* * * 5.3 swap with 4L60e and other questions ... * * *

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04-02-2013, 08:39 AM
droopyzda1

* * * 5.3 swap with 4L60e and other questions ... * * *

Hello guys. I am a newbie at this this site. I had a 2000 Silverado extended cab I sold a couple months back and loved the 5.3 I had in it. Had it for 4 years and no issues. Hence this swap I am now doing to my 1994 C1500 W/T. This is my engine first swap. I am mechanically inclined and I recently pulled out the broken 4.3 with 4L60e trans that was in. I was told the trans was rebuilt a couple years back so I would like to reuse it without spending any extra cash. I purchased a bare 2002 5.3 DBC with basically the block, heads, intake and wire harness that had been partially cut. The person selling it got it from LKQ for their truck but sold the truck before they can put 5.3 in. I got this and other parts off craigslist, so I call this my craigslist budget build. Throughout the pass couple weeks, I have gotten a 5.3 flywheel with the concaved center (kind of curved in the center) where the bolt go, a 2002 PCM, 2004 full factory truck intake box and hoses, ls1 intake manifold (may hold off till later) and few other things from the internet like dirty dingo mounts. I swapped the frame mounts to V8 mounts already and it was not that hard as long as U have someone else assisting. This is going to be a simple driver on the weekends, nothing to be raced. I have a few questions that I see different answers, so here they are:

Can I use my 1994 4L60e with this motor? Will a shift kit help with extra power of the 5.3?

I read up on some people saying to swap out the inside trans harness to that of one of 1996 and later. Or when I have the PCM reflashed, can I tell the one doing, it to disable the PWM for the older 4L60e trans.

I am looking for an inexpensive way to mount the old 4.3 a/c compressor. Is it possible to use the old 4.3 a/c bracket on the 5.3 with some modification?

Can the power steering pump off the 4.3 bolt on the 5.3 alternator / p/s bracket?

Is it recommended to change the rear main seal on the 5.3 since I have it on the engine stand?

I am planning on getting an LS wire harness ready for the 4 wire hook up, or if that does not go thru I will be doing the harness myself (I am soldering inclined).

In getting the 4 wire harness, the EGR and rear O2 sensor wires are deleted. I live in Miami which doesn't require emmisions testing, but I do not want to be killing myself with all those unfiltered exhaust fumes. Can I simply put on a couple aftermarket cats to filter that out? Will they last even thought the O2's will be deleted?

Can I used the 5.3 flywheel that is concaved ( kind of curved in the center) as is or will I need a spacer for the 5.3 to meet with the 4L60e?

Thanks and I know I am missing something
04-02-2013, 01:11 PM
blacstar

Quote:

Originally Posted by droopyzda1

Hello guys. I am a newbie at this this site. I had a 2000 Silverado extended cab I sold a couple months back and loved the 5.3 I had in it. Had it for 4 years and no issues. Hence this swap I am now doing to my 1994 C1500 W/T. This is my engine first swap. I am mechanically inclined and I recently pulled out the broken 4.3 with 4L60e trans that was in. I was told the trans was rebuilt a couple years back so I would like to reuse it without spending any extra cash. I purchased a bare 2002 5.3 DBC with basically the block, heads, intake and wire harness that had been partially cut. The person selling it got it from LKQ for their truck but sold the truck before they can put 5.3 in. I got this and other parts off craigslist, so I call this my craigslist budget build. Throughout the pass couple weeks, I have gotten a 5.3 flywheel with the concaved center (kind of curved in the center) where the bolt go, a 2002 PCM, 2004 full factory truck intake box and hoses, ls1 intake manifold (may hold off till later) and few other things from the internet like dirty dingo mounts. I swapped the frame mounts to V8 mounts already and it was not that hard as long as U have someone else assisting. This is going to be a simple driver on the weekends, nothing to be raced. I have a few questions that I see different answers, so here they are:

Can I use my 1994 4L60e with this motor? Will a shift kit help with extra power of the 5.3?

I read up on some people saying to swap out the inside trans harness to that of one of 1996 and later. Or when I have the PCM reflashed, can I tell the one doing, it to disable the PWM for the older 4L60e trans.

I am looking for an inexpensive way to mount the old 4.3 a/c compressor. Is it possible to use the old 4.3 a/c bracket on the 5.3 with some modification?

Can the power steering pump off the 4.3 bolt on the 5.3 alternator / p/s bracket?

Is it recommended to change the rear main seal on the 5.3 since I have it on the engine stand?

I am planning on getting an LS wire harness ready for the 4 wire hook up, or if that does not go thru I will be doing the harness myself (I am soldering inclined).

In getting the 4 wire harness, the EGR and rear O2 sensor wires are deleted. I live in Miami which doesn't require emmisions testing, but I do not want to be killing myself with all those unfiltered exhaust fumes. Can I simply put on a couple aftermarket cats to filter that out? Will they last even thought the O2's will be deleted?

