70s Propane/Turbo conversion?

[Grit dog]

Just saw a very unique truck for sale. (Also very clean…) it’s a 76 K10. Very original looking. Owner claims the LP conversion and turbo was done when the truck was new.
Anyone seen this before? Any idea what kind of power it makes?
Looks very interesting.

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[TotalyHucked]

Woah! That's cool!

 

[Grit dog]

Yeah and it looks VERY clean. Can’t tell by the add, I think the paint may be shiny because it’s wet, but it has been repainted and the original trim has been shaved.
But whoever had it repainted, was a while ago although they spent some $ on the paint. From filling all the trim holes to painted pinstripes. It wasn’t a backwoods Rustoleum rebuild.
Other than the deep dish steelies and the 80s trim it looks 100% original and has all the right pics showing zero rust.
To say I’m interested is an understatement.
I mean who has a 76K10 LP turbo? Lol
Asking price is not a steal but not a “I know what I got” price either although imo the LP conversion isn’t adding to the value, but if it all works good and actually has some power?

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The Gramper has to go although would make a good period correct piece for the 86….but looks like the LP tank is a bit too tall to hide with a tonneau cover.

 

[Grit dog]

Unlike most things I’ve found zero on the inner webs about this conversion and turbo thingy.
Waiting for some of the old salt here to show up with their squarebody wisdom.

 

[Shorty81]

I'm salty....seen my share of LP trucks through the years but never seen or heard of this setup.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Man, that thing is nice! I'd love to pick that up, I'd leave the Gramper and all. Am definitely curious to see if anyone knows anything, I've seen a few LP conversions too but never with a hair drier

 

[Grit dog]

Man, that thing is nice! I'd love to pick that up, I'd leave the Gramper and all. Am definitely curious to see if anyone knows anything, I've seen a few LP conversions too but never with a hair drier

Right? My thoughts exactly. LP convo is nothing new but the spinny thing…
I want to go look at this one. Only an hour away.
Hell I’ll buy it for ya if you want (if it’s good).
It won’t get a garage slot though. Just jockeyed **** around so I can get everything indoors except the kid’s crash wagon.

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[85K304SPD]

I've never seen that combo either. Is that a 6 cylinder of a small block?

 

[Grit dog]

I've never seen that combo either. Is that a 6 cylinder of a small block?

Says 350 engine. But with you mentioning that I did see a search hit about this type of combo on a straight 6. But it went to some jibberish link.

 

[bucket]

I've read in the past about a company that sold turbo kits back in the late 70's and early 80's, but the name of the company escapes me.

 

[1STLS1]

Neat truck, no doubt. Having done a ton of work on numerous propane powered items, I just can't think of a simple solution to increase the amount of fuel when boosted. I suspect the boost made is minimal
A negotiation point is going to be the propane tank in the bed and if it's still certified, they are not supposed to filled them when out of date.

 

[Turbo4whl]

I've read in the past about a company that sold turbo kits back in the late 70's and early 80's, but the name of the company escapes me.

Shelby Spearco:

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Ack Miller Turbocharges also sold kits.

B&M had a small block Chevy kit. That one worked different than most others. It came with an intake manifold that had a flapper valve inside. Cruising, the flapper valve directed the air fuel mix right from the carb to the engine. When you mashed the throttle the valve shifted the air/fuel flow through the turbo, then back into the engine. A buddy of mine had one, it didn't work as well as my Spearco kit.

A negotiation point is going to be the propane tank in the bed and if it's still certified, they are not supposed to filled them when out of date.

Yes this is correct.

Unlike most things I’ve found zero on the inner webs about this conversion and turbo thingy.
Waiting for some of the old salt here to show up with their squarebody wisdom.

Old salt, that would be me. I think you should buy it, snails are neat! Free horsepower.

 

[Grit dog]

@Turbo4whl yeah I know. It’s a neat truck.
Well you nailed it. It’s probably some variation of one of those kits. Plumbing looks different due to the LP setup

 

[Grit dog]

Neat truck, no doubt. Having done a ton of work on numerous propane powered items, I just can't think of a simple solution to increase the amount of fuel when boosted. I suspect the boost made is minimal
A negotiation point is going to be the propane tank in the bed and if it's still certified, they are not supposed to filled them when out of date.

Yeah good point. I can’t imagine it being any sort of long term solution but I’d want to run it for a while if it runs good just because it would be the only thing like it.

 

[bucket]

Shelby Spearco:

You must be registered for see images attach

Ack Miller Turbocharges also sold kits.

B&M had a small block Chevy kit. That one worked different than most others. It came with an intake manifold that had a flapper valve inside. Cruising, the flapper valve directed the air fuel mix right from the carb to the engine. When you mashed the throttle the valve shifted the air/fuel flow through the turbo, then back into the engine. A buddy of mine had one, it didn't work as well as my Spearco kit.



Yes this is correct.



Old salt, that would be me. I think you should buy it, snails are neat! Free horsepower.

Oddly, none of those were the name I was thinking of. It will come to me at some point. Eventually, lol.