New member

[Armstrong4826]

Hi everyone, I’m not a new owner but I have a new project.

I bought a 1988 short bed C1500 out of a field and worked on it to make it run again, turns out it had rod knock so I sold the engine and started an LS swap.

Currently have a 5.3L in the truck but it’s a pricey operation so, it takes time

 

[mrrsm]

Welcome to GMT Nation...

You've probably already got an entire Library of these 1988 Chevrolet Silverado Shop Manuals... but jik not:

1988 Chevrolet Silverado Shop Manual for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for 1988 Chevrolet Silverado Shop Manual at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

 

[Mooseman]

Welcome. Nice looking classic there. Should make a good resto-mod project.

 

[Armstrong4826]

Thanks fellas, this has been quite the project so far since the wiring throughout the truck has hacked up by Mcgrubber lol. I have some questions about the wiring specifically for the original gauges, should I create a thread for that?

 

[mrrsm]

Just an FYI... @TJBaker57 has the information on a site that can provide you with all your Wiring and Schematic needs. There is also this link to another resource for your On-Going Project. Sub-Threads that are Target Specific often get the best and quickest replies and you can always start a Specific Build Thread to link them all together as things progress:

GM Full-Size Trucks 1988-1998 Wiring Diagrams Repair Guide

Find out how to access AutoZone's Wiring Diagrams Repair Guide for GM Full-Size Trucks 1988-1998 . AutoZone's Repair Guides tell you what you need to know to do the job right.

www.autozone.com

 

[Mooseman]

I have some questions about the wiring specifically for the original gauges, should I create a thread for that?

Yes definitely however we don't have any truck that old here and we may be drilling into the deep well of past knowledge to try and find answers. We can certainly try.

 

[TJBaker57]

Currently have a 5.3L in the truck

Where did this 5.3 come from?

And do you know what the original engine was?

VIN number??

 

[Armstrong4826]

Where did this 5.3 come from?

And do you know what the original engine was?

VIN number??

It came out of a 2000 Silverado at the scrapyard, it had front end damage.

I assume the original engine was a 5.7, but not sure. The harness definitely has all the TBI connections, and the truck has power windows and a tach cluster so I assume it was a decent model

I did not grab the vin from the LS donor….or do you mean the obs vin?

 

[TJBaker57]

I did not grab the vin from the LS donor….or do you mean the obs vin

The OBS VIN. That will tell us the original motor and that will get the best wiring diagrams for the truck.

 

[Armstrong4826]

The OBS VIN. That will tell us the original motor and that will get the best wiring diagrams for the truck.

Here it is, last 8 J1190176

 

[TJBaker57]

By the attached VIN Card it does show a 5.7 V8.

Free Service Manual for the 1988 Chevy Truck C 1500 Truck 2WD V8-350 5.7L | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 1988 Chevy Truck C 1500 Truck 2WD V8-350 5.7L, including electrical diagrams, recommended bolt torques, and estimated labor times.

charm.li

 

[TJBaker57]

Here's another document for curiosity sake...

(weird name for a link though)

Site Maintenance

 

[mrrsm]

For the New Generation(s) and for the Curious just joining GMT Nation and following along on this Great Project...

OBS = Old Body Style

"Made by GM in Canada... Re-Powered... in Texas, USA"

 

[Armstrong4826]

Here's another document for curiosity sake...

(weird name for a link though)

Site Maintenance

I wanted to thank you guys for being so welcoming and helpful with my build, I am still slowly getting the swap done. I need to fab up some radiator mounts for this giant 2500 core I got from FB marketplace, and decide on the pcv system still

I need to get a power steering hose and battery, then it will be ready for start up.

I won’t be able to drive it though since the tv cable seems to be stuck halfway, so yay for that.