1985 GMC Sierra 1500 Detroit Diesel 4-53T

1985 GMC Sierra 1500 Description

Up for auction my 1985 GMC Sierra 1500 Detroit Diesel powered pickup. I have too many projects so I don't have time to finish it to how I had envisioned. Had this truck since 1997 and have not drove it in the winter. the 60000 miles is an estimate as the speedo hasnt worked since i put the electronic trans in the truck. It came as a 305 4spd and has been a few different variations over the years. Drove it stock for a while then I built a 383 small block which eventually ended up twin turbo'd and nearly ran 9's in the 1/4 mile. That engine went into a new chassis and I dropped the 4-53 Detroit into it. Drove it for a year and then converted it to a turbocharged 4-53T.
This truck is in good condition for its age. Has had a few rust repairs done over the years. Drivers floor was fixed due to wet carpet padding from a leaky windshield. Both cab corners I repaired along with drivers rocker panel. Passenger rocker is in need of repair as it has developed a small rust hole shown in pics. One other small area to repair is near the rear taillight has a small rust spot which can be easily repaired. I didn't have a pic but at request I can get one. Has complete poly cab mount bushing kit. Rear wheel wells were widened for bigger tires and there is holes in the box where the roll bar tubes went through when I raced it. Old fuel cell access in box can be easily welded up. Paint is 16 years old and ok but it has about what is expected for dings and what not for that many years of use. Hood is fiberglass 3 1/2" cowl from Unlimited Products so hood springs have been removed. No rear bumper as I was going to install a roll pan and receiver hitch for pulling my open car trailer. Dash pad cracked like every other one out there. Entire cab floor was painted and sound deadener sheets installed to keep noise down. Pad and floor mat are a few years old and in decent shape. Seat is in good condition under the cover. Speedometer is inoperative due to the electronic transmission. Was going to install an electric one but never had the time. Trans controller has speedo readout so that is what I have been using. Also Auto Meter Alternator sensing tachometer is installed on the steering column.
Engine is a 4-53 Detroit converted to Turbo. New 17.5:1 turbo cylinder kits were installed. Everything else was checked over and new gaskets and seals installed. Engine has N80 injectors, a T04B turbocharger, and aftermarket air charge cooler. Also installed is a airbox drain check valve to keep from leaking boost pressure under load. Complete 3.5" exhaust with a Donaldson Muffler. Engine is coupled to a 4L80E trans by way of a Phoenix Adapters bell housing adapter and flywheel adapter. Transmission is controlled by a U.S. Shift standalone trans controller which I tuned to work well with the Detroit. Shifter is a B&M Pro Stick with 4 spd plate. The stock 2 piece driveshaft was updated with new 1350 joints and new carrier bearing. Rear axle is a GM corporate 10 bolt which was rebuilt completely and an Auburn Posi installed. Rear suspension has been flipped so springs sit under the axle housing so truck sits level. Rear spring shackles are flipped as well. New front spring hangers were built to fine tune the height and improve the spring geometry. Front suspension had new springs, a arm bushings, and hd ball joints installed. Also poly sway bar bushing kit installed. Fuel system is mostly PTFE braided hose and has both fuel tanks as it came stock. I installed a fuel crossover hose so both tanks can be filled from either side. It feeds the pump from one tank and returns to the other tank to aid in cooling heated fuel. Tires are 235/70/15 in the front and 31/10.50/15 in the back. Wheels are stock gm pickup rally wheels.
I will include another parts 4-53 engine with the sale of this truck if the winning bidder wants it. It is a disassembled 2 valve head 4-53N that had bent rods that I bought for parts. There is missing parts but a lot is there. I will put on a pallet, shrink wrap, and place in back of truck if you want it.

This truck runs and drives great. I drove it all over and wish I had time to finish it up. Any questions I'll do my best to answer. More pictures at bidders request if you want something more specific. Serious bidders can message me a phone number and time to call and I'll be happy to call and talk about any questions you may have. Buyers are responsible for shipping or pickup. I may be able to help with delivery but it will be at my convenience and for an agreed to fee. $500 non refundable PayPal deposit due within 24 hours of auction end. Remainder due via certified check, bank wire, or cash in person. Any check or funds transfer will need to clear my bank in full before truck can be picked up or shipped.