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.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

A couple more shots.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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

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.

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???

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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

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!

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.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

Box of HP came on Friday.

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.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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

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.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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

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.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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.

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

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

Had my smoothed intake dipped. Turned out pretty sweet.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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

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.

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.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

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

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.

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.

Re: 1971 Stepside LS Build
 

That is coming together great. Looking good.
Dave

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 :jdp: 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.