Hooker Blackheart 1967-72 C10 Truck LS/LT Swap System Info Thread

[toddoky]

I can confirm that the components within the different Hooker Blackheart exhaust systems are the same with the exception of the tips themselves and the rear hanger brackets.

[chad64chevy]

Originally Posted by toddoky

I can confirm that the components within the different Hooker Blackheart exhaust systems are the same with the exception of the tips themselves and the rear hanger brackets.

I figured that, also what is the part number for the long tube headers that work with this exhaust kit? I ordered the 2.5” kit
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[toddoky]

There is a new set of headers working its way through the release process that was specifically designed for the narrower frame rails of the 1963-67 C10 trucks. The design of those headers came about from discovering that the headers designed for the 1968-72 C10's wouldn't fit the earlier frame. That wasn't one of my personal projects, so I don't know when its release is scheduled for. Since you are installing a 2.5" exhaust system, you will need to perform some form of adapting to get it to connect to the long-tube headers since the collectors on them have 3" outlets.

[chad64chevy]

Originally Posted by SEVEN

I ordered HOK-BH13195 in December 2020 from Summit thinking I may have a chance at installing during the Christmas holidays...boy was I off, as I am still waiting...

Well that sucks, cause every time I’ve called summit about my order it says should ship within 1-3 business days from the manufacturer!!
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[chad64chevy]

So an update! Had to cancel my order bh13194 cause it got pushed to sept 20th! Ordered kit bh13193, which is a 3” exhaust kit! shows up at my house 4 days later missing parts, all the hardware: brackets, bolts, insulators, clamps, even instructions all missing! I got 8 exhaust pipe pieces, and 2 mufflers that’s it!
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[toddoky]

Originally Posted by chad64chevy

So an update! Had to cancel my order bh13194 cause it got pushed to sept 20th! Ordered kit bh13193, which is a 3” exhaust kit! shows up at my house 4 days later missing parts, all the hardware: brackets, bolts, insulators, clamps, even instructions all missing! I got 8 exhaust pipe pieces, and 2 mufflers that’s it!
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I’m sorry to hear of your experience receiving an incomplete system. A call to customer service should get things corrected for you.

[Davidf]

I received my Blackheart engine stands and cross member yesterday...this weekend, pull out the old tired 350 (71 lwb) hopefully dropping in the LM7/4L60E. A little worried that the truck oil pan won't clear, but some say it does. Fingers crossed.

[chad64chevy]

Originally Posted by toddoky

I’m sorry to hear of your experience receiving an incomplete system. A call to customer service should get things corrected for you.

Yes sir! Did that, been waiting for 2 days now to see if and when they plan on shipping all the hardware parts as option A or option B which is a whole other kit! Had plans with the exhaust shop Saturday to connect this kit with my speed engineering long tube headers! With postpone til I have everything on the truck, and reschedule an appointment with the exhaust shop
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[LS short box]

The bolts look like typical 3/8" header bolts. Some times the smaller hex bolts can make install easier in tight spots. I always use 5/16" grade 8 washers on all 3/8" bolts.
I do like the flange nuts if they are the lock type on the under side of the nut. Can't spell serrations?

[toddoky]

Thanks for providing your feedback. I don't know if those particular bolts are what is specified on the bill of material for those mounting brackets or not as I'm not responsible for their design. I will forward your observation to the individual who did design them though, so corrections can be made if needed.

Thanks

[Davidf]

I finally was able to install my LS into my '71 C10. But, the quality control of the Hooker engine stands needs some improvement. I discovered that one mount was close to the proper width to allow the F-body mount to fit between the ears (after all excess rubber is ground off steel tube. But the other mount had the ears welded 1/8" too close together. Solution was to grind down the engine mount 1/16" off both ends of the metal tube. Took way too much time to get the engine engaged into the mount.

The trans crossmember went together without issue. I had to clearance the frame for the power steering pump, but Trailblazer SS exhaust manifolds fit without issue. A/C compressor fits fine. Stock truck oil pan fits fine with about 1/4" clearance at drag link.

Engine is in...

