1971 Stepside LS Build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**1971Stepside** · 08-07-2018, 09:33 AM

I bought this truck when I was 17. Took it apart in 1993. Finished the frame and a lot of the metal work in 2005/2006. Finally starting to work on her again. Hopefully, money and motivation can keep it moving.

I purchased this 6.0 last week along with a 4L80. Looking forward to your advice and motivation. I know it helped back when I was doing the frame.

This is a pic of the donor vehicle. Had a dash fire on the passenger side. Very clean otherwise.

**1971Stepside** · 08-07-2018, 09:34 AM

A couple more shots.

**1971Stepside** · 08-07-2018, 09:37 AM

This is about the stage I am at now...old pic from years ago.

**1971Stepside** · 08-13-2018, 10:44 AM

Worked on putting some lipstick on the pig by cleaning up the truck intake. Still have to fill and sand smooth for some paint.

68Gold/white · 08-13-2018, 03:13 PM

Now, THOSE engine frame stands look like they will work MUCH better!!!

Where did you get the trans cross member???

**1971Stepside** · 08-13-2018, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Now, THOSE engine frame stands look like they will work MUCH better!!!

Where did you get the trans cross member???

Engine stands are from POL. The trans cross member is from Dirty Dingo.

**1971Stepside** · 08-17-2018, 05:31 PM

Here is a fun story that happened to the build this past week. In 2003 I purchased a set of Chevy SSR Taillights new from my local dealer. I planned to install them into the stepside fenders at some point. I found the boxes the other day on the top shelf in my garage and jumped on the internet to see if anyone else had done this. To my surprise I see that these lights are now worth $320 each on-line!! WHAT??? I put them on an SSR board and sold them LOL. Ordered my speed engineering headers this morning. Keep the project moving!

**1971Stepside** · 08-24-2018, 09:44 AM

Update. Did a test fit on the engine last night. Fits like a glove. The POL stands and Speed Engineering headers all work very well together.

**1971Stepside** · 09-04-2018, 09:42 AM

Box of HP came on Friday.

**1971Stepside** · 09-04-2018, 09:44 AM

Some clean up and progress on the engine and accessories. Hope to have engine painted in the next week or so.

UniqueOdyssey68 · 09-05-2018, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

Some clean up and progress on the engine and accessories. Hope to have engine painted in the next week or so.

Looks great! I just painted my trans silver too. Good color on them. Was going to do Chevy Orange but like the silver bit better for trans.

What year engine/trans?
I'm mating/mounting mine now - need advice-posted questions in old thread I found http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...errerid=182563

notsolo · 09-05-2018, 03:10 PM

Your frame is so bright I have to wear shades!...was that powder coated? You are building a real gem, great progress.

Custom 68 · 09-04-2018, 10:23 AM

It looks like it is her day...That is looking great. Nice progress.

**1971Stepside** · 09-04-2018, 10:36 AM

Thanks Custom68...I see you are in Springfield as well and have been on this board a long time too.

Custom 68 · 09-07-2018, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

Thanks Custom68...I see you are in Springfield as well and have been on this board a long time too.

Wow I usually look at locations and just missed that one. Yes I have been on the boards since 2001 and you since 2002. we will need to make it a point to get together.
Your truck is coming along great.
Dave

**1971Stepside** · 09-05-2018, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Looks great! I just painted my trans silver too. Good color on them. Was going to do Chevy Orange but like the silver bit better for trans.

What year engine/trans?
I'm mating/mounting mine now - need advice-posted questions in old thread I found http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...errerid=182563

I have some darker gray on the frame now (springs, bolt heads, etc) and I am thinking it is too silver. May go with a darker gray, but going to hold off until I have the engine painted red to decide.

The LQ4 is a 2003 and the 4L80e is a 2009.

That thread is very helpful. Thank you for sharing that. I have not mated the two together yet, so I can't offer advice yet. I have to order the converter next, but my budget is at zero this month since I am installing my cam etc. on Monday and I just ordered the CTS-V oil pan for it. The truck pan just hangs too low and I'm afraid it will not clear a speed bump.

Quote:

Your frame is so bright I have to wear shades!...was that powder coated? You are building a real gem, great progress.

Thanks for the compliment! The frame is powder coated. Viper Red.

**1971Stepside** · 09-08-2018, 09:35 PM

Had my smoothed intake dipped. Turned out pretty sweet.

builtbyKane · 09-09-2018, 11:48 PM

That looks killer. Makes me want to start ripping parts back off.

**1971Stepside** · 09-11-2018, 09:23 AM

Yesterday was a long day. Drove an hour south to get some help installing my cam, oil pan, valve train, etc. Had a blast hanging out with Sam and a few guys that were all into LS swaps of all kinds at Gautneys Garage. Motor was very clean internally. New CTS-V oil pan looks slick.

**1971Stepside** · 09-11-2018, 09:26 AM

After we buttoned up the motor I then headed north to my buddies body shop for paint. Started the day at 5 a.m. and got home at 10 p.m. Will pick up the motor tonight after work. Gonna be a long day behind the desk.

68Gold/white · 09-11-2018, 11:28 AM

Tell me more about that intake "dipping" process. I know nothing about that...

**1971Stepside** · 09-11-2018, 12:49 PM

Hydro Dipping is where they put the film, in this case I used a carbon fiber, on the water and dunk the part through the paint. It adheres to the part and then they clear coat over the top of it. This intake was very tough for them because of size and shape. They dipped it three times and it still has a couple of really odd patterns, but overall I am happy with it. This was a much cheaper route to have a unique intake than coming up with a car intake and spending hundreds of dollars on new accessory drive brackets and parts. I'll post pics of it on the engine this weekend. Should look pretty good with all the red.

