2003 5.3 L59 with 4L60E into 1986 C10 -- Help Please!!

[rmiller]

Thanks for all the info. I guess I will pass on the $2000 5.3 and keep looking. I found black 1" set back adapter plates on Ebay for $50. I am assuming that's what I need. Says on ad that these allow you to keep 350/400 trans or 4 speeds in its original position. I have 700R4. Would I be better off or is it easier to just swap engine only and keep my tranny or do I need to make the swap as an engine/tranny combo? Pros/Cons?

Hadn't considered the issue with the fuel tank. Definitely something I will need to look into. My truck has dual tanks on it now.

[Chevydillan]

I'd find a 4l60e if you can. The control over the trans with computer is worth it IMO

[beertestr]

Thanks for all the info. I guess I will pass on the $2000 5.3 and keep looking. I found black 1" set back adapter plates on Ebay for $50. I am assuming that's what I need. Says on ad that these allow you to keep 350/400 trans or 4 speeds in its original position. I have 700R4. Would I be better off or is it easier to just swap engine only and keep my tranny or do I need to make the swap as an engine/tranny combo? Pros/Cons?

Hadn't considered the issue with the fuel tank. Definitely something I will need to look into. My truck has dual tanks on it now.

You can do engine and trans, or just keep your 700R4, either works. You would need to adapt the TV cable to the LS throttle body but it's not the end of the world. The 60E is nicer, the PCM already can control it, and the shift points are tuneable. Keep in mind you 700R4 is used, probably worn somewhat, and even a 5.3L make a lot more power for it to handle than a carbed 305.

If you want drop in mount brackets, check mine out at KDS-performance.com, I also have them on ebay under the same username, kds-performance
With these mounts, you can run the factory mechanical fan if you want to keep the swap cost down, the stock truck manifolds work, and you can reuse the truck oilpan. Same with the accessories. Keep in mind though, that a 2WD frame will let the oilpan hang a bit below the engine crossmember, swapping to another pan like an F-body or Holley or even the H3 pan will improve clearances over the truck pan. The H3 is the cheapest, but gains you the least clearance. Something to think about if you go off road, or have the truck lowered a lot. I ran a truck pan on my 93 2WD Sierra, the pan hangs low, but it's still 8" off the ground.


Hope this helps. The wiring is not as scary as it looks, you can take most truck harnesses and rework them to be nearly completely stand alone with it's own fuses and relays. There's less than a dozen wires to mess with.