TEGGSRB18C1's 2000 Silverado Z71 revival thread

[Realist]

Since the sensor is being replaced, maybe a hit with a sledgehammer would break off the top plastic and removable with a deep socket. But always easier with the right tools. Keep em coming, looking forward to the next episode and get well!!

[TEGGSRB18C1]

Originally Posted by Realist

Since the sensor is being replaced, maybe a hit with a sledgehammer would break off the top plastic and removable with a deep socket. But always easier with the right tools. Keep em coming, looking forward to the next episode and get well!!

Brother, if this socket that's coming in a few days doesn't work, violence is coming to that sensor just out of pure frustration rather than a tactical move lol. I also thought about cutting a 1/16 wrench in half to go around to back side as to not hit the firewall. It should be here soon so we'll find out, thank you for the well wishes too!

Some other parts did come in though. When I removed the brake booster vacuum hose I accidentally poked right through it with my pick tool (in retrospect, not the best idea) trying to break the 26 year bond it had made with the intake manifold, honestly, I could probably get away with using it. I couldn't even find the pinhole to take a picture, but I've come this far, no point in cutting corners now. I got the GM replacement as no one makes reproduction.

When removing the knock sensor harness the forward connector broke off from the harness when I pulled the boot off the valley, not really surprised, this thing was pretty crispy. While there are aftermarket versions of this the general consensus within the LM7 community is to stay away from them and use GM replacements only as this can reek havoc with false knock readings. My sensors seemed clean and corrosion free so they'll go back home.

Hopefully the next post will be success with this socket and I can keep moving forward. Until then some more cleaning is on the agenda, I need to find the replacement PCV seal for the diver side valve cover yet. Speaking of which my catch can setup has started to trickle in. This should be a pretty interesting setup that I might require some feedback on, I've never done a 3 port setup before so this is uncharted territory.

[TEGGSRB18C1]

Gentleman, this was the week of great success. First, the oil pressure sensor fiasco is over. For anyone who stumbles upon this thread in search of the correct socket for your GMT800 4.8/5.3, you're looking for OEM Tools PN#25254.

Got the replacement sensor installed and torqued to spec, finally. After that I routed my new 0 gauge ground from the back of the block to the firewall, secured the wiring harness and cleaned/re-taped the remainder of the harness on the driver side. Moving forward, the valley pan and knock sensors were re-installed and torqued to spec.

I also got the driver side valve cover and hardware cleaned up, procured the replacement PCV seal from Dorman (why is this not in the gasket kit Felpro?). Cleaned up the PCV as well, believe it or not, I think its the original and it seems just fine. I'll have this all re-installed by the end of the weekend and start test running my catch can lines.

More good news: shop called and said to come pick up my injectors. Stated that one injector needed 4 rounds through the cleaner before it finally spray patterned properly. Hopefully this will help in my quest to conquer this misfire. Of course I procured the replacement seals and retainers as the original equipment has seen better days.

Started cleaning the intake manifold as well, this sucks. The aluminum stuff cleans up easier than this clunkly plastic POS. So, here's where I'll be for the next week, cleaning the intake the best I can and prepping for re-installation.

[TEGGSRB18C1]

I'm at an extremely annoying stopping point. Since the last update: driver side valve cover installed, knock sensor harness installed with the popular red RTV dam mod, coolant crossover tube installed with my new "tucked" radiator feed hose. I got the intake manifold as clean as I could, this took quite a few nights of scrubbing with engine degreaser and simple green, I'm really glad that's over. Got the replacement booster hose on and she's ready to go back home on top of the heads.

I have replaced every single seal I've put my hands on, I mean everything. For once I decided "eh, these intake manifold bolt seals should be ok" nope, they were in fact not ok. Installed the new intake manifold, went to torque the bolts and the seals smashed and tore at 44 inch pounds. Sigh, the only way to get these seals are to replace the bolts that come in a kit of 5, so 2 kits are on order and should be here soon. Annoying but not surprising.

