85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lukeembry · 01-25-2019, 10:57 AM

I decided to swap my truck from LS/4L85 to an LT/6L80 back in October of 2018, it didn't take long for it to spiral out of control. I thought I would share my build as I work on it. Hoping to have it complete by July 2019

SCOTI · 01-25-2019, 07:36 PM

Interesting. Most guys would be just fine w/the LS/4L85 combo especially one that looked as nice as what was under your hood.

Chris74 · 01-25-2019, 08:49 PM

That truck is so clean

lukeembry · 01-25-2019, 09:43 PM

I’m just bored with the LS. Want a 6 speed and wanted to update the truck. Engine and trans went to good use in a friends C10

QUOTE=SCOTI;8450988]Interesting. Most guys would be just fine w/the LS/4L85 combo especially one that looked as nice as what was under your hood.[/QUOTE]
Posted via Mobile Device

lukeembry · 01-27-2019, 10:18 PM

Sheetmetal work happening now, due to some repairs 15 years ago I'm going to change out the doors and doghouse for some nice original paint doors, fenders, and hood. box of hardware going out for zinc plating. hoping to be doing body work in the next week

BabyBlue · 01-30-2019, 04:24 PM

Glad to see someone else doing an LT build. But I am curious as to why you chose the 6spd auto over the 8spd or a manual for that matter. Keeping it a column shift or doing a floor shift?

lukeembry · 01-30-2019, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBlue

Glad to see someone else doing an LT build. But I am curious as to why you chose the 6spd auto over the 8spd or a manual for that matter. Keeping it a column shift or doing a floor shift?

Why not a 6L80? it will be much better than the 4L85E that I had. Also I'm not sold on the 8L yet, most I have driven make a lot of noise clunking around. A T56 magnum would have been nice but the cost really adds up to do that. I will keep it column shift with the OE shifter rod assembly

Mattchu60 · 01-30-2019, 06:46 PM

I really dig that truck - super clean. I like the stance and wheel tire combo as well.

GMC Guy · 02-01-2019, 08:08 PM

Love the setup(s) and the truck is clean as hell. excellent work. I found a 6.2 and 2wd 6l80e, with harness, accessories, and driveshaft, out of a 2012 silverado with 116k miles for 5 grand. Been thinking all day about changing out my cammed L33 and 4l65.
I read some people saying the 6l80 isn't as strong as a 4l80 and can't hold much more than 400hp. Any concerns with yours? or are you staying relatively mild with the LT?

lukeembry · 02-01-2019, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

Love the setup(s) and the truck is clean as hell. excellent work. I found a 6.2 and 2wd 6l80e, with harness, accessories, and driveshaft, out of a 2012 silverado with 116k miles for 5 grand. Been thinking all day about changing out my cammed L33 and 4l65.
I read some people saying the 6l80 isn't as strong as a 4l80 and can't hold much more than 400hp. Any concerns with yours? or are you staying relatively mild with the LT?

a 6l80 will handle much more than 400hp 6l80 is super sensitive to the tune so once someone goes to tuning on them they go to crap. there are lots of people making north of 500rwhp with them. no issues for me, mine will be 420 or so hp so it will last forever

lukeembry · 03-07-2019, 11:06 AM

anyone have a 81-87 damage free OE hood near bowling green KY?

lukeembry · 04-11-2019, 07:41 AM

new Sheetmetal fitted and ready for some small repair work, sending all the hardware off for clear zinc coating

lukeembry · 04-12-2019, 08:13 AM

Rear-end build time, for years I've been using Richmond gears with no issues. I like how they have the pinion depth on the pinion head, makes set up much easier. I will also be using their Richmond Excel axles and set-up kit to freshen up the 30 year old 12-bolt.

Richmond 3.42 gears 49-0070-1

Richmond set up kit 83-1018-1

Richmond Excel axles 92-25192

Mattchu60 · 04-12-2019, 09:53 AM

I am curious- what is the reason for all the body rebuilding - in the pictures the truck looks really sharp already. The Paint appears to be nice as well!

lukeembry · 04-12-2019, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

I am curious- what is the reason for all the body rebuilding - in the pictures the truck looks really sharp already. The Paint appears to be nice as well!

Thanks for asking Matt, I built the truck and did the body/paint work back in 2002. The truck still looked really good but there were several issues I wanted to fix and it just made sense to start over with some nice OE paint sheetmetal and pass the old panels on to someone else that could use them.

tremman78 · 04-15-2019, 11:02 PM

what primer from tamco did you use? im gonna spray some 5311 this week, first time using their products

lukeembry · 04-16-2019, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tremman78

what primer from tamco did you use? im gonna spray some 5311 this week, first time using their products

5310, best primer I have used so far. I have sprayed PPG, Dupont, Spies, for years and like this better

lukeembry · 05-16-2019, 10:11 AM

rear-end build complete

lukeembry · 05-16-2019, 10:16 AM

sent the frame off to powder coat while I painted the control arms and things that couldn't be powder coated. pretty happy with the finished results!

focusedontheprize · 08-23-2019, 12:42 PM

Any updates on the build?

lukeembry · 08-23-2019, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focusedontheprize

Any updates on the build?

