Newby with tons of info on hand! (I think)

I have a 1989 Chevy 1500 that I plan to LS swap within the next year or so based on how much time I have and finding the parts I need to do the swap. I have been lurking here learning all kinds of great info… Thanks! Just to make sure I am on the right page before I get too far out here:

Engine- So several guys on craigslist around here have ls swap’s listed of trucks that are crashed out they selling the swap out of. I called the guy up and everything he sells is 2003-2007, he said the 2003-2007 doesn’t have the LS “cold start tap” that the early LS engines had? I’ve tried to search what’s what on LS engines… and there are TONS of different models. Give me the “most common” truck models that are “better than others” and let me go! For instance is it worth it to try and find a L33 at a salvage yard that the guy doesn’t know what he has, or .?.?. Not looking for anything crazy, I’m going from a worn out 305 to modern power.

Trans- I want to use the LS engine trans. I “assume” the harness I get will control the 4L60E. I also “assume” the 4L60 will more or less bolt into my stock transmission crossmember. And I read some place my stock drive shaft is a 27 spline yoke that will slip right in (not sure on length of my stock drive shaft if that will have to be shortened or lengthened) input?

Motor Mounts- pretty much nailed down the DirtyDingo mounts to be my best option here http://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/produ...oducts_id=1314 Keep the LS engine in the factory position

Wiring- I “can” do my own rework harness from: http://lt1swap.com/2004vortec_pcm.htm or find someone to rework the harness for me. (companies out there that do that, or find a “guy” from this forum or some place that is willing to do that. Also a couple threads for in cab gauges http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/lsx-t...er-wiring.html http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/lsx-t...-help-you.html

AC- I believe that the AC system on my 89 truck is a standalone system. Not computer controlled? I want to run my old AC compressor from the truck. This is using the R4 compressor. Option 1: From what I can tell Holley makes a good setup for this https://www.holley.com/products/acce...y/parts/20-133 They have 3 options of brackets! (would have to wait until I actually get my LS engine before I could purchase this) Option 2: LS Brackets http://lsbrackets.com/category/ac-brackets/ unclear on different pulley setups, but seems from their info their kits are designed to work on truck LS engines. Option 3: DirtyDingo http://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/produ...oducts_id=1378 which also seems to be designed to work on the truck pulley drive system. Anyone have input on these 3 options?

Fuel system- Corvette fuel rail return/filter deal. Tons of rail pumps out there. Not really concerned about fuel at this stage.

Exhaust- Seems some guys run the Schoenfeld Headers and some guys run the stock manifolds, any advantage to the after markets over stock? (yea I know a little performance, but I’m going from a worn out 305 to modern day power, I’m not concerned over 2hp more) http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sc...00?prefilter=1

What am I missing? THNAKS GUYS!!! :hyper2:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by super10brss

I have a 1989 Chevy 1500 that I plan to LS swap within the next year or so based on how much time I have and finding the parts I need to do the swap. I have been lurking here learning all kinds of great info… Thanks! Just to make sure I am on the right page before I get too far out here:

Engine- So several guys on craigslist around here have ls swap’s listed of trucks that are crashed out they selling the swap out of. I called the guy up and everything he sells is 2003-2007, he said the 2003-2007 doesn’t have the LS “cold start tap” that the early LS engines had? I’ve tried to search what’s what on LS engines… and there are TONS of different models. Give me the “most common” truck models that are “better than others” and let me go! For instance is it worth it to try and find a L33 at a salvage yard that the guy doesn’t know what he has, or .?.?. Not looking for anything crazy, I’m going from a worn out 305 to modern power.

Trans- I want to use the LS engine trans. I “assume” the harness I get will control the 4L60E. I also “assume” the 4L60 will more or less bolt into my stock transmission crossmember. And I read some place my stock drive shaft is a 27 spline yoke that will slip right in (not sure on length of my stock drive shaft if that will have to be shortened or lengthened) input?

Motor Mounts- pretty much nailed down the DirtyDingo mounts to be my best option here http://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/produ...oducts_id=1314 Keep the LS engine in the factory position

Wiring- I “can” do my own rework harness from: http://lt1swap.com/2004vortec_pcm.htm or find someone to rework the harness for me. (companies out there that do that, or find a “guy” from this forum or some place that is willing to do that. Also a couple threads for in cab gauges http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/lsx-t...er-wiring.html http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/lsx-t...-help-you.html

AC- I believe that the AC system on my 89 truck is a standalone system. Not computer controlled? I want to run my old AC compressor from the truck. This is using the R4 compressor. Option 1: From what I can tell Holley makes a good setup for this https://www.holley.com/products/acce...y/parts/20-133 They have 3 options of brackets! (would have to wait until I actually get my LS engine before I could purchase this) Option 2: LS Brackets http://lsbrackets.com/category/ac-brackets/ unclear on different pulley setups, but seems from their info their kits are designed to work on truck LS engines. Option 3: DirtyDingo http://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/produ...oducts_id=1378 which also seems to be designed to work on the truck pulley drive system. Anyone have input on these 3 options?

Fuel system- Corvette fuel rail return/filter deal. Tons of rail pumps out there. Not really concerned about fuel at this stage.

Exhaust- Seems some guys run the Schoenfeld Headers and some guys run the stock manifolds, any advantage to the after markets over stock? (yea I know a little performance, but I’m going from a worn out 305 to modern day power, I’m not concerned over 2hp more) http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sc...00?prefilter=1

What am I missing? THNAKS GUYS!!! :hyper2:

---

Sounds like your on track. I recommend using Brphotrods for the headers, mounts etc.. and make it easy on yourself. I have the schoenfeld headers and they are ok for the price but the Hedman headers blow them away. I have the 2" and also the 1-7/8" to test on my new 416 build. As far as the motor and trans contact Lynn Hopkins at performance auto salvage. You'll get a decent motor that is test run before you purchase. A great guy to deal with.

NITROUS thanks for the reply. The parts you listed look top-notch! I'm leaning a little more on the "budget" side of things if I can. The truck I have was the first vehicle I ever owned. That being said she is no show queen.... And it's really not "worth allot"... but there is not enough money on this world (there is... but you know) to buy it.... I'm just looking at a basic repower and the truck LSX motor should fit the bill.

503 page views and 1 reply :rolly:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/...brss1/blue.jpg

Thanks for the reply NITROUS! The parts you posted look top-notch. Honestly I am trying to stay a little more on a "budget" since my truck is no show queen. Actually my first vehicle I ever owned. It has been through 20+ years of some good abuse. I tried to post a reply and pic of the jewel yesterday, but since I am so new to this forum I guess the post got kicked out... Maybe that's why this thread has 530 views and 1 reply.?.?.?.

Try this again: Maybe get some more replies with a little visual stimulus http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/...brss1/blue.jpg