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[toddoky]

Thanks for your report, any and all feedback is appreciated. Can you please tell me which side of the engine mounting brackets was the tighter side. Also, are you using the Holley poly inserts, or some other brand/type of inserts?

Thanks

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by toddoky

Thanks for your report, any and all feedback is appreciated. Can you please tell me which side of the engine mounting brackets was the tighter side. Also, are you using the Holley poly inserts, or some other brand/type of inserts?

Thanks

Right side was 1/8" too tight or different from left side. I am using the Anchor rubber 3064 clamshell mounts.

[toddoky]

Thanks for the clarification. If you are planning to enjoy aggressive throttle stabs with your truck following your swap, be prepared to have to swap out those rubber mounts rather quickly. I’ve seen them last as little a 3 months behind a mild 5.3L LS engine.

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by toddoky

Thanks for the clarification. If you are planning to enjoy aggressive throttle stabs with your truck following your swap, be prepared to have to swap out those rubber mounts rather quickly. I’ve seen them last as little a 3 months behind a mild 5.3L LS engine.

Uh oh, now I learn that after fighting the install for half a day. No, wont be aggressive but don't want to go back in a short time. Sort of like having to replace the drive shaft center support bearing due to inferior rubber each year...going to go single piece now that I have the opportunity.

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by toddoky

Thanks for the clarification. If you are planning to enjoy aggressive throttle stabs with your truck following your swap, be prepared to have to swap out those rubber mounts rather quickly. I’ve seen them last as little a 3 months behind a mild 5.3L LS engine.

No throttle stabs, but I did notice they quickly allowed the engine to settle a bit and cause contact between the oil pan and steering link rod. I went ahead and switched to the urethan mounts while I had the engine out for replacement.

[Davidf]

Also, I finally checked driveline angles and removing the spacer from the trans mount made the angles much better. I have a 71 long bed with 5.3L Vortec and 4L60E. Diff is a bit too up, but close. How do you change diff angle on these trucks?

[DLW]

Anyone able to verify or fit check if there is enough clearance with those LT headers for a rack and pinion shaft to fit through there?

[AliB]

Any update on the 63-67 long tube headers? I can't seem to find the part number on the website or will the one intended for 68-74 part#BH13285 will work with the 63-67 engine stands?

[72ironmike]

Originally Posted by AliB

Any update on the 63-67 long tube headers? I can't seem to find the part number on the website or will the one intended for 68-74 part#BH13285 will work with the 63-67 engine stands?

This guy has not been on the board for two months.

[AliB]

Originally Posted by AliB

Any update on the 63-67 long tube headers? I can't seem to find the part number on the website or will the one intended for 68-74 part#BH13285 will work with the 63-67 engine stands?

Any update on this item?

Originally Posted by 72ironmike

This guy has not been on the board for two months.

honestly, I don't blame him they must be overwhelmed with the current market. hopefully, we'll get an update soon.

[LS short box]

Some have changed the diff angle by replacing the stock truck arm cross member mounts with mounts that have a number holes for diff angle adjustments.

[Davidf]

Finally got the driveline angles sorted. Reminder: C10 longbed, stock ride height, single piece driveshaft, 5.3L LS, 4L60e, Blackheart engine stands and crossmember Installed 4 degree shims to lower/reduce (down) pinion angle. Reinstalled/used shim that came with the trans cross member. Engine and pinion angle are exactly equal. Driveshaft working angle is 0.9 degrees at both ends. Engine angle is about 3.3 degrees.

[72MARIO]

Well a little feed back. I have been chasing driveline vibration and just a uncomfortable ride for a few years. After watching the shifter rattling over bumps I decided time for rubber mounts. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The suburban drives like a dream now rides better even the exhaust sounds better. Save the poly engine mounts for a race vehicle. Absolutely terrible on the street.
The poly mount had started to melt slightly from the heat. I am using stock 2010 camaro manifolds with heat shields.

[Davidf]

Well, interesting. I have not driveline vibrations that I can contribute the Hooker's poly engine mounts. I started with rubber and could tell no difference when switching to poly. My only remaining vibration starts at about 65mph and is attributable to a worn out rear axle that will be rebuilt in the near future.