My other stall point is my decision to upgrade the fuel rail system. As before, these early model LM7's had fuel rails that shake and cause a strange "EERRRR" noise from right under the cab. Also, the early models like mine have a mild steel crossover tube known for corroding and clogging fuel injectors. Later models came with updated fuel rails and a stainless steel crossover tube. Now is as good a time as any to upgrade, trying to track down a clean setup as I type this. Found a perfect one on eBay but the seller is completely unresponsive to messages or offers, not too pumped about that. Found a few part out trucks near me, strippers aren't too excited about losing the ability to move the truck without selling the whole engine.

So I'll keep working on that. Until then I'm going to keep working my catch can setup, picked up 10' of 3/8 silicone vacuum hose, just need fittings for the can and some final tweaking of the mounting bracket then we should be in business.

[TEGGSRB18C1]

Small update. For Valentine's Day my wife got me all the accessory lighting for the front end of the truck and this old 90's style Heartbeat license plate to hang on my garage wall, I actually like it so much that I'm going to put it on the truck. Reminds me of simpler times, much like the truck itself.

Got my replacement GM bolts w/new seals, installed and torqued to spec, looks much better. I've got 2 lines on later model fuel rails with stainless steel crossovers. I should be able to procure one of the 2 this coming week, I have replacement O-rings on the way so I can take the assembly apart to clean it up before installation.

I'm 100% back from the sickness so I'm getting antsy to get this thing done. I want this thing to fire within the next 2 weeks. Just a few more small parts hauls, a way overdue oil change, some more fresh gas, top off some fluids and we're ready to run.

[Realist]

Lookin purrdy!

[mlee]

Love this project and you're giving me inspiration to do the same on my Dads old Silverado. It's a 2001 just like this one with only 35k miles. Mechanically it's perfect but sits in the AZ sun so paint and interior dash type stuff needs re-done. Also the lights like you've replaced are fogged over really bad.

Since he passed a year ago I just put it on a battery tender at my mom's house trying to figure out what I want to do with it. Sure would be cool to fix it up but I don't have room for 5 cars.

Keep up the good work on this one. Going to be a great truck.

[TEGGSRB18C1]

Originally Posted by Realist

Lookin purrdy!

I appreciate it! It's a lot cleaner for sure, 3 rolls of shop towels, 3 cans of engine degreaser and hours of scrubbing. This thing has to run better just purely based on the amount of grease and grime I got off of it.

Originally Posted by mlee

Love this project and you're giving me inspiration to do the same on my Dads old Silverado. It's a 2001 just like this one with only 35k miles. Mechanically it's perfect but sits in the AZ sun so paint and interior dash type stuff needs re-done. Also the lights like you've replaced are fogged over really bad.

Since he passed a year ago I just put it on a battery tender at my mom's house trying to figure out what I want to do with it. Sure would be cool to fix it up but I don't have room for 5 cars.

Keep up the good work on this one. Going to be a great truck.

I'm sorry to hear about his passing. That's cool yours is such low mileage and the Arizona climate saved the frame I'm sure. My truck still suffered the same dash fate as yours, there's a huge crack going down the center of the dash. A project for another day.

Post some pics of her in here sometime if you want and I appreciate the kind words! It's good to see these trucks get passed down and stay on the road.

[TEGGSRB18C1]

So after test fitting the catch can in a few different spots around the engine bay, I settled on this large hole behind the left headlight, beside the battery tray. My lines will be long but it's ok, I've got plenty of hose and I've got some ideas on making them look presentable.

While there is ample room to run lines and get my hand down there to unscrew/service the can, there is one caveat: the mounting surface for the can bracket is the plastic headlight support core. This plastic is some thick stuff but this can is not light. I'm concerned about cracking the support from vibration. IMO it needs to be reinforced.

There are 2 holes in the plastic for clips that are perfect for some 1/4" bolts. I picked up some pre drilled flat stock from Ace which just happened to be the perfect width. I cut them to length, wallowed the two bottom holes as the distance between holes wasn't exactly the same as the truck. The design is to sandwich the plastic support. This (in theory) should brace the plastic and distribute out any twisting from the weight of the can. I'll take these in to work and give them the same semi gloss black treatment as the battery tray, once it's all installed, you shouldn't even be able to see it through the grille.

I could have this all installed within the next few days if it weren't for my catch can fittings being held up by the supplier and the Chinese new year, which I could go on a whole rant on but I digress. I did secure the later model fuel rail setup with the stainless steel crossover tube, just waiting for it to ship out from the dismantler. Replacement O ring kit is already on hand. Once I get this fuel system and catch can setup done, the rest is just reassembly.

