Greyghost 1971 C10 l83/6l80E Build

[GreyGhost85]

Starting a new post to document and possible obtain help for my build. Ill post some before and after pics of the build. This is my first time doing anything like this and it has been fun and I have wanted to give up a few times but kept going. I started out with a 1971 C10 long bed, cut it down using the bothers kit. It had an old 305 in it which I sold in order to get a L83/6l80 motor for a fairly reasonable price. I've done most of the patch paneling and body work already and rebuilt the front end as well as interior. Here are some photos of the journey.

[GreyGhost85]

Fast forward a bit:

[GreyGhost85]

Stripped down again and adding power steering gear.

[GreyGhost85]

Picked up L83 / 6l80E combo and this is where the fun begins:

[GreyGhost85]

More pics of L83 purchase

[GreyGhost85]

Problems so far:

1. I need to find some adapter plates or mounts that work with the SBC perches and would allow me to keep the belt driven vacuum pump and low mount AC. Not trying to spend 500$ on mounts as well.

The Dirty Dingo plates states "Will not clear driver's side vacuum pump on truck engine"

The KwikPerformance kit seems like the way to go but you have to purchase the brackets for 500$ and then a new AC compressor for another 250$

The dirty Dingo Sliders were my next option but still the same message, will not clear low mount ac or vacuum pump....

There has to be a way.

[TruDom]

quite a fast forward there.

where and what did you pay for the motor/trans if you dont mind?

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by TruDom

quite a fast forward there.

where and what did you pay for the motor/trans if you dont mind?

Sorry for the extreme time warp, didn't want to bore anyone with all of the nitty gritty. Mostly just failures with a th350 and carbed engine, got sick of it and sold it.

I actually found the guy on offer up, I paid $1450 for the engine and transmission delivered. 12000 miles complete dropout. Too good to pass up and that discount was due to not have air box lol.

[f.flujan]

I’m currently getting the motor mounts done. Got some pics and looks promising. Vacuum pump still in and SAE headers fit nice.mounts From Metaltek in Michigan

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by f.flujan

I’m currently getting the motor mounts done. Got some pics and looks promising. Vacuum pump still in and SAE headers fit nice.mounts From Metaltek in Michigan

Can you post some pics? and what about cost associated? There is a set of mounts from BRP http://www.brphotrods.com/products/LTSeries/index.html for 550-600$.... that allow AC and Vacuum pump. Anyways let me know, I may want to pitch in with you. should be similar to 71 c10

[f.flujan]

I can’t load pic for some reason. I would call Jaime from Metaltek. Super nice guy

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by f.flujan

I can’t load pic for some reason. I would call Jaime from Metaltek. Super nice guy

I don’t know how you found that company but their website looks promising and looks like it maybe worthwhile for the price. I will call and see what he can do. Thanks man I’ll post some updates here to help future gen v swappers.

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by f.flujan

I can’t load pic for some reason. I would call Jaime from Metaltek. Super nice guy

And you are a life saver man, putting in my order as well. Finally a vendor that’s offering products at a reasonable price. When you get your mounts be sure to update me along the way and I’ll do the same.

[f.flujan]

Greyghost what are u doing for fuel system

[f.flujan]

Pm sent greyghost

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by f.flujan

Greyghost what are u doing for fuel system

I have some ideas that I will try to post when I get some time. 87chevy has been giving me some good advice.

[howell57]

Do you have contact info for Jamie at Metaltek? Doing L83 in 72 C10

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by howell57

Do you have contact info for Jamie at Metaltek? Doing L83 in 72 C10

https://metaltek-manufacturing.myshopify.com/

[GreyGhost85]

It appears the mounts and transmission crossmember are ready for ordering. Just ordered both and will update/review once received.

[cornerstone]

MetalTek makes a nice product but ouch! I bought their $90 Gen5 weld in mounts off of eBay with free shipping... that seemed like a reasonable price to me. The new bolt in set with crossmember is $378! (plus shipping I imagine ). Maybe I should make a few sets to sell, I think materials would only be about $30-40. I guess their price is pretty good if one is not able to weld... I remember those days, it was often the limiting factor to many of my plans back when I was a younger man.

*Edit* I guess I was feeling cheaper than normal when I wrote this, I'd like to redact my comment that the price is high. It is a good price really. I just ordered the Metaltek trans crossmember, shipped to my door for a total of $159. Considering I spent a whole day off work to built one, and it still needs modifications to be strong enough, I will save my time and slap theirs in and feel confident!

Side note: I now have a sub-par fairly flimsy crossmember for sale. LOL. (not really, it will be used in some form later as its now in my scrap pile.)

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

MetalTek makes a nice product but ouch! I bought their $90 Gen5 weld in mounts off of eBay with free shipping... that seemed like a reasonable price to me. The new bolt in set with crossmember is $378! (plus shipping I imagine ). Maybe I should make a few sets to sell, I think materials would only be about $30-40. I guess their price is pretty good if one is not able to weld... I remember those days, it was often the limiting factor to many of my plans back when I was a younger man.

I can weld... I just don’t trust my weld hahaha. Yea unfortunately 380$ is the cheapest for direct bolt in (perch and adapter). All other stores were 599$ for mounts

[cebra]

Originally Posted by GreyGhost85

Fast forward a bit:

Can you fast forward my build a bit too?

[howell57]

I just ordered mine, engine mounts and trans cross member powder coated for $435 and free shipping.

[GreyGhost85]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

MetalTek makes a nice product but ouch! I bought their $90 Gen5 weld in mounts off of eBay with free shipping... that seemed like a reasonable price to me. The new bolt in set with crossmember is $378! (plus shipping I imagine ). Maybe I should make a few sets to sell, I think materials would only be about $30-40. I guess their price is pretty good if one is not able to weld... I remember those days, it was often the limiting factor to many of my plans back when I was a younger man.

What did you do for fuel and harness ?

[howell57]

When I bought the engine and trans from Stricker auto, I also bought the OEM pump and ecm. I had Mitch from Swaptimeusa add the wiring to my harness. I will have a guy in tow build a tank that will house the pump.