1987 Silverado project

BFieler10 · September 30, 2014

Cool,snap a pic of a spark plug tip,it can tell volumes of the condition of the engine.

What exactly should I look for?

There should be a stamped series of numbers on the engine block just in front of the passenger side head.The alternator or A/C compressor might be in the way so it might be hard to see,but it should be there.

I will check that out when I get home. I dont have an a/c compressor as of now, so that won't be in the way. Haha

BFieler10 · September 30, 2014

What plugs, wires, etc., do yall recommend for the tune up? I want to the best I can get for a decent price.

desrtrat · September 30, 2014

There should be a stamped series of numbers on the engine block just in front of the passenger side head.The alternator or A/C compressor might be in the way so it might be hard to see,but it should be there.

this should give you and others some good info on older blocks and heads..

http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-engine-codes.asp

BFieler10 · September 30, 2014

this should give you and others some good info on older blocks and heads..

http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-engine-codes.asp

Oh awesome. Thank you very much

BFieler10 · October 2, 2014

Alright, so it seems like the old carb on this motor may be malfunctioning a bit. Im gonna try and clean it first with some carb cleaner. If that doesnt work, my father wants to rebuild it. I personally would want to try and replace it with a better one. What do y'all suggest? And if you agree with replacing, what should I look for?

grampadirt · October 2, 2014

Give your dad a shot a the rebuild,kits reasonably priced,it might work.I've tried rebuilding QuadraJets with moderate success.The last time though I bought a new one from Jegs(IIRC).From when I first installed it until my son totaled the truck it ran great.I'm not sure if Edelbrock actually made it or if it was a QJ with their name on it If my memory serves right I paid about $300.00-$400.00 for it,money well spent in my opinion.

I've was never a fan of Holley but some are.

BFieler10 · October 2, 2014

Alright. My dad has one on his airboat, but its 2 barrel. The motor on there is the one I need. Its built up fairly nice. But my dad has a lot of experience with these motors.

An issue I ran into. When the vehicle is hot, it will not start. I ran to Advance auto this morning to get windshield wipers, came out, and wouldn't crank. My dad thinks it has to do with the carb leaking. What do you guys think? Im also burning A LOT of fuel, if that means anything.

BFieler10 · October 2, 2014

Also, I just replaced the starter, so I know thats not the problem.

BFieler10 · October 2, 2014

This is the engine code. I couldn't find it on the charts.

The 3 digits at the bottom are 7VP

grampadirt · October 3, 2014

Almost sounds like the choke it stuck closed or the floats aren't shutting the fuel off when the bowls are full.Might be a cracked bowl or something similar allowing fuel to fill up the intake.The next time this happens try this:Put the gas pedal to the floor and hold it there,NO PUMPING,it should start in a few seconds.What this does is clear out the raw fuel in the intake.

From some searching on the 'net I think I have the answer for the engine.

1-GM

M-Made in Mexico

09-September

03-Third day

7-Year('07 or "97)

VP-260hp.

Crate engines are ID'd different than stock.Hope I'm close on all this

BFieler10 · October 3, 2014

Huh. I will be sure to try that. Thank you

So this is a carbureted engine from 97 or 07? Also, if I need parts, can I just say its an 87 that im looking for parts for?

MMC · October 3, 2014

Since it's a 87 it's not a K10 it was called a V10 and they were not all Silverado's that term was used to differentiate the various interior packages. My 87 is a Silverado and it was the only year you could buy that body style and get the live front axle and TBI fuel injection in a pickup. The transmission should be a four speed TH700R4 and a NP205 Transfer case with manual or automatic hubs. See my avatar for a pic. of mine, all original. I see you have the stainless band around the cab so yours may be a Silverado as well.

BFieler10 · October 3, 2014

Since it's a 87 it's not a K10 it was called a V10 and they were not all Silverado's that term was used to differentiate the various interior packages. My 87 is a Silverado and it was the only year you could buy that body style and get the live front axle and TBI fuel injection in a pickup. The transmission should be a four speed TH700R4 and a NP205 Transfer case with manual or automatic hubs. See my avatar for a pic. of mine, all original. I see you have the stainless band around the cab so yours may be a Silverado as well.

It looks like it had the silverado badges. But it does have the carbureted motor and the straight axle.

grampadirt · October 3, 2014

Something else to consider....the TBI fuel pumps put out somewhere around 13-15psi and a carbureted engine needs about 5-7psi so unless someone changed the pump or installed an adjustable fuel pressure regulator to reduce the fuel pressure there's way too much fuel going to that carb.Hopefully someone else will chime in to verify this.

Look on the side of the engine(passenger side in front of the motor mount) and see if there's a mechanical fuel pump there.You can follow the fuel line also to see where it goes.

As for parts You have a carburated engine in a TBI truck,might be a challenge for parts.