LS Swap: Introduction, newbie, planning...

[Davidf]

Picked up an engine yesterday from local salvage yard for $425. It came out of a wrecked 2003 Silverado. But it was an engine swap for factory 6 cylinder. Therefor, mileage unknown. I used my boroscope to look down oil fill tube and super clean. Then pulled plug to look in cylinder, again super clean and confirmed dished pistons making it a 5.3L. Rear main seal is bone dry. 706 heads. Will check casting marks to zero in on manufacture date.

Got it home yesterday, will clean it up this weekend and drop it in next weekend.

[LS short box]

I would pull the pan just to have a look. Also the front cover to check the timing chain. Maybe a new oil pump? Pull the valve covers to have look.

[bkhjeep]

I'd do a new timing chain, oil pump and trunion upgrade.

[Davidf]

Well, all good advice. But, I did all that to the previous engine all for naught. So, engine is super clean which I hope means it was well cared for with frequent oil changes. As such, I am leaving it alone. Cleaned it up, painted the block Chevy Orange, and will drop it in next weekend. The rear main seal is bone dry!

It also seems the rubber F body engine mounts settled a bit already and the oil pan is rubbing the drag link. So, I am switching to urethane engine mounts. I also noticed a drivetrain vibration at about 65mph and up. So, I need to check the driveline angles and adjust trans mount spacer. Otherwise…loving the LS

[LS short box]

Sounds like you making good progress. Sometimes two steps forward and one back but that's the fun thing about car/truck projects.

[Davidf]

I should have the replacement 5.3L running by Sunday! I went ahead and got rid of the rubber engine mounts and went with the Blackheart urethane mounts.

[Davidf]

Update:

Replacement salvage yard engine runs perfect and doesn't leak a drop. Now, my next task is to get the driveline angles within tolerable range/spec. The rear diff is pointing way too high.

[Davidf]

For documentation purposes. 4 degree shim perfectly aligned engine and diff. Resulting in 0.9 degree working angles front and rear u-joints.

[May70]

Do you have a picture of the clearance between the engine and firewall with the HOOKER BLACKHEART mounts?

[Davidf]

Sorry for the slow response...here is a clearance photo (only one I could find):

[IMG][/IMG]

[incoma]

I'd like to thank you and ls1nova71 for all of the posts and documentation. I almost did a swap 19 years ago and got scared and just put my SBC back in. Now I'm getting ready to do this swap and appreciate all of the notes.

All of the folks adding to this thread have given me some great ideas. Thank you all!

[incoma]

Originally Posted by Davidf

Update:

In tank fuel pump is fabricated and mounted in tank. All fuel lines run...fuel system complete.
[IMG][/IMG]

All under hood wiring is complete and a/c lines fabricated and connected.

Left to complete: exhaust, complete in-cab wiring, install volt meter gauge, speedometer drive.

Where did you get the fittings for the wires to come out of your bulkhead? I've seen some folks terminate to studs, but I'd rather just run my wires through the bulkhead. Just not sure the best way to seal up the holes or what fittings to use.

Thanks.

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by incoma

Where did you get the fittings for the wires to come out of your bulkhead? I've seen some folks terminate to studs, but I'd rather just run my wires through the bulkhead. Just not sure the best way to seal up the holes or what fittings to use.

Thanks.

The fittings come with the pump. In case I did not mention previously...it is imperative that you cover the stock fuel tank in sound deadening material. Otherwise the pump will be too noisy in the cab. With sound deadening, it is barely even perceptible.

[kglowacky]

I bought some of those fittings from Tanks Inc (IA)3 years ago. I can't seem to find them on their website but I would call them. I remember I twisted one of mine off and ordered one. I remember they weren't cheap.

[incoma]

Originally Posted by kglowacky

I bought some of those fittings from Tanks Inc (IA)3 years ago. I can't seem to find them on their website but I would call them. I remember I twisted one of mine off and ordered one. I remember they weren't cheap.

Thank you kglowacky!
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