99 Denali to 5.3L swap questions

First off this is a great site, and I have read alot of good information already. I figured I would post and hopefully get some straight answers on what I am looking for because I think I am confusing myself with all the stuff I just read in the last hour or so.

Here is the deal, I have the chance to buy a very clean 1999 Yukon Denali for a very good price. The catch is the motor is blown, so I figure if it comes out a GEN IV mill is going in. I plan to install a takeout 5.3, as for the price I am seeing complete takeouts going for I cannot pass em up. I am very familiar with the LS series of engines (I have 2 98 Trans AMs and an 05 Grand Prix GXP), but am not the best when it comes to wiring. I know alot of you have done this for awhile so I am hoping I can get some help from the forums.

Here is a my list of WTF's :

What transmission is in the 99 Denali? I looked in All Data and it shows an option for both a 4L80 and 4L60.

I know at a minimum the trans will be a 4L60, will this mate up with the 5.3? What adapters, converter, and or flexplate would I need?

I plan to use this truck almost as a daily driver when complete so I dont put so many miles on the GXP. Anyone know how far off he factory exhaust is from workin with the swap and factory 5.3 manifolds?

How much of a PITA is it going to be to make all of the stuff in the truck such as gauges, heat/AC, power locks, cruise, anything like that work with this swap? Is it possible?

Does anyone just make a full harness that would work from the engine to the body harness? Most of the engines I am looking at come with a harness, so I am looking for someone I can maybe just send that into to have it converted so everything in the truck works.



Thanks for everyones time in advance. I do plan to do a complete step by step build when I start the project.

There was never a Denali made of any of the three bodies with a 4L80. The 99-00 will have the 4L60. As far as gauges, electrical, etc. it should be like any other GMT400 4WD swap, especially since the 99-00 Denali/Escalade is not AWD like the later ones but selectable 4WD.