06-27-2019, 12:21 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: kearney nebraska
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What do I need?
I'm not trying to be a broken record,but I don't trust myself to say I've thought of everything. Quick story,I pulled engine to do a refresh on it and it needs for machine work. Bored out, and everything. With the cost and this going to be my daily driver, even though I was against it for a long time, I'm considering going ahead with an ls swap. I never wanted the electronics and to follow the masses,but only a fool denies truth in front of his face. Ls is a better engine in most cases.
.so my questions are, where is the most detailed list posted? And where can I get the best deals for what I need? I'm trying to figure out if I can fit an ls swap in my tight budget. I can get a good engine for cheap here so I'm looking strictly at cost of everything else. Engine mounts, tanks, fuel supply, ecm conversion, etc. How cheap can I do this? It's going in my 72 c20 and would like a 6.0 but I know. 5 3 would be just fine for what I do. Is there anything that would be different in the swaps between using a 6.0 or 5 3 aside from the actual engines themselves? Thanks for all the help
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1972 GMC C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350 |
06-27-2019, 12:34 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Durham, North Carolina
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Re: What do I need?
I did not do it on the cheap at all but here is my cost and a comprehensive list, add or remove as needed.
LS Swap Speedo Swap Template 30 Chevytrucks Speedo Box 54 Chevytrucks 96' S-10 Speedo 35 Ebay Gas Tank/Straps 131 Summit Wrangler Fuel Filler 17 LKQ Gas Cap 12 Autozone Sending Unit 33 Autozone Gas Tank Hardware 28 Tractor Supply Gas Tank Hardware 26 Home Depot Gas Tank Hardware 8 Lowes Gas Tank Hardware 6 Napa Gas Tank Hardware 13 Autozone Fuel Hose 2 O'Reilly Gas Tank Hose 17 Advance Fuel Line/Fittings 35 Autozone Gas Tank Line/HW 37 Advance Fuel Line/Fittings 88 Jegs Trans Crossmember 54 Jegs Dirty Dingo Mounts 158 Dirty Dingo C10 Clutch Pedal 15 Rossmans LS Swap Headers 295 Speed Eng LS Airbox 24 LKQ Mass Air Flow Sensor 34 LKQ LS Intake Manifold 29 LKQ Paint 10 Walmart Paint 16 Autozone GM Muscle Car Oil Pan 230 Jegs Header Flanges 8 Jegs EVAP Plate 11 Ebay Clutch Master Cyl 64 Speedway Clutch Line/Fittings 48 Speedway Clutch Bleeder 27 Speedway EP381 Fuel Pump 65 Rock Auto NV3500 Trans 825 Jordan Auto Shifter 50 Jordan Auto Driveshaft 75 Jordan Auto Header Paint 11 Autozone Clutch Fitting 5 Ebay Throwout Bearing 39 Rock Auto Clutch Kit 160 Rock Auto Flywheel 65 Rock Auto Trans Mount 7 Rock Auto Trans Bolts 10 Ebay Clutch Pedal Pad 6 Summit Flywheel Bolts 21 Ebay Clutch Bolts 9 Ebay OP Gauge Fitting 20 Speedway Trans Paint 7 Autozone Clutch Master Bracket 161 Forum ECM 33 LKQ Alternator 30 LKQ Mass Air Flow Sensor 22 LKQ Engine Cover 10 LKQ Battery Junction 3 LKQ 4.8L LS Engine 831 LKQ Standalone Harness 513 BP Automotive ECM Reflash 138 BP Automotive Plug Wires 60 Speed Eng Starter 76 Rock Auto Valve Cover Gasket 12 Rock Auto Tensioner 19 Rock Auto Idler 14 Rock Auto O2 Sensors 42 Rock Auto Coil Pack 22 Rock Auto Thermostat 19 Rock Auto PCV Valve 3 Autozone Steam Vent Connector 6 Ebay EGR Block off Plate 13 Ebay Drive Belt 20 Rock Auto Flywheel Cover 8 Rock Auto Radiator Hose 13 Rock Auto Alt/PS Bracket 30 LKQ Battery Cable 13 LKQ Valve Cover 25 LKQ PS Pump 72 Rock Auto Starter Bolts 12 Ebay Fuel Lines 87 Jegs Fuel Filter 29 Jegs PS Pump Pulley 11 LKQ Clutch Hardware 16 LMC Fuel Rail Fittings 28 Ebay Throttle Cable 27 Ebay WT Gauge Adapter 16 Ebay ECM Mount 22 Ebay Upper Rad Hose 17 Ebay Collector Gaskets 21 Autozone LS Pulley Hardware 11 LKQ Idler Pulley 21 Rock Auto Windstar E-fans 74 Rock Auto E-fan Connectors 19 Rock Auto Fan Fuse Holders 12 Ebay E-fan Electrical 45 Autozone E-fan Electrical 18 Walmart E-fan Hardware 7 Lowes Swap Labor 3,280 Dreadnought Trans Pigtails 21 Rock Auto Water Temp Gauge 27 Ebay Ground Straps 9 Ebay Collector Flanges 30 Ebay TPS Sensor 35 Autozone Hoses/Hw 21 Autozone Driveshaft 250 Triangle DS Total 9,344
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06-27-2019, 12:43 PM | #3 |
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Location: Durham, North Carolina
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Re: What do I need?