**1971Stepside** · 09-12-2018, 09:32 AM

Got the engine home last night from the body shop. Happy with the color match on the frame powder coat and the Viper Red paint. Started adding some of the final parts for install. Waiting on a new torque converter before I can install the engine. Funny how your funds run out so fast.

Custom 68 · 09-12-2018, 09:59 AM

That is coming together great. Looking good.
Dave

**1971Stepside** · 09-14-2018, 02:32 PM

Some more of the same. I put the intake on the engine. I can't wait to get this thing put in the frame, but by the tone of the wife it will be awhile

So, I guess I will start fabricating the gas pedal in the cab until I have the funds to buy the new torque converter. I will drop the pan off of the transmission and change fluid. Any recommendations on what fluid to go back with?

Yes, the crank pulley is just sitting there and not fully seated.

08-07-2018, 09:33 AM	#1
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	1971 Stepside LS Build I bought this truck when I was 17. Took it apart in 1993. Finished the frame and a lot of the metal work in 2005/2006. Finally starting to work on her again. Hopefully, money and motivation can keep it moving. I purchased this 6.0 last week along with a 4L80. Looking forward to your advice and motivation. I know it helped back when I was doing the frame. This is a pic of the donor vehicle. Had a dash fire on the passenger side. Very clean otherwise. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far." Last edited by 1971Stepside; 09-15-2018 at 09:23 PM.

08-07-2018, 09:34 AM	#2
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build A couple more shots. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

08-07-2018, 09:37 AM	#3
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build This is about the stage I am at now...old pic from years ago. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

08-13-2018, 10:44 AM	#4
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Worked on putting some lipstick on the pig by cleaning up the truck intake. Still have to fill and sand smooth for some paint. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far." Last edited by 1971Stepside; 09-15-2018 at 09:23 PM.

08-13-2018, 03:13 PM	#5
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,385	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Now, THOSE engine frame stands look like they will work MUCH better!!! Where did you get the trans cross member???

08-17-2018, 05:31 PM	#7
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Here is a fun story that happened to the build this past week. In 2003 I purchased a set of Chevy SSR Taillights new from my local dealer. I planned to install them into the stepside fenders at some point. I found the boxes the other day on the top shelf in my garage and jumped on the internet to see if anyone else had done this. To my surprise I see that these lights are now worth $320 each on-line!! WHAT??? I put them on an SSR board and sold them LOL. Ordered my speed engineering headers this morning. Keep the project moving! Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

08-24-2018, 09:44 AM	#8
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Update. Did a test fit on the engine last night. Fits like a glove. The POL stands and Speed Engineering headers all work very well together. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-04-2018, 09:42 AM	#9
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Box of HP came on Friday. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-04-2018, 09:44 AM	#10
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Some clean up and progress on the engine and accessories. Hope to have engine painted in the next week or so. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-05-2018, 03:10 PM	#12
notsolo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Md Posts: 2,480	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Your frame is so bright I have to wear shades!...was that powder coated? You are building a real gem, great progress. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605

09-04-2018, 10:23 AM	#13
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,937	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build It looks like it is her day...That is looking great. Nice progress. __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

09-04-2018, 10:36 AM	#14
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Thanks Custom68...I see you are in Springfield as well and have been on this board a long time too. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-08-2018, 09:35 PM	#17
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Had my smoothed intake dipped. Turned out pretty sweet. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far." Last edited by 1971Stepside; 09-11-2018 at 09:19 AM.

09-09-2018, 11:48 PM	#18
builtbyKane Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: mountain home, AR Posts: 794	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build That looks killer. Makes me want to start ripping parts back off. __________________ Project Double Tap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=555901 69 Olive Verde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=734720

09-11-2018, 09:23 AM	#19
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Yesterday was a long day. Drove an hour south to get some help installing my cam, oil pan, valve train, etc. Had a blast hanging out with Sam and a few guys that were all into LS swaps of all kinds at Gautneys Garage. Motor was very clean internally. New CTS-V oil pan looks slick. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."



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09-11-2018, 09:26 AM	#20
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build After we buttoned up the motor I then headed north to my buddies body shop for paint. Started the day at 5 a.m. and got home at 10 p.m. Will pick up the motor tonight after work. Gonna be a long day behind the desk. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-11-2018, 11:28 AM	#21
68Gold/white Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ark City, Kansas Posts: 3,385	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Tell me more about that intake "dipping" process. I know nothing about that...

09-11-2018, 12:49 PM	#22
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Hydro Dipping is where they put the film, in this case I used a carbon fiber, on the water and dunk the part through the paint. It adheres to the part and then they clear coat over the top of it. This intake was very tough for them because of size and shape. They dipped it three times and it still has a couple of really odd patterns, but overall I am happy with it. This was a much cheaper route to have a unique intake than coming up with a car intake and spending hundreds of dollars on new accessory drive brackets and parts. I'll post pics of it on the engine this weekend. Should look pretty good with all the red. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far." Last edited by 1971Stepside; 09-11-2018 at 05:22 PM.

09-12-2018, 09:32 AM	#23
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Got the engine home last night from the body shop. Happy with the color match on the frame powder coat and the Viper Red paint. Started adding some of the final parts for install. Waiting on a new torque converter before I can install the engine. Funny how your funds run out so fast. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

09-12-2018, 09:59 AM	#24
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,937	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build That is coming together great. Looking good. Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

09-14-2018, 02:32 PM	#25
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build Some more of the same. I put the intake on the engine. I can't wait to get this thing put in the frame, but by the tone of the wife it will be awhile So, I guess I will start fabricating the gas pedal in the cab until I have the funds to buy the new torque converter. I will drop the pan off of the transmission and change fluid. Any recommendations on what fluid to go back with? Yes, the crank pulley is just sitting there and not fully seated. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

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