Hey folks, new guy here. Been lurking for a while, figured I'd sign up and start being active. I've done some research on the LS swaps. I had a '56 Ford with a SBC/Auto and was going to swap a 5.3 EFI in. I researched it thoroughly and was ready to take the plunge, but wound up selling the truck. I have a '53 Chevy car also with an SBC/Auto and considered swapping an LSX into it, but I've decided to sell that car as well.
So I picked up a cheap low mileage 1994 Chevrolet K1500 Reg Cab Long Bed with a 4.3 V6, 5spd, and 4x4. It's really clean, never leaks a drop, drives great. Right now it's my daily driver. I pull a car hauler trailer often, and the truck doesn't have the guts to make for a pleasant haul. It struggles on take-off, up slight grades, and has no passing ability when loaded. So, I figured that as soon as I got my '83 F250 put back together I could haul the trailer with it and have considered swapping an LS into the K1500. Sure I could sell the truck an get something bigger, newer, or whatever, but I got this truck cheap, and I like it. This is a basic work truck that has AC/HEAT and no other options. It came with an AM-only radio. No tilt, no power, nothing extra.
Since I've already bought everything I need to finish my F250, I figure now's the time to start collecting parts for the LSX swap. Once the F250 is done, I'll pull the K1500 into the garage and start the process. I'd like everything to appear as if it came with the 5.3 from the factory. I'm very detailed and take pride in doing a clean job. (My F250 is down for an engine rebuild, but I took it a few steps further and removed all sheetmetal, painted chassis, rebuilt & painted suspension, painted underhood metals, powdercoated core support, etc. Yeah, way overkill)
I'll most likely be using a 5.3 engine in the K1500, as they seem readily available for a fair price around here. Here are my questions regarding the swap...
Engine to Trans: Will the 5.3 bolt up to the 1994 NV3500 Transmission? What clutch is required? Any spacers, bushings required?
Engine to Chassis: Are there engine mounts available to allow the engine to bolt to the transmission, keeping the transmission in the stock location (leaving driveshafts alone)?
Engine Wiring: Is there any write-ups or diagrams showing what is required to connect the LS EFI harness to the 1994 truck wiring for a clean factory appearing installation?
Fuel: I gather that I'll need the EFI fuel pump & Vette Filter setup.
Accessories: Will the factory 5.3 accessories clear everything in the engine bay? Will the 5.3 AC Compressor, Alternator, Power Steering Pump work with the 1994 related components?
Radiator: Will the 1994 V6 Radiator work or should it be upgraded to a V8 radiator? What hoses will be required?
I found some local guys advertising that they can swap an 5.3 into any vehicle for $2000 including all parts, computer, harness, mounts, labor. Drive in & drive out. That's not bad, but I figure I can do it myself, save a bunch, and put the savings elsewhere into the truck.
Looking forward to hearing from you folks and learning as much as I can before biting the bullet.
Thanks.
Originally Posted by Astro
Hey folks, new guy here. Been lurking for a while, figured I'd sign up and start being active. I've done some research on the LS swaps. I had a '56 Ford with a SBC/Auto and was going to swap a 5.3 EFI in. I researched it thoroughly and was ready to take the plunge, but wound up selling the truck. I have a '53 Chevy car also with an SBC/Auto and considered swapping an LSX into it, but I've decided to sell that car as well.
Reply With Quote