Can I used the 5.3 flywheel that is concaved ( kind of curved in the center) as is or will I need a spacer for the 5.3 to meet with the 4L60e?

Thanks and I know I am missing something

there is a sticky on the first page, specifically for this swap, that will answer all of your questions
04-02-2013, 05:21 PM
Mickeymotormount

I would check the sticky as suggested above. I will answer what I can.

Chances are you can use your current trans but I would investigate the changing of the interior trans harness to work with the new PCM. You may just be able to rework the exterior harness to accomodate the interior trans harness.

I would think the trans would hold up provided that your not going to be drag racing or beating on it. If it's babied, it may hold up. I'm crossing my fingers on this one since I have been babying my 4L60E backed 6.0. So far, so good. Occasional light trailering and scrap metal runs. 6000 miles and counting.

If you have this compressor mounting bracket, check this link. It worked for me.
http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/vi...p?f=34&t=79059

The power steering pump may work. I actually used a 4.3 pump on my 6.0. It came out of a 2000 or '01 truck with 4.3. In order to access the bolts behind the pulley, I burned 2 holes 180 degrees apart in the pulley to use a socket to remove the bolts since I didn't have the proper pulley puller.

I would change the rear main seal. I did mine since my engine had 140,000 on it when I installed it.

Check this link out: It may answer some questions about the flex plate and spacer:

http://www.hotrodlane.cc/PDFFILES/Lisa%20Tahoe.pdf

Here's a pic of the crank flange that DOES NOT require the spacer.

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/r...ersion/020.jpg
04-07-2013, 05:50 PM
droopyzda1

Thanks mickeymotormount. I have looked online for some of these answers and everyone had different answers. Thank's for clarifying some of them.

Here are some pics .......

ON THE WAY TO ITS NEW HOME:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...pse6165577.jpg

PARKED AT HOME:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5bccfc91.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...psf6d169e3.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps11b20026.jpg

FUTURE WHEELS I HAVE SITTING IN THE GARAGE FOR IT:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...psfcb08dbf.jpg

PULLED THE MOTOR & TRANS:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3ba4e501.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7626631e.jpg

THE NEW V8 MOUNTS:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0d36f3e0.jpg

THE NEW MOTOR:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...pse79d052a.jpg

THE BACK OF THE ENGINE:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...psb4f93c18.jpg

THE WAY IT LOOKS AS OF 4/6/13:

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4227a458.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...psf3955b84.jpg
04-07-2013, 07:53 PM
Mickeymotormount

Sorry for the lack of the recent crank pic. I was doing some cleaning in my Photobucket and forgot that any moving of pics affects posted pics in forums. I did place it back in my last post.

As for your new vehicle, I like it. It's a clean looking truck. I'm sure she's gonna run good when that 5.3 is between the fender wells.
04-08-2013, 10:52 AM
blacstar

what size spacer are you gonna run for the ss wheels?
04-08-2013, 04:36 PM
droopyzda1

Doing more research on it. But from what I have read about, 1-1.25" adapters will work.
04-10-2013, 12:50 AM
chevy_addicted

Nice truck
07-13-2013, 01:05 AM
droopyzda1

My 4.3 alternator does not line up with mounting holes on the 5.3 accessory bracket. Could I use one off a 95 and later 350 engine set up or the one off the 5.3?
07-13-2013, 06:35 AM
Mickeymotormount

Just use the one off the 5.3, if you have it. The brown wire that went to your original alternator can be used and plugged into the "B" terminal of the alternator plug. This should work since this is what I did for my '93.
http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/r...s/scan0286.jpg
07-13-2013, 07:13 AM
jeast

When i did my swap, the tranny shop recomended i install a shift improvement kit and use the v6 torque converter (higher stall than the v8 torque but same strength). Ive been running for a couple summers now and everything is holding up fine. Time for more power now though, turbo build this winter lol. ;)
09-13-2013, 11:06 PM
droopyzda1

As far as the 5.3 truck intake, does anyone know or have diagrams as to where the vacuum lines connect to? Again, my swap is an '02 5.3 DBC into a '94 obs.
09-14-2013, 05:45 AM
kewljay223

what vac lines are you reffering to? afaik, there is just the one on the back for the brakes.... which im pretty sure is blocked off due to the hydroboost... but if your running vac for brakes, then all you need is the nipple to replace the plug and run your stock hose from booster to the back...
09-14-2013, 07:00 AM
droopyzda1

That is what I am referring to. Where can I find that adapter or nipple (LOL) ??
09-14-2013, 08:41 AM
HRV-LS1

You can't use your 94 4l60e trans. It needs to be 95 and newer, because the 94 doesn't have enough pins in the trans. socket connector. Got to be 95 and newer.
09-14-2013, 09:54 AM
droopyzda1

I ready resolved that prob. Internal harness upgraded to '95 & up one with the extra pin.
09-14-2013, 09:56 AM
droopyzda1

Quote:

Originally Posted by kewljay223

what vac lines are you reffering to? afaik, there is just the one on the back for the brakes.... which im pretty sure is blocked off due to the hydroboost... but if your running vac for brakes, then all you need is the nipple to replace the plug and run your stock hose from booster to the back...

