5.3 swap into 86 k10

[screamin86]

Wanting to start to find info on doing this swap! I will want to keep my dual tanks functional and keep the th350 along with ac. I plan to modify my headers i have now to work and from what i understand i can buy an adapter and use me curent trans and tq converter. If and when i do the swap ill throw in my 2800 converter that ive got. My biggest concerns are wiring and fuel setup.also how to go about with the accesorys.

[pcmcobra]

wiring= speartech or nelson
fuel, I wen with single tank, intank walbor, vette regulator, -6 line returnless fuel rails, I have another filter, just been too lazy to install it right now...I went with carshopinc motor plates and s&p headers, my 6.0 has been running great.

[screamin86]

got any pictures? were the headers drop in? im thinking about modding the ones i have now for the gen1 by cutting the primarys and welding some new bends were needed and a new flange. mine is 4x4 and most of the wiring for the le9 is already gone the po ditched all the smog and stuff for the ccqjet which i replaced with a edelbrock. i would like to keep ac or try to make some of my factory accesorys work if at all possible. ill be getting the 5.3 in a few weeks ill need a intake tb harness and a cam. heads have ls6 springs in them now so id like something that would work with them. since it is 4x4 that is the only thing im worried about with the swap since most of the swaps that i see are done with a 2wd. at first i wanted to run both tanks but i figure it will be a pita to try to keep both. would it be possible to swap in a nbs tank? 15gal in a fullsize aint much. i know with the thirdgen f-bodys you can swap in a 4thgen tank and then everything will just plug in which will be really nice when i do that swap into the 86 ta what will i need to do about my gauges? right now im running a aftermaret tach and oil psi gauge but evrything else is stock.

[pcmcobra]

not sure about 4x4. My headers were drop in...
Gauges...I went with a 91 burb w/ electric speedo, everything works fine. easy and cheap. Good luck, will be fun!

[glock35ipsc]

I'm gather parts and info to do this swap in my 85 and will be keeping the dual tanks. I drive too far to only go 16 gallons at a time too.

It's easy to do, just not the cheapest route:

* Use Walbro 255 or AC Delco EP241 in-tank pumps. $69 for the AC Delco pump at Rockauto.com

* A Pollak high psi tank selector valve, this is a direct replacement (JC Whitney p/n ZX812705U) $83

* Fuel selector switch from an 87 (AC Delco p/n D7089C) $11.50 at rockauto.com

* Corvette filter/regulator if running a returnless/1 line system (WIX p/n 33737) $34 at rockauto.com

If you don't already have in-tank pumps, you'll need new sending units:

* Dorman p/n 692027 for the driver side, $94 at rockauto.com
*Dorman p/n 692044 for the passenger side, $101 at rockauto.com

To make the connections at the filter/regulator:

* 3/8" female connector (Dorman p/n 800121) $6.30 at rockauto.com

* 5/16" female connector (Dorman p/n 800120) $6.30 at rockauto.com

* 3/8" x 12" double ended male connector (Dorman p/n 800155) $8.20 at rockauto.com

And be sure to use a good quality high psi fuel pressure hose for connections, not regular fuel line. And use stainless fuel hose clamps that look like these:


For the trans adapter, use GM p/n 12563532. $40-$50 depending on where you go.

For the A/C, if you keep the compressor that is on the Vortec (recommended), you will need a hose block, p/n aa0336. $32 at acsource.com

Then take the truck to a place that can custom build the AC hoses (NAPA and other places here do them for a reasonable price)

Oh, hi pcmcobra!!!

[screamin86]

Thanks for the great info! Ill have to start gathering parts then lol. Since my original motor still runs fine ill just drive the wheels off it till i get all the parts together for the swap. I dont really drive far just alot and refilling over and over so fast gets old. The 5.3 im getting has no intake and accesorys on at so ill need all of those too.

[glock35ipsc]

I'm in the planning and gathering stage right now too! I want to be able to drive my truck while the weather is nice out, then when the snow starts flying, I will pull it apart and do the swap.

[screamin86]

I will prob not be able to start the swap untill next spring/summer mainly because ill be driving it durring the winter and letting the wifey drive the yukon since i dont trust her g6 in snow and ice.