My 5.3L into an 85 GMC swb 2wd swap

[glock35ipsc]

Thanks Stunna.

I just picked up a stock clutch fan about 5 minutes ago, and it looks like it will fit the 85 shroud, and I an running the 85's radiator too.

The manifolds are the stock truck manifolds, just without the heat shields on. I am going to have them ceramic coated. I did have to notch the frame on the passenger side to clear one ear. I did it in a nice flowing cut so there wouldn't be any place for a crack to form. It looks like a huge notch in pictures, but it really isn't that big. The smaller notch you see behind the bigger one is a factory notch that is already there.

I could have actually taken out less material, but I wanted to account for any movement in the motor mounts and torque too. And it would have been a pain to get back there to remove more after everything was installed if I had needed to.





I've shortened many 67-72 lwb frame to swb specs, so I have no problems cutting into a frame. You could always reinforce that area around the cut to give your mind a little more reassurance.

[PunishedC10]

do you have the 2 piece fan shroud or the one piece? i have the bigger radiator with the thick plastic one- piece shroud. Looks like you have the two piece looking at the shroud/radiator mounts you have. It looks as if it's all coming together really nice. I'm going to read through your threads and and take some notes. Did you change the oil pan to a F-Body? I heard there may be a need to but key word is 'heard' lol

[jerseymike68]

Thank you!

[glock35ipsc]

love the engine paint scheme. nice. i did mine all black with red. but im digging th metal and red color.

Thanks! I'm kind of bummed that you can't see more of the red now that it's installed, but the whole combo looks really good in there.

Thank you!

For what?

[bigblue85]

hi i have a 85 chevy 4x4 just starting the 5.3 swap with the 4l60 had a couple questions would i be able to use an inline fuel pump instead of replacing the sending units an putting pumps int both the tanks. any thoughts on how this would work thanks

[aussie]

Thanks Stunna.

I just picked up a stock clutch fan about 5 minutes ago, and it looks like it will fit the 85 shroud, and I an running the 85's radiator too.

The manifolds are the stock truck manifolds, just without the heat shields on. I am going to have them ceramic coated. I did have to notch the frame on the passenger side to clear one ear. I did it in a nice flowing cut so there wouldn't be any place for a crack to form. It looks like a huge notch in pictures, but it really isn't that big. The smaller notch you see behind the bigger one is a factory notch that is already there.

I could have actually taken out less material, but I wanted to account for any movement in the motor mounts and torque too. And it would have been a pain to get back there to remove more after everything was installed if I had needed to.





I've shortened many 67-72 lwb frame to swb specs, so I have no problems cutting into a frame. You could always reinforce that area around the cut to give your mind a little more reassurance.

MY headers are for a factory 99-04 truck but it has a strange flange bolt up its not like the PASS side my is in a 78 did you make your pipe extentions yourslef for the manifolds