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...l#post20101921

SCOTI · 08-23-2019, 02:09 PM

I looked @ your build thread on LS1.com. Kind of figured you were going bigger than the L83 since you already had a 6.0.
I highly recommend swapping out your rag-joint set-up for a Cherokee XJ shaft swap. I chimed in on pg.2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=505196&page=3

lukeembry · 08-23-2019, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I looked @ your build thread on LS1.com. Kind of figured you were going bigger than the L83 since you already had a 6.0.
I highly recommend swapping out your rag-joint set-up for a Cherokee XJ shaft swap. I chimed in on pg.2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=505196&page=3

The L83 actually makes more power than a stock 6.0. I’m looking for a modern driver so 400hp is plenty. No rag joint on this truck, I made a steering shaft I’ll post pics on ls1tech
Posted via Mobile Device

SCOTI · 08-23-2019, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukeembry

The L83 actually makes more power than a stock 6.0. I’m looking for a modern driver so 400hp is plenty. No rag joint on this truck, I made a steering shaft I’ll post pics on ls1tech
Posted via Mobile Device

Gotcha. The pics I saw over there it had what looked like a fresh rag-joint in place on that new Lee box. Seems you're farther ahead on the build than that pic.
Anyhoo…. I figured I would say something since you spent the money for a better box

rickit · 08-27-2019, 07:23 PM

looking good there neighbor!

01-25-2019, 10:57 AM	#1
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build I decided to swap my truck from LS/4L85 to an LT/6L80 back in October of 2018, it didn't take long for it to spiral out of control. I thought I would share my build as I work on it. Hoping to have it complete by July 2019 Attached Images

01-25-2019, 07:36 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,031	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build Interesting. Most guys would be just fine w/the LS/4L85 combo especially one that looked as nice as what was under your hood. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-25-2019, 08:49 PM	#3
Chris74 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 17	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build That truck is so clean

01-27-2019, 10:18 PM	#5
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build Sheetmetal work happening now, due to some repairs 15 years ago I'm going to change out the doors and doghouse for some nice original paint doors, fenders, and hood. box of hardware going out for zinc plating. hoping to be doing body work in the next week Attached Images

01-30-2019, 04:24 PM	#6
BabyBlue The Peacemaker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 783	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build Glad to see someone else doing an LT build. But I am curious as to why you chose the 6spd auto over the 8spd or a manual for that matter. Keeping it a column shift or doing a floor shift? __________________ 1978 Chevy 2wd Stepside aka "Audrey" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 79k original miles & being restored 1979 Chevy 2wd Short Wide aka "Emma-Jayne" Cordova brown with mandarin guts 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT Previous rides: -2002 Firehawk T/A, 2006 Trailblazer SS AWD, 2014 GMC Sierra RCSB, 1971 2wd Blazer, 1996 SNB, 1997 2dr 2wd Yukon, 2001 Silverado RCSB, 2011 Silverado Z71 4x4, 1982 2wd Blazer, 1997 2dr Tahoe, 1970 Chevelle SS, 1972 2wd Blazer, 1986 Silverado Stepside, 1995 S-10, 1985 Silverado SWB.

01-25-2019, 09:43 PM	#4
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	I’m just bored with the LS. Want a 6 speed and wanted to update the truck. Engine and trans went to good use in a friends C10 QUOTE=SCOTI;8450988]Interesting. Most guys would be just fine w/the LS/4L85 combo especially one that looked as nice as what was under your hood.[/QUOTE] Posted via Mobile Device

01-30-2019, 06:46 PM	#8
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build I really dig that truck - super clean. I like the stance and wheel tire combo as well.

02-01-2019, 08:08 PM	#9
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build Love the setup(s) and the truck is clean as hell. excellent work. I found a 6.2 and 2wd 6l80e, with harness, accessories, and driveshaft, out of a 2012 silverado with 116k miles for 5 grand. Been thinking all day about changing out my cammed L33 and 4l65. I read some people saying the 6l80 isn't as strong as a 4l80 and can't hold much more than 400hp. Any concerns with yours? or are you staying relatively mild with the LT? __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

03-07-2019, 11:06 AM	#11
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build anyone have a 81-87 damage free OE hood near bowling green KY?

04-11-2019, 07:41 AM	#12
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build new Sheetmetal fitted and ready for some small repair work, sending all the hardware off for clear zinc coating Attached Images

04-12-2019, 08:13 AM	#13
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build Rear-end build time, for years I've been using Richmond gears with no issues. I like how they have the pinion depth on the pinion head, makes set up much easier. I will also be using their Richmond Excel axles and set-up kit to freshen up the 30 year old 12-bolt. Richmond 3.42 gears 49-0070-1 Richmond set up kit 83-1018-1 Richmond Excel axles 92-25192 Attached Images

04-12-2019, 09:53 AM	#14
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build I am curious- what is the reason for all the body rebuilding - in the pictures the truck looks really sharp already. The Paint appears to be nice as well!

04-15-2019, 11:02 PM	#16
tremman78 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: manvel,TX Posts: 57	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build what primer from tamco did you use? im gonna spray some 5311 this week, first time using their products

05-16-2019, 10:11 AM	#18
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build rear-end build complete Attached Images

05-16-2019, 10:16 AM	#19
lukeembry Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: morgantown ky Posts: 99	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build sent the frame off to powder coat while I painted the control arms and things that couldn't be powder coated. pretty happy with the finished results! Attached Images



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08-23-2019, 12:42 PM	#20
focusedontheprize Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: CA Posts: 846	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build Any updates on the build? __________________ "Dixie" - 1988 Chevrolet V30 CC DRW "3+3" \| 7.4L 454 (L19) \| TH400 \| 4" lift \| 35"s "Lucille" - 1949 Chevrolet 3100 (on hold)

08-23-2019, 02:09 PM	#22
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,031	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build I looked @ your build thread on LS1.com. Kind of figured you were going bigger than the L83 since you already had a 6.0. I highly recommend swapping out your rag-joint set-up for a Cherokee XJ shaft swap. I chimed in on pg.2: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=505196&page=3 __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-27-2019, 07:23 PM	#25
rickit Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: kentucky Posts: 161	Re: 85 C10 LT/6L80 Frame off build looking good there neighbor!

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