I just took care of that issue this morning. Going to double check my grounds today and cross my fingers
10-04-2013, 06:28 PM
droopyzda1

hey guys. I finally got her up and running. I am down now to the transmission. I need to look up the TCC switch from the LS PCM on to the OBS. How would I accomplish that? I have set the ls harness as stand alone. I have a purple wire that is suppose to go to the tcc switch. Is there a wire in the engine bay from the obs that I can simply tap into? Or run inside the cab and connect it to the brake switch?
10-04-2013, 07:23 PM
kewljay223

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...004_162153.jpg

driver side upper connector. test to make sure by having someone hit the brakes while your out there with a meter.
10-04-2013, 08:24 PM
droopyzda1

Got it thx !! She goes forward and reverse now !! Lol. Trying to finish the e fans tonight, add coolant and its ready to smoke the tires !!
10-09-2013, 11:57 PM
droopyzda1

I had the truck running and looking for leaks and I saw the brake booster hose. It collapsed (see pic). I have this connected to the rear of the intake manifold. I did use a regular fuel injection house laying around. Should I use a plastic one instead? Or did I hooked it up wrong?

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/...ps93ce797e.jpg
10-10-2013, 09:07 PM
kewljay223

LOL!!! thats hilarious. i must say ive never seen that before! OBVIOUSLY you need something stronger. just use some kind of hose that has the "threading" in between the inner and outer layers..... i.e. heater/coolant,oil,fuel etc... That is a VACCUME hose so it needs to be strong enough to resist the suction.
10-10-2013, 09:54 PM
droopyzda1

OK cool. Will get the right hose, thanks for the heads up
02-17-2014, 06:27 AM
droopyzda1

Sorry I have not posted recently. It was a rough few months for me and my family after my mom was not able to be treated any more from ovarian cancer and was set home with hospice care. She passed away peacefully a few days after Christmas.

I am back on this project and it is helping me cope with my big loss. As far as my older 4L60e not shifting out of 2nd or 3rd gear, I found out it was stuck on limp mode. I change both 1-2, 3-4 solenoids and found out 3rd and 4th clutches were shot after the previous owner told me the trans was fine. I should have suspected the worse when I bought it not running. But then again I paid only $260 for it so its all a learning experience thus far. I found an '03 Silverado 4L60e that a guy was in need to sell after he did his 6.0 4L80e swap and after advertising it on craigslist for $300 I snatched it up for $150. Trans fluid was clean and no clutch material in the pan. I changed the rear seal and front seal by the pump and changed the rotor with the 13 or so keys and installed a corvette servo while I was at it and changed the VSS plug as well. I dropped the old trans and was installing the '03 when I forgot to seat the torque converter properly. Thank goodness I did not tight the bell housing bolts or I would have to open the trans and replaced the rotor again !! I mounted the trans bolted everything up and started the truck. It felt like the engine had a load on it cause it shut off a couple times on me. I had the wheels chocked and I could feel the truck wanting to move forward while the gear indicator said it was in park. I did delete the PRNDL switch from the trans cause I have a mechanical shift indicator. Well for some reason, the shift pattern is reversed !! Park is now in D1 and park was in L1 !! I had to shift it to R for Drive. Trans runs great and goes thru all the gears nicely. Maybe I have the shift linkage on wrong ? Also I had Brendan from LT1swap.com do my tune. He simply removed the vats and had tuned it so I could run my older 4L60e which did not have PWM. Would I have to send it back to him to add it back on ??
02-22-2014, 10:06 AM
Dobok

Sorry to hear about your loss !! Our condolences !!!More pictures when you get a chance !!!
02-22-2014, 04:04 PM
droopyzda1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobok

Sorry to hear about your loss !! Our condolences !!!More pictures when you get a chance !!!

Thanks. Will post some pics this weekend. Also, My alternator seems to be running hot. Within a few minutes of it running, the 5.3 alternator gets hot. I have one thick wire from the battery to the back of the it and one wire coming out of the plug of the alternator that I have plugged to the cluster voltmeter . It's putting out 13.8 volts and about the same when I put on a load like the headlights and what not.

How about wiring the R4 a/c compressor? I was going to plug the compressor with the LS harness and plug up the accumulator and I believe cut off switch ( behind the compressor on the a/c line) from the obs harness. Please fill me in, thanks !!