Related to above, labor cost is a big one for me as I got in a bind where I couldn't do the swap myself (parking lot engine swaps frowned upon). I also paid ~4x the price to put in a manual that you could do a 6l80. I got my motor barebones so I had to buy things like harness, intake manifold, ps pump, starter, alternator, etc etc....all that added up very quickly. I would use this more for a starting point of potential parts rather than the average cost. Mine sort of snowballed but to be honest I do not regret it at all. Very turn key, good gas mileage, run 85 mph with no issues.
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06-28-2019, 08:09 PM | #4 |
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Location: Ozark, MO
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Re: What do I need?
It all depends on what you can do yourself, what kind of shopper you are, and what other changes you want to do.
I am putting an LS in my Willys wagon and doing almost everything myself (fuel pump, wire harness, mounts, etc.) It is going to be about $4000-4500. That does not include the new driveshaft and some stuff that cebra listed. For example, I bought a pair of 2010 Camero exhaust manifolds for $100 vs aftermarket $300 or headers $300-600. Buy your engine complete with all accessories and wire harness. I gave $1100 for an engine and trans with 129,000 on the clock. It was missing a drive pulley for the PS but I had one at home. All those accessories will nickel and dime you to the poorhouse. Yes, you can spend thousands on aftermarket intakes etc, etc. If you do the research you will find that (according to the dyno) the best intake is the Trailblazer SS stock intake, second is the plain old truck intake (better than the much better looking early ls camero intakes). Do you want performance or looks? Basically you have 4 separate projects: 1) Buy a motor and or transmission. 2) Provide a fuel system for it. 3) Provide gaging to monitor new engine. 4) Provide drivetrain connections for swap. 5) Might need to do something with your cooling system. You can buy and engine, a cheap fuel pump, hook it to your turbo 350, and run gages on your I phone for probably $3000. But in my mind that is not much of a daily driver. |
06-28-2019, 11:17 PM | #5 |
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Re: What do I need?
As you can see above,prices vary drastically....you can spend as much as you want..
If your trying to do it on the cheap,heres what id recommend.. Get yourself a LS engine...5.3 or 6.0,,your choice ...6.0s are higher priced.. Use Ebay motor mount adapter plates.. Use your current trans..so no d-shaft work needed...you'll need a flexplate adapter.. Stock manifolds may or may not work..if not use Camaro or tbss manis Stock radiator will work fine..hoses will have to be worked out..use mech fan You'll need fuel pump...inline pump with vett filter/reg is cheapest way out..but you'll need a return port on the tank..you'll need high pressure hoses for this.. Wiring harness..stock harness can be reworked or you can get a custom harness.. There is a Ebay harness for a few hundred bucks that would be the cheapest option for storebought Ecm will need reprogrammed..dyno tune to optimize dbc will be cheaper than dbw It can be done for $ or $$$$$...just decide on a budget.. It can be done cheaper than most of us spend on it though.. There is no physical difference between the 5.3 and 6.0
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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 Last edited by mongocanfly; 06-29-2019 at 07:15 PM. |
06-29-2019, 06:49 AM | #6 |
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Location: Grand Haven, mi
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Re: What do I need?
Cost will depend on how much work you want to do yourself and how fast you want it to happen, trying to cut corners and doing it on the cheap will take longer and be a lot more work for you.
