5.3 LS into a '51 truck fitiment question

[jweb]

I am trying to decide between a truck or corvette LS motor. Just wondering if the truck motor will fit without modifying . I won't be using A/C or power steering so I will remove both from the engine. I think the truck motor will fit fine with these out of the way.

I have read where alot of people get the truck motor then switch to car accessories, I just want to keep it simple and run one or the other not mix parts. That will make it easier with future trips to the parts store.

Any info or pics would help, thanks

[BR3W CITY]

I'm not sure about the clearances in a '51 so this will be more LS-general but; regardless of which you choose, the stock exhaust manifolds usually won't fit. The trucks are too bulky and the 'vette dumps out in the wrong place.

In most cases, the truck oil pan will be tight clearance to the crossmember. Some trucks it fits, some it doesn't...it will depend on which motor mounts you use and what position the motor is placed. The 'vette pans are lower clearance, and dry-sump is different entirely if you happen to find one that had it.

On the trucks, the power steering pump and alternator are on the same bracket. It doesn't hurt anything, you just won't be able to completely remove the bracket unless you go with an aftermarket mount, or use a mount that puts the alternator on the other side.

Keep in mind, that you may be able to use the truck engine/trans combo together. If you go with a 'vette setup, you'll have to get a different trans or adapt to an existing older trans.

Don't avoid a truck motor just because you might have to do a little work to it. Thats gonna happen with either swap, and the 'vette motors have their own quirks. You can also consider the Fbody, GTO, or G8 engines as options....but any is gonna have a few things you gotta work around.

Any of the car engines usually has a 20-60% price premium, and usually have been run much harder.

[jweb]

Thanks for all the info, I found a few builds where it looks like the truck motor fit with TBSS exhaust manifolds. So now I just need to decide between these 2 options:

'02 truck motor 75k
Standalone harness
Flashed ECM
1 yr warranty
$2850

'98 Vette motor 81k
Stock harness
Stock ECM
90 day warranty
$2850

Just having a hard time deciding, any opinions?
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[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by jweb

Thanks for all the info, I found a few builds where it looks like the truck motor fit with TBSS exhaust manifolds. So now I just need to decide between these 2 options:

'02 truck motor 75k
Standalone harness
Flashed ECM
1 yr warranty
$2850

'98 Vette motor 81k
Stock harness
Stock ECM
90 day warranty
$2850

Just having a hard time deciding, any opinions?
Posted via Mobile Device

Both are no transmission, correct?

I don't like 97-99 car LS1's due to there being some slightly different wiring, the tendancy for oil consumption, and higher likelyhood of wrist pin ticking. Its not to say that they are bad, just that like any early-run motor from a flagship vehicle...they had some quirks to work out.

[CHIZZLER]

check out simple 49 build. he is a friend of mine local in tualatin oregon. he put a 6.0 truck motor in and it fit pretty well. Also if you need help with a install i could help. Chizzler

[Clyde65]

check these guys out, board vendors!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=614503

[jweb]

Chizzler, thanks for the info and the offer of help. I might take you up on that. I will be doing 2 ls swaps, the next will be in the '64 suburban I just started working on.

BR3W, that's good to know. I think the vette motor is off my list now.

Clyde, that's where I was thinking of getting the truck motor from. I just don't see any feedback from people on here buying from there. Not sure if I want to be the first.

Also are certain year truck motors I should look for?
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[Clyde65]

I have heard the early 6.0's arent ideal to get, I forget exactly why though, maybe iron heads?

I think your safe with any GEN4 motor from 03-09( I think).

I havent had any dealings with them but, lets say you buy and have troubles ( which I doubt you will) the board admins will work with both sides to get things resolved if needed.

There have been some folks use them, look at the thread and PM someone who has contacted them and ask them how their experience was.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I have heard the early 6.0's arent ideal to get, I forget exactly why though, maybe iron heads?

I think your safe with any GEN4 motor from 03-09( I think).

I havent had any dealings with them but, lets say you buy and have troubles ( which I doubt you will) the board admins will work with both sides to get things resolved if needed.

There have been some folks use them, look at the thread and PM someone who has contacted them and ask them how their experience was.

The 99 6.0's had iron heads so they are less than ideal. The blocks can still be used for a base.

Switchover year for Gen IV was 2007. Motors after that started getting AFM/DOD, no TAC module, different head and intake designs and a few other things.

For the GenIII truck motors, the 01-mid03 are just fine. The only differences between them and the late03-06's are the chance for a cable throttle and a return style fuel system. The ECU stuff is the same for them all.

If you want a GENIV, there are a few more headaches with the wiring because of CANBUS, but its still very doable. Generally, most of the problem threads have been related to using the 6speed transmissions they came with, because of the need for a TCM. I believe Hard_Rod did one, and has a lengthy build.

[solidaxel]

Here is a 46 pick up with a 5.3 and a 4L60E with the third set of ex. manifolds and they are corvette. The hardest part was the A/C everything else fits even the electric fan......... Go for it !

[solidaxel]

More ,Everything will fit!

[Clyde65]

What He said!^^^^^

Thank Brew! I cant keep all that stuff in my head!

[jweb]

So a '01 truck motor should work well? Found a good price on 1 with 81K

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by jweb

So a '01 truck motor should work well? Found a good price on 1 with 81K

Sure. Like any motor, give it a once over, check the oil cap for residue from a blown headgasket. If you can, shove your fingers or rag in the throttle body or into the intake manifold and see how much oil and carbon is built up in it.

At 81k don't be surprised to find oil residue or carbon, usually a little solvent and elbow grease can clean it all out. Just be mindful if its soaked in oil or there is obvious carbon scaled and built up in there. Some LS motors did use a little oil if they were badly broken in, or always ran the wrong weights.

Some LS motors hate certain brands of oil too, which is not related to this discussion but was on my mind. Despite the popularity of Royal Purple (I've used it too), I have a number of racers and engineers who don't trust it in LS motors. Its thin, even by synthetic oil standards, which can make oil consumption problem in certain LS motors seem even worse.

[jweb]

Thanks for all of the info, I think I will go for it. As soon as I get an engine I will start a build and take lots of pictures
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[Clyde65]

Yup! and its DBC, none of that BCM, TAC and all that mess.

[solidaxel]

You will love the end results !