85 LM7 project

I picked this 85 up for $600 with a known coolant issue. After running the numbers, it just doesn’t make sense in my situation to try to get the 2.5 back on the road. I’d have $2k in a belt change and clutch.

I have a source for complete trucks that are headed to the junk yard. So I can pretty much buy a truck, pull the engine and anything I need then sell the rest to break even on it. The truck is a 03 1500 4x4 that unfortunately has DBW. I’m not a fan at all of that so at the moment I’m on the fence about changing it to DBC. At the most I will change the cam out, but I may possibly just leave it stock and throw it in.

The plan,
Modified harness and stock PCM
Manual steering
Dual MC brakes
2 Piece C5 bellhousing
Long tube headers
Griffin Radiator

I am having a friend machine the adapter plans and pilot bearing bushing. I will make the headers myself, not sure if it will be stainless or just steel. I would really like to fabricate the motor mounts myself too. I am kind of unsure on the measurements. The tech article on here shows mounts for an LT1, do I build those and buy adapter plates to go from SBC to LS1?

This is going to be my daily driver when complete. I am going to use the N/A trans which I know is not a good idea, but I plan to upgrade in the near future.

Currently I have the engine out, and I got a 2 piece bell housing. I’m going to prep and respray the engine compartment and drop the gas tank to clean it out. I’ll post pictures as a I progress.

If anyone could clear up the motor mount situation I’d greatly appreciate it!