapter for the transmission(700r4)-transfer case(np203)?
Anybody here have the 700r4 trans to a 73-76 model Chevy with a np203 transfer case?
I'll do the conversion just because I'd like to stay with a 70's vehicle, just need the resources(where I can find the necessary parts) to start!
Anybody here have the 700r4 trans to a 73-76 model Chevy with a np203 transfer case?
I'll do the conversion just because I'd like to stay with a 70's vehicle, just need the resources(where I can find the necessary parts) to start!
3 on the tree
1/2 ton status
First Gens Rule. Simpler, lighter and no smog. With the top off, mine weighs 3940 with 1/2 tank of gas.
txfiremank5
1/2 ton status
It must really depend where you live, as to which year is better.
To some, smog/emissions must be an issue.
To me, I got an 89 cause I wanted the stock TBI. I think it's plenty easy to work on. If something get's a little goofy, the little light usually let's me know it's got an issue. The TBI runs great, and mine gets awsome mileage. I can pick any year I want here, cause I don't have to pass an emissions test.. but I still chose to buy an 89.
But, like I said before, there are no bad years when it come to a K5. Get something solid, in a good price range, that's not all eaten up by rust.. and take 'er home.
To some, smog/emissions must be an issue.
To me, I got an 89 cause I wanted the stock TBI. I think it's plenty easy to work on. If something get's a little goofy, the little light usually let's me know it's got an issue. The TBI runs great, and mine gets awsome mileage. I can pick any year I want here, cause I don't have to pass an emissions test.. but I still chose to buy an 89.
But, like I said before, there are no bad years when it come to a K5. Get something solid, in a good price range, that's not all eaten up by rust.. and take 'er home.
mouse
1/2 ton status
joeysworld said:
Give some of the shops a call, such as ORD and Northwest Fab, they can get most of the adapters. Some are interchangeable between the 700R4 and the 350, but I personally do not know which ones. BTW, the 203 is heavy, whereas the 231/208 that came with the 700R4 is a light weight aluminm unit that is much easier to install, etc. I don't think that there is a whole lot of strength difference (the 203 is not known for strength).
mudslinger99
1/2 ton status
I like itsunnyc123abc said:what about this
Z3PR
Banned
69 to 91. You can always swap in a overdrive tranny and Fuel Injection. Axles ?? Well, we're all in that same boat.
