UXDesigner's 1970 5.3 Chevy Swap

[uxdesigner]

I've been trolling all the great builds here to finally inspire me to get in on the LS swap action. No better way that to get right to it! I just picked up this 1970 C10 with a 1968 front clip off Craigslist. It has a fully running 307 and TH400 that I'm selling and currently have my eye on a couple of potential 5.3's. This will be an internet inspired budget build. I'll be looking to get all parts by some online means and not have to search for parts at the yards as time is money. Thanks to everyone ahead of time for all your help!

Loaded up:


Profile:


Soon to be replaced:


Body/Interior:

[Hardesty454]

I remember seeing this truck on CL. Thats a 68 clip btw. 67 had no markers. I have a few parts left over from my strip down, what are you looking for? Where are you getting the 5.3l at? Ive been looking around here and havent found a good place yet?

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by Hardesty454

I remember seeing this truck on CL. Thats a 68 clip btw. 67 had no markers. I have a few parts left over from my strip down, what are you looking for? Where are you getting the 5.3l at? Ive been looking around here and havent found a good place yet?

Thanks, I corrected it but its actually a 1967 grille with 68/70 fenders. That's funny you saw it on CL. I had to negotiate a bit since I really wanted to get it registered and there was no paperwork for the vehicle since 05. After a couple of hours at the DMV, a couple hundred bucks and some creativity this baby is now fully registered through 2014 and in my name. Let me know what parts you have left over, I am definitely interested. I've been looking around the Bay but also considering ordering a complete engine on Ebay from bowauto. Have you checked them out? I'm thinking time invested in finding one then piecing it all together may not be worth it when I can get one delivered to me.

[Hardesty454]

Originally Posted by uxdesigner

Thanks, I corrected it but its actually a 1967 grille with 68/70 fenders. That's funny you saw it on CL. I had to negotiate a bit since I really wanted to get it registered and there was no paperwork for the vehicle since 05. After a couple of hours at the DMV, a couple hundred bucks and some creativity this baby is now fully registered through 2014 and in my name. Let me know what parts you have left over, I am definitely interested. I've been looking around the Bay but also considering ordering a complete engine on Ebay from bowauto. Have you checked them out? I'm thinking time invested in finding one then piecing it all together may not be worth it when I can get one delivered to me.

With a 67 grille they should still be 68 fenders if they have the marker lights. Thats beside the point. I have a couple body panels laying around. An almost complete step side bed. started body work work but am going to go with a fleetside. I think I still have some 6 lug discs and drop spindles laying around. Stock rear suspension? I dont know... tons of stuff.

Anyway glad you went though the trouble to get this old gal. She looks like a solid start. If you need anything always feel free to ask. Parts or advice. We also have a c10 club if you look over in the region section. Guys from all over the US but a bunch located here in the bay and central valley.

[Hardesty454]

Sorry havent had time to take pictures of that stuff but I have some pictures on by build thread if you want to look through that.

[uxdesigner]

Got a complete 2001 Silverado 5.3 w/ 4l60e (80k) for a good deal locally, this thing is a beast! Next steps are ordering the mounts and starting on the wiring. I think I'm also going to pull the intake and oil pan to add new gaskets and paint. More to come...

[uxdesigner]

Original 307 - I rebuilt the carburetor and found an intake on craigslist to get the truck running strong.


Engine and Transmission Combo - Sold in a few days so out it came


New Wheels - Picked them up from a fellow forum member


Sold the stepside bed - view of how it currently sits as I finish up my engine wiring and fuel system.

[Hardesty454]

So are you running the 5.3 or the 307? I'll take the 5.3! Nice wheels btw!

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by Hardesty454

So are you running the 5.3 or the 307? I'll take the 5.3! Nice wheels btw!

Rob, I'm running the 5.3. I'm finishing up the fuel system and wiring with hopes to fire it up soon. Dude the wheels are sick! Thanks again for meeting up!

[uxdesigner]

Spent some time converting the front end to disc brakes and had the toughest time getting the ball joints off. I tried everything... BFH, brute force, yelling, etc... but nothing worked until I used this pitman puller. Took me 3 hours for the right side and 20 minutes for the left!

Just need to remove the 2 bolts to get tie rod connect off and the puller in place

[Low Elco]

Nice project. Glad you're doing this, I need guidance!

[mcbassin]

Looks like a great project to follow. I'm in....

[uxdesigner]

Update: Some progress pics for documenting

New Fleet side Bed


Before the 5.3 Install


5.3 Vortec Install


Stock V8 mounts and perches with CPP LS sliders


Trailblazer SS Exhaust Manifolds


5.3 Vortec Installed


Firewall spacing, will be going back 1-2 more inches

[uxdesigner]

Harness Pics for reference

[uxdesigner]

Video: First Start!

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by uxdesigner

Video: First Start!

[/URL]

Congrats on the first start up
Motor sounds good.

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Congrats on the first start up
Motor sounds good.

Thanks, I was also surprised at how good it sounded even without the O2 Sensors plugged in. The PO told me the motor was solid but you never know until you hear it run for yourself and this being the first time I wasn't sure about all the electronics. Overall, it's not that tough if you take your time.

[uxdesigner]

Not much time invested lately but slow progress is still progress. Transmission plumbing and linkage complete, power steering complete and drive line corrected and installed. I had to get a new slip yoke for the 4l60e since the old one from the th400 which larger. Decided to go with a fuel tank under the bed which I'll be starting soon, ended up taking the bed off to reach the rivets. Will also be installing an ECE 4/6 drop kit I've had lying around for a few months since the bed is off.

New fuel tank


New tires:
Front:255/35/20
Rear:275/35/20

[Hardesty454]

Nice tank! Man those wheels look really good on there too.

[mcbassin]

Nice looking fuel tank!

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by Hardesty454

Nice tank! Man those wheels look really good on there too.

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Nice looking fuel tank!

Thanks guys! Just finished the rear drop and man it's sitting low! Fuel tank tomorrow.

[uxdesigner]

New tank in, easy install but the key is making sure the marked holes are large enough so that you have some wiggle room. Really a nice tank, fits like a glove and I really like the sump area where the output/return are located.



Workspace is tight but it can be done, reminds me of Tetris!



Also got the rear dropped 6 inches, another easy install. For the rivets just grind them down, I tried drilling and it was worthless. It's hard to see the significant drop without the bed but its LOW!

[solidaxel]

Did you paint the engine block red?

[uxdesigner]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Did you paint the engine block red?

The PO had started to paint the engine orange but didn't do a very good job of it. It's only on the lower portion so I don't bother trying to fix it since it's mostly unseen when complete. Maybe when the engine is out for paint I'll touch up the overspray.

[HalfCaseKustoms]

What type of fuel tank did you use?