Best option is Find a running /driving 1999 and up 2 wheel drive truck for the engine and trans and ecu Ect. $700-$1500 a drive by cable is easier to set up then a drive by wire. stand alone harness will be $500-$900 it will need a dyno tune after you get it all going for $300-$500 Do it yourself with original harness maybe $300-$400 and a lot of work and time. Exhaust - $800-$1000 for headers mufflers and a shop to build the exhaust pipes radiator $500-$800 motor mounts $100-$150 Aftermarket trans crossmember mount $150-$200 dakato digital gauges $800 from forum sponsor or do a lot of work to build your own. Drive shaft $200 gas tank- modify stock tank or put one in the rear, plug and play will be $800-$1000 by the time you get tank and hoses ect. or buy a cheap pump and modify everything $100-$150 Intake breather set up $200 oil pan-Cadillac $250ish |
06-29-2019, 04:04 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Larkspur, Colorado
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Re: What do I need?
You didn’t mention your main reasons for upgrading to the LS. Another option is to stay with a TBI or SFI first generation 350. You won’t quite reach the power of grade of the LS but EVERYTHING is easier and much less spendy.
Steve weim55 Colorado |
06-29-2019, 04:30 PM | #8 |
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Location: North-central Virginia
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Re: What do I need?
Couple things to remember if sticking to a budget, most of which I didn't follow.
Drive by cable will be cheaper and easier to integrate. Doing so means you don't have to mess with rewiring the throttle pedal to get a direct connection to inside the cab. Mechanical cooling fan will, overall, be the cheaper option to electric fans. Sure, the cost of buying a fan and clutch may be the same as a junkyard e-fan package, but it avoids the cost of relays, wire, fuses, and mounting adapters. Buy a non-AFM engine, and don't open it up. If the engine was running good when you bought it, and the miles are not excessive, leave everything together that you can when installing. It saves the cost of gaskets and the cost of "I'm-in-here-anyway-so-why-not" syndrome. Earlier, I would have said you have to remove the intake to install the engine, but Gregski of "Restoring Rusty" stuck one in without removing the intake. Look in the '73-'87 message board for that thread. He installed the engine in the last month or two, so it's near the end of his thread.
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1987 C6P V20 truck, 2010 LMG 5.3, AFM delete, 2010 Camaro exhaust manifolds, 1997 nv4500, 1991 np241c, hydroboost, 2005 14bff axle & driveshaft, drop-n-lock gooseneck, 4.10 gears, stock suspension, rims, and tires. Still a work in progress. Any questions or suggestions are welcome! |
06-30-2019, 10:46 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
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Re: What do I need?
If you can weld and fabricate, that will help. Also diy wiring will save $$.
Anything you don’t have to farm out, or buy swap kits for will be the money savers. I’m in the middle of a 6.0 swap on mine and I’m trying to make everything myself.
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ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
06-30-2019, 12:22 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: kearney nebraska
Posts: 613
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Re: What do I need?
Thanks for all the info so far. I have some planning to do now. I can do most anything so I can save alot of money by doing most anything myself vs buying it. I have found two places near me that I can get a complete 5.3 with all the wiring, computer, dbc and all accessories included for 550. Seems like a steal. I'm thinking to save money I would keep the existing transmission and buy the adapter for the flexplate.
The only thing I do not trust myself to do is the wiring so that is where my money will have to be spent. I could do it, but I hate wiring. Just not my thing. Another thing to consider, is I have a u pull it nearby that has alot of ls powered vehicles in it that has good prices. So anything I can use for the other parts, I could try to get out of a u pull it. Anybody know what they best fitting fuel tank for these trucks are for between the rails that I can fill from the bed floor? I have to get everything together but I'm leaning really hard towards making the jump and going fuel injected one way or another on this truck
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1972 GMC C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350 |
06-30-2019, 01:07 PM | #11 |
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Re: What do I need?
I'm not sure on your truck but the blazer or mustang tanks seem fairly popular for between rails with alot of trucks...
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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 |
07-03-2019, 10:44 AM | #12 | |
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Re: What do I need?
Quote:
I recommend the 88 Wrangler tank, 92 S10 sender, and EP381 fuel pump for between the rails, is a baffled tank, and works with stock fuel gauge and LS motor. It is the cheapest way to go I think for a between the rails option. The fuel system is the most expensive, then you need unlocked ECU...in hindsight I would have a local tuner come over and do this after the swap for $250 or so, harness above, you can get mounts for like $25 now on ebay, I bough sliders, they are junk and not worth the money. Exhaust manifolds TBSS maybe $100, you can make your gauges work very easily less speedo, do the S10 swap it is maybe $60....radiator hoses are cheap, I would use the LS trans and make a crossmember and get a DS cut before I would pay for an adapter but up to you. I think if you fabbed everything yourself and only bought the cheapest/minimum parts you could get by with $1,500 in parts + cost of motor. You will not regret going LS, it is fantastic.
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