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#101 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Ozark, MO
Posts: 4,887
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
We went to see a guy this weekend, Dad was looking for a takeout 5.3L and this guy gets them ready, wires, tunes and runs them on a stand. I was telling him about my carbed 5.3L build. I also explained that the reason for the carb is the hot rod theme of the truck, looks and to be different. His exact words were "you ruined it" to which I replied "When was the last time you built a 400hp small block for $500?". Good point, he says. Cheap, clean power no matter how you get the fuel in there!
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'20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids
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#102 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,089
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
Now If your just wanting fast, hotrod or whatever Iam sure the 5.3 would be the ticket. {Not directed at anyone just saying} I still find it hard to believe people getting over 18/19mpg and of these motors, my 06 Z71 with a 5.3 and 3.42 gears has only one time ever even hit the 19mpg range and that was on flat level ground doing 55mph with the wind behind me, truck is pretty much idleing at those speeds. As of right now pulling my 5x10 trailer every day Iam getting 12mpg and with out it I normally get 14/15mpg. Iam far from a motor expert just what I have found after driving both motors in similar trucks and gearing for the last few years. I would have had a choice when I bought the 06 I for sure would have bought a 5.7 for how I use it over the 5.3. |
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#103 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
My GMC sees maybe 1800 RPM if that (right now) Maybe some cones later but .. Definitely not the drag strip. Most of the time it's putting down an old back country road with my arm on the door frame. 3:08 geared, 255hp 350 with a 3OTT and 55mph. I'm getting 20mpg, minimum.
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#104 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: West Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 450
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
LS motors make incredible power due to their head design coupled with EFI and modern spark control.
You can make them to everything but sit up and beg with a laptop. I've had a few LS powered cars(02 SS, 05 GTO, 06 TBSS) and the motors simply never fail to amaze in what they can do. Ex: I bought my GTO new, by 800 miles it had an MS3 cam, Kooks headers, FAST intake and I'd done a full VE tune. It put down 456rwhp, got 24-25mpg on the interstate running 75+ with the air cranked and rode like a cadillac. It'd also trap ~94-96mph in the 1/8 mile on 19" tires. Stone stock shortblock and cylinder heads other than valve springs. Find me an old 350 that will do that with just those mods. I bought my 5.3 with 80k complete intake to pan with accessories, harness and PCM for $500. $200 4L60E. I can hack the harness and do the PCM myself with HPTuners. It'll be getting either a GM hotcam or 228r cam, Circle D converter and a set of headers. I look for it to make around 350 at the tire which would put it well over 400 at the crank. Were I not doing the cam and other mods I'd have it in and running for about a grand. I'll probably have about 2 in it with the mods though but a stock LS motor is like having a cold beer and not drinking it. There's no reason it shouldn't get 20+ on the interstate with the converter locked, my wife's Tahoe gets 18-20 going 70-75 after I tuned it and messed with the MAF curve/VE table using HPTuners and my wideband. Would I pull a good running 350 and replace it with a 5.3? Yup, that's what I plan on doing this weekend and not doing it just to fit in, doing it for all the reasons stated above. Anybody want to buy a good running, smoke free 71 350 with all accessories, ram horn manifolds and an Edelbrock intake?
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64 Biscayne - 230/PG, Accuair E-Level, 18/20 Bonneville C's. 68 Charger R/T - #'s matching 440/auto car, 499/727/3.91. 68 GTX - 440/4-speed, Dana 60. 44,000 miles. 71 SWB C10 - LQ4+S476r 06 Duramax - LBZ - Exhaust, EFI Live, etc... |
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#105 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#106 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: West Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 450
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Mature.
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#107 |
Cruzin
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: on the road
Posts: 2,835
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
The only newer motor i've seen i like is 68 stepbed's. I'm not a fan of the new stuff i don't care if it make more power or mileage. Everybody is different i like Inline 6's over a V8 i like 305 is that a reason to dog on these motors no. Drive what you want i do, i drive a fuel injection almost daily but i don't want it in my weekend rides if you tune it right they run just as good and look sweet. and my laptop stays on my desk
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Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14
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#108 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Relax Bro. All I meant was read the rules on posting For Sale items. You have to be a member to post for sale.
