Roger, I can appreciate your thought on this but I spent many hours making the brackets that I have on this to make it look 'Factory'. I installed a Corvette LT1 in this 38 Chevy pickup without modifying the sheet metal in any way. I had to cut down the existing Corvette brackets and mounts to compact everything to clear, something that don't want to go through again. The majority of lookers will never be able to tell that it was modified.
I did this for a friend of mine that wanted the factory 'look'. I even offed to purchase a Street & Performance set-up for him because of the difficulty of the fit and he didn't want it. I found the Billet Specialties flow control I am considering but will still have a 40 year old rack. I have heard of excellent results of using the Thunderbird rack with the GM pump without having to change the flow control. I can get a rebuilt rack for under $70 but want to know for sure what model most have had success with.
My friend had the truck that he had started on 15 years before I met him. I looked it over and we disassembled the complete drive train. I lowered the engine 3 inches, took out the 307 and turbo 400 and it now has the Corvette LT1 383 Stroker with a 4L60E sitting in place. We just recently rebuilt the transmission, removed the original rear end and suspension and installed a later model GM leaf spring with 373 posi. I am extremely proud of everything on the truck. It is a very clean install.
I am getting ready for the first start-up after I get all the exhaust parts in and get it fabricated up. I am hoping to eliminate any problems associated with twitchy steering before I start installing the cab on the truck and paint it.
It has been a while since I have been on the CHR forum. Just about every time I try I get a message that I don't have permissions. I was very much surprised that I was able to get on after the third try today. So far, So good.