5.3 LS swap in a (look)

[oldman3]

Hey Guys, this is about an LS engine swap, but it's in a 49 Dodge pickup. Yes I know this is the chevy truck site, but I've learned alot from all of you on this LS swap forum, and just wanted to post this on here. The Moderators may move this to Alternate Tinkerings, but I wanted to try the LS forum first.

Anyhow my son Mark has done 99% of the work, with me just helping when he needed it, and giving him info from this site on parts, etc. He started with a stock 49 Dodge pickup with flat head six and three speed trans. I beam front end and stock rear axle. This was a learning build from the start. Only going to show about 8 or 9 pics. If anyone has questions I will try to answer after I check with my son to make sure I'm right.

[oldman3]

Pic 1 Day it arrived at the shop.

Pic 2 Getting the front sheet metal off. This came in for installing a new front end, but when we found out how far back the front axle sits in the frame, and the front sump oil pan, things starting changing.

[oldman3]

Pic 3 Installation of Mustang II style front end, with coil-overs and 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, cause owner wanted to use the same 16" wheels.

Pic 4 After mock up of engine the firewall was moved back about 1-1/2" or 2" for clearance up front for radiator, etc.

[oldman3]

Pic 5 Installed a 9" F--d rear axle with tri-angled four bar and coil-over shocks. Had axles and drums redrilled for 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, same as front.

Pic 6 LS truck engine installed. We had to make up our own mount on the block, but used parts from Speedway going to frame. Headers also from Speedway. This is a drive by cable 2002 5.3 with a 4l60E.

[oldman3]

Pic 7 Son fabricated the entire exhaust using a Camaro muffler with dual in and dual out with cross over set-up, it all 2-1/2".

Pic 8 This is how the truck sits with new suspsension prior to driving. Owner didn't want it low, still wanted it to look original.

[oldman3]

Pic 9 This was taken yesterday, after we had it running and checked out ok, we set the front sheet metal back on.

[oldman3]

When we first tried to start it, it would turn over but not start. Checked plugs, OK, check fuel pressure 60#, OK, found out all the injectors were plugged. Soaked them overnight and then cleaned them out, re-installed and it fired right up. Took awhile to get it to run smooth, still may need to run some cleaner with the gas.

Took it for its first drive and with all the changes, front, rear, engine, trans, etc., we are happy, hope the owner will be also. We plan on driving the truck for 50 or 60 miles at different speeds, stop and go, etc., to check over everything, before giving it back to the owner.

Hope you enjoy the pics...Jim

[dec010974]

I like it. It just show how flexible we are when it comes to LSx. Good work. Thanks for sharing.

[InitialBoss]

Not a bad little sleeper!

[Daaaanz67]

Funny thing I contemplated a late 60 early 70s dodge ls swap today as I can remember riding in a dodge truck with my dad In my younger days.

[ivorton74]

Sweet...i like it alot...its a unique piece

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by dec010974

I like it. It just show how flexible we are when it comes to LSx. Good work. Thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by InitialBoss

Not a bad little sleeper!

Originally Posted by Daaaanz67

Funny thing I contemplated a late 60 early 70s dodge ls swap today as I can remember riding in a dodge truck with my dad In my younger days.

Originally Posted by ivorton74

Sweet...i like it alot...its a unique piece

Thanks guys for checking it out, and the compliments....Jim

[Low Elco]

Neat! Nice work, guys! Hey, at Carquest they sell a thing where you pull the fuel pump fuse, screw a fitting onto the Schrader valve, and screw a can of high pressure injector cleaner on and let the motor run till the can runs out. About $60, as I recall. It may help.

Great little truck!

[Daaaanz67]

Also you can add seafoam to your fuel tank and go drive it. Worked great in my kids dirt bike after sitting for years.

[jamesjones]

Awesome. Love those old Dodges.

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Neat! Nice work, guys! Hey, at Carquest they sell a thing where you pull the fuel pump fuse, screw a fitting onto the Schrader valve, and screw a can of high pressure injector cleaner on and let the motor run till the can runs out. About $60, as I recall. It may help.

Great little truck!

Originally Posted by Daaaanz67

Also you can add seafoam to your fuel tank and go drive it. Worked great in my kids dirt bike after sitting for years.

Originally Posted by jamesjones

Awesome. Love those old Dodges.

Thanks everyone. I've used seafoam in my vehicles before with good results, as soon as we add more gas to tank we will add seafoam....Jim

[Root2812]

Originally Posted by oldman3

found out all the injectors were plugged. Soaked them overnight and then cleaned them out, re-installed and it fired right up.

What did you soak them in and how did you clean them?

Originally Posted by Daaaanz67

Funny thing I contemplated a late 60 early 70s dodge ls swap today as I can remember riding in a dodge truck with my dad In my younger days.

I am wanting to buy a 70 Roadrunner to build a superbird clone (can't afford the real deal) and I love the LS so much I contemplated putting one in there.

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by Root2812

What did you soak them in and how did you clean them?

Bought it at NAPA - Mac's 6402 Carb Cleaner with dipping basket. It's a 1 gallon can. Put them in basket and set overnight. Cleaned with a cotton swab, and blew with air. Then hooked up a spare injector connector, one wire to - side and one to + side of 9 volt battery. When you hear it "click" it's working again. only hold wire on the battery for a second...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Jim,

Thank you for sharing the swap! Nice, clean, well executed and imagine the owner was pretty thrilled too.

Great looking shop there. Is that yours?

[cableguy0]

Sweet build. As far as Im concerned this post belongs here just as much in alternate tinkerings. It can stay here especially since its definitely Ls swap related and you will likely end up helping others with info you post.

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Jim,

Thank you for sharing the swap! Nice, clean, well executed and imagine the owner was pretty thrilled too.

Great looking shop there. Is that yours?

Thanks AD. Owner is picking up the truck tomorrow, he has already driven it, and was very happy. Yes the shop is mine, it's a 30X40 building (never big enough)...Jim

[oldman3]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

Sweet build. As far as Im concerned this post belongs here just as much in alternate tinkerings. It can stay here especially since its definitely Ls swap related and you will likely end up helping others with info you post.

Thank you, I appreciate it very much...Jim