5.3L GenIII Jeep CJ swap questions

[Jeepcat]

Hello everyone!!! I am in the process of putting an '03 5.3L in a '83 Jeep CJ7 and have a few questions. I hope you can help me out as I haven't had much success on the Jeep forums yet.

I have most of the engine wired up (Howell harness) but I'm not sure what to do about the water temp and oil pressure sending units. I want to keep my existing gauges. What have you guys seen/done?

Also, what aftermarket aircleaners are you using? I don't really want to try fitting the factory Chevy air box under a Jeep hood. There's not much room.

If there are any other bits of information you would like to pass on I would appreciate it.

Thanks in Advance!!!

[RedHeartbeat]

I bought adapter fittings from Street and Performance for the water temp fitting, so I can use the stock unit in the passenger side head (mine is actually in the driver side head). For oil pressure, tap the block that is just above the oil filter, its bolted to the oil pan. For air filter, whatever you can dream up. I have a 4" to 3.5" silicone elbow going to 3.5" aluminum pipe and then to a K&N filter from PepBoys.

[Jeepcat]

Thanks for the information. I'll check out S&P.

[RY_1998Z1]

Jeepcat,

I'm a bit of a noob, but doing a swap myself. I've been doing a lot of research, and there is LOTS of info here!!! Gauges should be easy in that you should be able to swap your Jeep senders as appropriate. As far as air cleaners, sky seems to be the limit from simple K&N cones on through custom made intake tubes and boxes. Look around for awhile and you'll see.

Good luck!

[LeeV]

Hello everyone!!! I am in the process of putting an '03 5.3L in a '83 Jeep CJ7 and have a few questions. I hope you can help me out as I haven't had much success on the Jeep forums yet.

I have most of the engine wired up (Howell harness) but I'm not sure what to do about the water temp and oil pressure sending units. I want to keep my existing gauges. What have you guys seen/done?

Also, what aftermarket aircleaners are you using? I don't really want to try fitting the factory Chevy air box under a Jeep hood. There's not much room.

If there are any other bits of information you would like to pass on I would appreciate it.

Thanks in Advance!!!

I've pulled my 4.2l out of my 88 Wrangler, and am preparing to drop in the 6.0 Vortec I have. There is a ton of info out there; try looking on:
Pirate4x4.com - The largest off roading website in the world. They aren't always friendly if you ask questions w/o researching first, but they know everything there is to know! Good luck!