'68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Well, I thought I would give this a shot here. I am going to do this the lazy way since I already had a thread going elsewhere. I hope it isn't bad to link outside of here???

Anyway, I started with a bone stock 86,xxx mile 1968 short step side. Originally with a 6 and 3 OTT.

I have (with the help of friends) swapped in a 2003 LQ4 6.0L with 4L80e trans. Currently working out the parts for a twin turbo setup (ordered a custom cam this week). Once that gets here, I will start building it back up.

Eventually it will get a disc conversion with a 2.5"/4" drop, 3.73 gears with locker, and a little boost :devil:

Here is a link to the thread, and I will start to update here too:
http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/lsx-t...-6-0-swap.html

I am open to advice, comments & suggestions!
Thanks,
SCIV

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Welcome from NM! Great looking project.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Finally an update. After much debating, I decided to change out the old oil pump for a Texas Speed ported & polished LS6 unit as well as upgrade to an LS2 timing chain. I didn't have the patience to pull the motor, so I tried to do it in the truck. That ended up taking me 2 weekends since I cut the oil tube oring on the first try.

Anyway, got that done, and also changed out the valve springs for Comp 918's with TI retainers & hardened pushrods. Starting to look like a motor again. here are some pics of the progress:

New oil pump & timing chain:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...torpics001.jpg

New valley plate & knock sensors:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...torpics004.jpg

New springs & retainers:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...torpics009.jpg

All buttoned up (mostly!):
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...torpics010.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...torpics011.jpg

And new goodies from Santa!!:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel001.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel002.jpg

:metal:

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Nice :metal:

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

looking good....what's your plan with the coil packs? relocating them?

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Absolutely. Where? I don't know yet, but probably to the back of the block above the trans.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Thats sick man, I cant wait to see it with twins! I have the same swap planned for my '68. What turbos are you thinking?

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Leaning towards 62 or 67mm. Eventually I will build a forged 370 for it, and really turn up the heat!

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Sounds like a good plan

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

What kind of power are looking for on the stock long block? What heads are you running?

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

317's with Comp 918 springs & TI retainers.

I think 600 hp or so is a good starting point.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

looking good...

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

This truck is going to be a beast

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

That is the plan!!

Well, long term anyway. I am just trying to get it going by February 15th, so I can make a GM Truck track day in San Antonio. It will probably be on just motor, and the twins will start after that.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Subscribed. Nice work (except for cleaning the motor :lol: ).

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

I thought I cleaned it a little!

Here are some fuel system updates:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel003.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel004.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel005.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel006.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel007.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel008.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/fuel009.jpg

I am not sure on the angle of the filter, I have a 90* fitting on the way to mock it up that way to see which I like better.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Looks good! I am toying with doing a small turbo set up on my 4dr Tahoe build with a 2005 5.3l. So why is your fuel pump set up so low?

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Love the build. I got scared for you when i seen how that fuel pump was mounted. Just looks iffy. IMO lift it up flush with the bottom of the tank or mount low right to the frame. I would not have it dangling below the bumper and frame all out in the open. it may get caught on something or hit. with the pricks today it would be easy for someone to cut it off and take it. may be fine but just gave me the shivers when i seen it.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

I agree, it looks a little flimsy. Nice setup though!

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

I was worried too until I mocked it up. Those are 1/4 plate, and it is stiff as a board.

The pump has to be below the outlet of the cell, and the cell is under the bed, so that is why it is so low. It is still 3" above the bottom of the differential case, so it isn't the lowest thing on the truck.

I would have to raise the cell to inside the bed to make the pump tuck under the bumper.

Rock* ME *Hardplace

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

is that how it is for any fuel cell?

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

You should have an Electric fuel pump mounted at the level of the tank. Some want it lower then so the fuel will flow out of the tank into the pump eliminating the pump starving. It is not needed if you keep more then 1/4 tank and the pump is not above the tank just needs to be at fuel level.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Maybe I took the Aeromotive directions too seriously? I have it mounted below the outlet on the cell by about 1 1/2".

So ripdog, you think I can move it up a couple inches to be at the bottom of the cell level? I just don't want to starve the engine or burnup the pump!

EDIT:
Just got off the phone with Aeromotive, and they said I can move the pump up to be even with the bottom of the cell. That will gain me 3-4" at a minimum. Thanks for catching that guys.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

I will work more on the fuel system tomorrow. Here is what I started tonight:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/100_5024.jpg

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Nice looking guages, where did you grab these?

