2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Arnulfo · 09-01-2021, 12:01 PM

Greetings, looking to get some info on how difficult this swap would be. Thanks

**biketopia** · 09-02-2021, 07:51 AM

Need more info, what are your goals with the truck, is the 97 a v8 already, are you doing the work yourself, are you mechanically inclined, are you paying a shop to do the work? Swapping the engine is relatively straight forward, but what trans are you using, 2wd or 4wd, using a stock ECM to run it or going aftermarket.

**mongocanfly** · 09-02-2021, 08:12 AM

I did my 1st LS swap into my 81..I was amazed at how straightforward it was ..using Ebay adapter plates, everything just fell into place..the biggest hurdle I had to deal with was exhaust..mine has a nv4500 behind it with mech linkage..trying to get around all that was a pain..
Like biketopia stated , some more info on your swap would help..
Youd be best to use the trans that comes with the LQ9..
Its gonna be dbw so you'll need the pedal and tac module..or swap it to dbc..that's what I did to mine
For wiring I took one look at the factory harness ,and then I called PSI for a harness..dont regret that..
The pump may also be setup for hydroboost...no bid deal there as you can cap off the unused return port..or swap your vacuum to hydroboost....
The ecm will need a home..I'm betting you dont have from under the dash for it.under hood may be your only choice..
I've seen several of the gmt400 trucks with LS swaps at car shows..the engines look right at home in there..

Arnulfo · 09-02-2021, 01:31 PM

1997 silverado with a v8 305 i think throttle body fuel injection drive by wire, auto transmission, 2 wheel drive. I will do work myself. Replacement 6.0 came out of a 2003 denali, has fan clutch,drive by wire and came with computer and harness. Original motor has a dead cylinder and guttless.

**biketopia** · 09-02-2021, 02:42 PM

The current Silverado is a drive by cable, and the donor is drive by wire, so you either need to get the pedal and TAC module to go with it, or convert it to drive by cable with a different throttle body. Grab some adapter motor mounts and it will bolt right in, clutch fan might line up with the shroud you have now but you can probably make the denali radiator and shroud work too if you have it. I would use a 4l60e or 4l80e from the donor vs the one that's currently in the truck. It can most likely be used but will need need the correct flex plate and possibly spacers to make the converter bolt up, and then you need to be able to control it with the stock ecm if its an electric unit. If it's a 700r4 it's about not worth trying to get a TV cable to actuate correctly.

Arnulfo · 09-02-2021, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the help. This truck is a thrasher work truck so dont want to go through all that with the transmission. Was hoping motor and tranny would bolt right up. Think i will just go with a new crate 350 non ls motor like the one in it now.

**biketopia** · 09-03-2021, 06:23 AM

It can certainly work, just might not be as plug and play. The spacers and adapters are all readily available and cheap.

09-01-2021, 12:01 PM	#1
Arnulfo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Los angeles Posts: 163	2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado Greetings, looking to get some info on how difficult this swap would be. Thanks

09-02-2021, 07:51 AM	#2
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,106	Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado Need more info, what are your goals with the truck, is the 97 a v8 already, are you doing the work yourself, are you mechanically inclined, are you paying a shop to do the work? Swapping the engine is relatively straight forward, but what trans are you using, 2wd or 4wd, using a stock ECM to run it or going aftermarket. __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350

09-02-2021, 08:12 AM	#3
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,671	Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado I did my 1st LS swap into my 81..I was amazed at how straightforward it was ..using Ebay adapter plates, everything just fell into place..the biggest hurdle I had to deal with was exhaust..mine has a nv4500 behind it with mech linkage..trying to get around all that was a pain.. Like biketopia stated , some more info on your swap would help.. Youd be best to use the trans that comes with the LQ9.. Its gonna be dbw so you'll need the pedal and tac module..or swap it to dbc..that's what I did to mine For wiring I took one look at the factory harness ,and then I called PSI for a harness..dont regret that.. The pump may also be setup for hydroboost...no bid deal there as you can cap off the unused return port..or swap your vacuum to hydroboost.... The ecm will need a home..I'm betting you dont have from under the dash for it.under hood may be your only choice.. I've seen several of the gmt400 trucks with LS swaps at car shows..the engines look right at home in there.. __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

09-02-2021, 01:31 PM	#4
Arnulfo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Los angeles Posts: 163	Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado 1997 silverado with a v8 305 i think throttle body fuel injection drive by wire, auto transmission, 2 wheel drive. I will do work myself. Replacement 6.0 came out of a 2003 denali, has fan clutch,drive by wire and came with computer and harness. Original motor has a dead cylinder and guttless.

09-02-2021, 02:42 PM	#5
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,106	Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado The current Silverado is a drive by cable, and the donor is drive by wire, so you either need to get the pedal and TAC module to go with it, or convert it to drive by cable with a different throttle body. Grab some adapter motor mounts and it will bolt right in, clutch fan might line up with the shroud you have now but you can probably make the denali radiator and shroud work too if you have it. I would use a 4l60e or 4l80e from the donor vs the one that's currently in the truck. It can most likely be used but will need need the correct flex plate and possibly spacers to make the converter bolt up, and then you need to be able to control it with the stock ecm if its an electric unit. If it's a 700r4 it's about not worth trying to get a TV cable to actuate correctly. __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350

09-02-2021, 03:16 PM	#6
Arnulfo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Los angeles Posts: 163	Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado Thanks for the help. This truck is a thrasher work truck so dont want to go through all that with the transmission. Was hoping motor and tranny would bolt right up. Think i will just go with a new crate 350 non ls motor like the one in it now.

09-03-2021, 06:23 AM	#7
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,106	Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado It can certainly work, just might not be as plug and play. The spacers and adapters are all readily available and cheap. __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350

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