I asked for knowledge on the LS motors, and understanding 'why' That's all .. But Matt's post said it best. Why are these magic LS motors making so much power? That's all I'm looking for. If I had the $4k was it (?) to lay down for an LS, .. absolutely. I'd be all in. But, to just sh1t can my 3970010 matching numbers 350 and drop in the LS so I can drive the same speed and get the same fuel mileage. For ME, and MY usage, it just doesn't make sense with what I know about them. WHEN I start running cones and playing with my GMC, maybe.. but I'm not going to starve to make it happen. I am adopting (more than likely) from Brazil in the next few months, so I'm sticking with what makes sense right now. Just learning..
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#109 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: West Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 450
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
LS motors make killer power because they have EXCELLENT cylinder heads and full spark control creating a very efficient engine.
Here's a good read: http://houstonperformancetrucks.com/...h-flow-numbers Look at the runner volumes on them as well as the flow rates. They have huge intake runners and flow incredibly well. Stock, unported 799 and 243 heads flow nearly as much as Dart Iron Eagle 200 Gen 1 heads on the intake side and outflow them on the exhaust. This coupled with modern cam designs really let them breathe. You can do the swap for well under 2k if you can chop the harness up yourself and have a local shop to shut the VATS off in the PCM. There's a place up here that sells complete takeouts with full harness and PCM for $500, I can give you their # if you'd like. Nice guys and always have a couple kicking around. I'm yanking the 350 but in the end it probably won't be sold, I'm a firm believer in keeping original stuff with the vehicle should someone ever want to return it to OEM. All my stuff that's modded has the original block shoved in the corner just in case. Mostly said that to be sarcastic. I'd probably have a hard time letting it go w/o feeling bad about separating it from the truck. |
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#110 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Downtown
Posts: 573
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I pulled a perfect running 350/700r combo out in favor of an ls1,
couldn't be happier I did. I wanted leak free, reliable, and more hp than what my sbc was giving me.....and guess what?...I succeeded. Throwing money at a 35yr old motor just wasn't appealing to me......but then again, i'm not old school. pound for pound you CAN NOT beat lsx power and tune ability. Bottom line though, new tech is here to stay and the bar is only being raised with gen5 bring it on......... |
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#111 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Aztec NM
Posts: 229
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I love my 71 350/350 combo. That being said though, I drive a 2007 3500 6.0 with a fully loaded utility bed on a daily basis. I weigh in just shy of 10K without pulling anything and I still average about 11 MPG. When I drop the hammer on it on the highway I am not at all disappointed. Yes, it does run in the higher RPM range, but that does not bother me. I would put one of these in my truck in a heart beat if I could afford it. I love the dependability and overall performance. Just my opinion.
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Danny 71 SWB |
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#112 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,089
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Yep I had a 02 2500HD 4x4 ex cab with a 6.0l and 4.10 gears, got 11/12mpg like clock work ran good on the hwy but IMO lacked low end pulling power and I mean for getting the load going from a stop as once it was going it did fine. I think if the tranny was geared lower the truck would have pulled better but first and second gear are geared so high its hard to get the power to the ground when pulling anything.
Most people dont believe me but I did show a few friends of mine how that truck would run 95mph before it would shift out of 2nd gear and I think it was like 50mph before it would shift into 2nd gear out of first, I mean how is something like that going to pull anything very well. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#113 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
LS for me as soon as I can, but not anytime soon. Makes sense, all things considered. Thanks.
__________________
Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#114 |
Boosted Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Mackinaw, IL
Posts: 2,200
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I'm fully converted to LS. The amount of f*cks I give about Gen I or II SBC stuff is less than zero.
