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

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by toddoky

I appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback. I'm going to have someone look into the specific hardware as I don't believe that is what is called for on the BOM for those brackets. Update: I've confirmed that the type of bolts packaged with the kit you received are not what was intended to be used by Holley engineering and the supplier has been notified that a correction is needed on future production runs.

My engine stand kit came with the same bolts. Will source 3/8-16x1 grade 8 replacements and use washers. I think it would dangerous to use the bolts as supplied.

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

Hey Todd,

Just a little product feedback. I got my BHS511 motor mounts and 71222024HKR Crossmember today. Everything fits great. The only thing strange is the bolts provided for the motor mounts have a very small head. I'm not using them anyway but they are definitely not appropriate for the job. I do appreciate the flange nut and bolt, but the flange on the 3/8-16 x 1 bolts is too small.

Meant to quote this post...

Also, forgot to mention, one bolt was smaller than all the rest (5/16")

[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...

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[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[chad64chevy]

On the 3” exhaust! What is the offset on the h pipe piece? I Have the blackheart kit but thinking when I switch from a 4l60 to a 4l80 that the h pipe will be in the way of the transmission crossmember! Truck is at the shop and won’t have it back til the end of the month, I’m thinking that I need to replace the whole h pipe section
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[toddoky]

If you are using the Hooker Blackheart engine mounting brackets and transmission crossmember, you won’t have any issues making the change to a 4L80 transmission. The exhaust crossover tube will sit about 1/2” behind the transmission crossmember in that installation. Post #42 in this thread depicts that fairly clearly.

[chad64chevy]

Originally Posted by toddoky

If you are using the Hooker Blackheart engine mounting brackets and transmission crossmember, you won’t have any issues making the change to a 4L80 transmission. The exhaust crossover tube will sit about 1/2” behind the transmission crossmember in that installation. Post #42 in this thread depicts that fairly clearly.

I understand that but, what is the offset from when it go from the actual h pipe and kicks up to go through the trailering arm crossmember? I’m wanting to make it easier to remove this section by adding v bands at the header collector and also right before it go through the trailering arm crossmember!! I’ve also already had to replace the vr304 mufflers that came with the kit cause of blowing out the packing in them!! These were replaced with borla s type mufflers! Also would you guys be willing to sale the h pipe section offset without the holes cut into them? So it would just be 2 pieces of pipe with the offset in them that I could modify for my end purposes ??
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[toddoky]

Originally Posted by chad64chevy

I understand that but, what is the offset from when it go from the actual h pipe and kicks up to go through the trailering arm crossmember? I’m wanting to make it easier to remove this section by adding v bands at the header collector and also right before it go through the trailering arm crossmember!! I’ve also already had to replace the vr304 mufflers that came with the kit cause of blowing out the packing in them!! These were replaced with borla s type mufflers! Also would you guys be willing to sale the h pipe section offset without the holes cut into them? So it would just be 2 pieces of pipe with the offset in them that I could modify for my end purposes ??
Posted via Mobile Device

Unfortunately, I don’t have the means to provide you with the discrete measurement you’re looking for as there are no project trucks in or around the lab at this point in time that would enable me to do so. There is no provision in our system to permit selling individual system components.

[toddoky]

Hey guys, just dropping in to make a final post in this thread. I am no longer working for Holley and so will no longer be updating this thread, or any other I have posted in the past. I am a GM truck guy myself, so I will remain an active member here.
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[EddyC]

For those who have installed the kit, does the taller extension pipe between the H pipe and muffler go on the driver or passenger side? The instructions say there is a notch on the drivers side extension, but I don't see it.

Thanks!
Eddy