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Thanks! I thought the black/silver went well with the stock black/silver. When I get them all done, I will repaint it to look like new.

Autometer Sport Comp, got 'em from Summit. The other ones haven't come in yet (speedo, tach, volt, fuel).

I don't know what I am going to do about the center hole though.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Center one can be a trans temp or a Boost gauge when you got the turbo on. glad to hear your moving the pump and lines up a little.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

OK - I reconfigured the fuel pump/filter setup. Raised the pump 4" so the inlet is flush with the bottom of the tank. Also installed a 90* fitting to wrap the filter closer to the tank. Put the cell in it's final home too.

Also put in the radiator and Impala efans. Fans fit pretty well! Need to get hoses, and serp belt, and plug wires. Trans & oil cooler showed up too.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/100_5025.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/100_5026.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/100_5027.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/100_5028.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/100_5030.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/100_5029.jpg

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

haha looks nice but i have another suggestion. Just trying to make sure you do not have problems later. Your filter should be after your pump. I could be wrong but i think you should have an unobstructed flow from your tank to your pump. It will probably be fine but i can see it possibly causing your pump to starve.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

That is a 100 micron pre-filter. I also have a 10 micron after pump filter. That is the way Aeromotive suggested it?

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

You definitely want to have both.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

OMG...an update!!!! First and foremost, 2 thumbs WAY up for DBRODS!!!! Jon busted his butt on my truck, and I appreciate it tremendously!!! He can do just about anything, on anything. I HIGHLY recommend him for anything you need done.

Anyway, Saturday after lunch we busted up the 'Ol Smurf truck. Complete front drum to disc swap. 2.5" drop spindles, 2" drop springs, all new rotors, bearings, seals, calipers, brake pads, brake lines, upper & lower ball joints, inner & outer tie rod ends.

After that, Jon said lets see what it will look like with the new rear drop...
So, out come the factory rear coils (not until Jon broke the rear bolts out). 40 + years of grime and they weren't moving. So, out they come and we set her on the ground for about 7" of rear drop. Hmmm, with 31" tall rear tires, this thing is going to have serious rake. OK, take it back up, and pull the bumpstops. Ahh, 9-10" of rear drop and she will sit right!!

After that, the day was young, so we pulled the motor to swap the truck pan for my F-body pan & pickup tube. I also wanted double check my cam timing to make sure I had the dots lined up (I installed it several months ago). All was well. Modified the truck windage tray to fit, bolted it back up, and dropped her back in. Also, checked the cylinders while the pan was off, still had the cross-hatch with 9x,xxx miles.

Don't mind the front tires, they are just to roll around on. New wheel & tire combos are 15" X 7" steelies with 235/70 up front, and 15" X 12" with 31" X 16" MT SR Sportsmans on the business end.

Next up, 9" rear, 4-link & new trans (TH400 w/transbrake).

Thanks again to Jon & DBRODS!!!!

Some pics for your viewing pleasure...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/DSC05151.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/DSC05153.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/DSC05154.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/DSC05156.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/DSC05157.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/DSC05161.jpg

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

looking good.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Looks nice!! I see you have lines from each end of the fuel pressure regulator to each of the fuel rails and the feed in the bottom. I thought the regulator flows line in one side, line out the other side then the bottom was for the return. I may be wrong :)

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

My fuel goes through the rails first, then into the regulator, then out the bottom for the return.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

Aw, so the injectors use what they want, then spits the rest through the regulator. That makes sense.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

;)

Update...got the bed off and starting the 4-link rear suspension. I will post pics as soon as I can get them.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

looks good, what are you doing for power steering hookup? Using the gen III pump and stock box I take it?
I need to get a solution.....lines figured out.

thanks

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

I had a local hydro hose shop custom build me a power steering hose for my swap. I brought them both ends, one coming from the LSx pump and the end going to my factory box. The put the two together with new Goodyear 1000 psi hose, swedged the connections, and even installed swivels on both ends to keep the hose from getting twisted up. Cost about $50 total.

Re: '68 C10 Short-Step 6.0 + TT swap
 

I don't plan on running power steering, so I won't be of much help. I actually cut the power steering pump off the bracket. Assassin's idea sounds like a great plan.

Here is a sneak peak at the new rear & tires!!!! :metal::metal::metal::metal:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h12/sciv/DSC05192.jpg