[90503]

This was my Dad's last vehicle. 2000 GMC Z71, 173K original miles, runs great.
Still passes California Smog checks. My kid drove it all through college, then I got it back. Its been hit and repaired on practically every place possible. It's my daily driver, gonna drive it til it drops.
Good luck with your project. They are still desirable trucks to get stolen, I've had a few attempts, be careful!

[TEGGSRB18C1]

Originally Posted by 90503

This was my Dad's last vehicle. 2000 GMC Z71, 173K original miles, runs great.
Still passes California Smog checks. My kid drove it all through college, then I got it back. Its been hit and repaired on practically every place possible. It's my daily driver, gonna drive it til it drops.
Good luck with your project. They are still desirable trucks to get stolen, I've had a few attempts, be careful!

That's awesome man! These things are tanks and can definitely take a hit, it's usually the rust that gets them around here. It's cool so many of these get passed down and are still running around.

And trust me I know, even though I live in a fairly nice area, nothing I love sits outside. The Camaro sat outside one night and one night only when I had my wife's car ripped apart in my old single car garage and I barricaded it in with the 2 other cars I owned at the time.

I'd love to put a 6" lift on this with some 315's, it would look so tough. But my garage door is kind of low for trucks and I want to be able to keep it inside safe beside the Camaro, blocked in by the households daily's.

[90503]

Originally Posted by TEGGSRB18C1

That's awesome man! These things are tanks and can definitely take a hit, it's usually the rust that gets them around here. It's cool so many of these get passed down and are still running around.

And trust me I know, even though I live in a fairly nice area, nothing I love sits outside. The Camaro sat outside one night and one night only when I had my wife's car ripped apart in my old single car garage and I barricaded it in with the 2 other cars I owned at the time.

I'd love to put a 6" lift on this with some 315's, it would look so tough. But my garage door is kind of low for trucks and I want to be able to keep it inside safe beside the Camaro, blocked in by the households daily's.

The roof of all places has rust issues, around the windshield as well. Get some drips and puddling on the inside with a heavy rain. Passenger side, so not too much of a worry...lol...Its too pricey to fix, so I'll just deal with it as long as I can. Arizona and California all its life, so no salt issues, though.

[TEGGSRB18C1]

Originally Posted by 90503

The roof of all places has rust issues, around the windshield as well. Get some drips and puddling on the inside with a heavy rain. Passenger side, so not too much of a worry...lol...Its too pricey to fix, so I'll just deal with it as long as I can. Arizona and California all its life, so no salt issues, though.

I had a '99 Jeep Cherokee that had rust issues around the windshield channel, that is a complicated repair. Keep her going as long as you can man!

Speaking of rust, I am at a complete standstill on everything engine related, all my parts required to keep going are still in transit. So, I moved back over to the bumper which is one step away from disintegration.

I pulled it out of my garage and moved it down into my basement next to the replacement unit to swap everything over. I picked up a bumper stand from harbor freight and started teardown. As before, I knew the bumper brackets were shot, I am researching my cheapest way to get OEM GM replacement brackets, either through work or online sources.

What I was mainly concerned about these very specific retainers and clips that hold the lower valence to the chrome face bar. These are not cheap and there's a lot of them, the probability of them breaking from 25 years of service was high. Worked them slow and steady, managed to save every single one. Still kind of sad to say out of this whole assembly, the only thing worth saving was the hardware.

There's more to that story as well. There are additional bumper brackets welded onto the end of the frame rail, unfortunately the passenger side is shot. This is a problem, I do not have the capability to repair this here at my house and my shop is 45 minutes away. A little far to drive with no front bumper. Stuck yet again, I'll have to work a plan on that.

On the driver side I found the grounding point for the battery and gave it the same treatment as I did for the fuel pump ground. Cleaned the frame with my dremel, cleaned the wire eyelets and then ran my 0 gauge from the battery with a new bolt. I also ran a short cable to the radiator support, probably do one more to the fender and I think that should be good. Upgrading the power side will be next, I have my eye on a Mechman replacement 240 Amp alternator but that may have to wait for now unless I find a screaming deal.