My only regret is not doing it years ago. Wait.....I mean....they suck...you guys who haven't converted want nothing to do with them. They are junk. (Maybe that will keep the junkyard prices from rising AS fast as they have been....)
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1972 2wd K/5 Blazer Turbocharged 370 LSx - 941 rwhp / 1093 rwtq 1969 Chevy K-10 L33 5.3 / 4L80E / NP241 / 4" lift 1964 Buick Skylark Twin TURBO 383 LS pro-touring project 2014 VW Passat TDI - Daily Driver Turbo diesel 2015 Sierra Denali HD Duramax Turbo diesel 2016 Ford Explorer Sport - Twin Turbskis 2017 Polaris RZR Turbo 2014 Nor-Tech Center Console - Twin Supercharged Outboards TURBO ALL THE THINGS!! |
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#115 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: 10-Uh-See
Posts: 5,609
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
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#116 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Southern Ohio
Posts: 292
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Same here. Its one thing to read on internet boards about the LS, but once you spend some time behind the wheel of a LS powered hot rod (not a stock 5.3 truck), you'll NEVER go back to old school. The ease at which these engines make big power is astounding. Its like magic...but its real.
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#117 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Guthrie, Oklahoma
Posts: 12
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
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'49 Chevy 5window/S-10 frame. LS 408ci/4l80 '71 Chevy C10- Sold a long time ago. |
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#118 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Ashland, KY
Posts: 700
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
What I plan on doing is a 5.3/t56 and I KNOW a old style SBC won't touch my gas mileage. I know I'm not going to have the grunt of my 406 but when a 5500+lb stock Silverado SS smokes my 68 w a 406 everytime it's hard to Make an argument. The 406 gets 8mpg the SS gets 17 highway and it's AWD. Def not pullin the 406 to swap a 5.3 but a second 67/72 is in the future. My uncle put it best "I love my 350 in my 72 (Vette) but its a lot more fun roasting the tires then gettin 30 mpg in my 04 (Vette)"
Posted via Mobile Device
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68 C10 LWB 2/4 drop 406/th400/3.73posi 04 Silverado SS LQ9 6.0/4L65e/4.11posi AWD |
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#119 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Weatherford, Tx
Posts: 142
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Still running hoses and finishing up wiring, but here she is.
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-Bruton 1968 GMC long bed 5.7/700R4 --I'd rather push a Chevy, than drive a Ford.-- |
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#120 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,089
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
If that thing had a low geared tranny I bet it would have been a hoss. Posted via Mobile Device |
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#121 |
Vintage 4x4s
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Posts: 4,305
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Keep in mind the LS series is not without problems. I've experienced it firsthand in 2 of my trucks as follows:
Stay away from the 99's unless your running an aftermarket intake. These early manifolds could warp and loose their seal. I had it happen on my 99 truck and its been documented online. Dorman later revised the design so it did not warp. Also my 6.0 lq4 leaks some oil with only 88,000 miles. Thinking Its a good reason though to pull it and do cam/tune/headers and get 450 ft lbs. I do like this engine overall. I'd like to hear more comments on 96-98 vortec 350's vs. LS 5.3 liters. I've had both in stock form and I'd say (in stock form) the LS1 has little if anything over the vortech. Making mor horsepower per dollar I see the LS1 taking the lead though.
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ![]() 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
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#122 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: 10-Uh-See
Posts: 5,609
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Do some reading on LS1truck.com Lots of swaps and other info there about that.
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#123 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: New Castle, IN
Posts: 199
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I attended a swap meet this Sunday in Indianapolis and could not help but notice the extreme increase in Intake Manifolds and Carb's for sale. I think that the tide is turning away as technology becomes easier for everyone to adapt.
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#124 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
Stock power wise and fuel efficiency not much difference for everyday driving/towing. |
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#125 |
Cruzin
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: on the road
Posts: 2,835
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I've got a 305 vortec with 200,000 + been a very good engine not problems ever it's a 97 (I know not a 5.7) it will pull haul without issue
Posted via Mobile Device
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Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14
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