Planning S10/4.8 swap, advice?
#1
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Planning S10/4.8 swap, advice?
After completing the GTO, I have the itch to do a 4.8 into a 94-03 S10 2wd as a daily driver. I recently purchased a 4.8 and am looking for a suitable S-10. It seems many have done the swap. I would like your input on the following:
1. Will any of the vehicle wiring harness interface with the LS computer wiring?
2. Which oil pan works best?.
3. Will a truck intake and accessory drive clear?
4. Will truck exhaust manifolds fit?
5. I want to use a 4L60E, what sort of challenges do I face?
Thanks for the assistance.
1. Will any of the vehicle wiring harness interface with the LS computer wiring?
2. Which oil pan works best?.
3. Will a truck intake and accessory drive clear?
4. Will truck exhaust manifolds fit?
5. I want to use a 4L60E, what sort of challenges do I face?
Thanks for the assistance.
#2
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Here is a pretty good link to look through for answers on stuff you wouldn't even know to ask...
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f213/l...mation-390967/
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f213/l...mation-390967/
#3
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I did a 97 ext cab just finishing it up but i am able to drive it.
I was able to integrate the truck harness with the LQ4 harness that i used: The MIL, Tach, AC, and a few others need to be pinned into new ecu from existing truck harness.
I personally used the Hummer pan H3 tight to get in but did work.
On mine the truck intake and accy worked but needed some clearancing. The AC needed to be notched and the adj nut on the steering box needed to be grinded a little.
I used shorty headers on mine fit nice.
Not sure about the rest but S10forum does have alot of good info.
if you have any questions i will help where i can.
I used the factory gauges and you will need a seperate temp sender for the guage to work properly. I milled down a stock 2.2 unit to fit in the pass head.
If i had to do it again I would go with a 1998 and up the wiring i believe is a little easier. the 97 was like an in between year for wiring.
I was able to integrate the truck harness with the LQ4 harness that i used: The MIL, Tach, AC, and a few others need to be pinned into new ecu from existing truck harness.
I personally used the Hummer pan H3 tight to get in but did work.
On mine the truck intake and accy worked but needed some clearancing. The AC needed to be notched and the adj nut on the steering box needed to be grinded a little.
I used shorty headers on mine fit nice.
Not sure about the rest but S10forum does have alot of good info.
if you have any questions i will help where i can.
I used the factory gauges and you will need a seperate temp sender for the guage to work properly. I milled down a stock 2.2 unit to fit in the pass head.
If i had to do it again I would go with a 1998 and up the wiring i believe is a little easier. the 97 was like an in between year for wiring.
Last edited by 97s10ls; 09-27-2011 at 10:23 AM. Reason: more info
#4
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I did a 4.8 in my 95 TBI s10.
I had to use a stand alone harness and integrate my body harness. It was pretty easy to get all of my factory gauges working. I know on the newer obd2 trucks, you can get a vehicle specific harness. Just plug it in and everything works. These guys make a very nice product.http://www.currentperformance.com/s10wir.html
Since my truck was a TBI, I just swapped the fuel pump for a TPI pump. I put some -6AN adapters on the sender and ran it to a c5 fuel filter/regulator. It has been running great so far.
Truck exhaust manifolds will not work. I ran 1998 F-body exhaust manifolds and they fit perfectly. All you need to do is cut off the flanges and weld on straight exhaust pipe and it clears everything without issue. www.s10v8.com These guys sell swap headers, swap mounts, and a swap pan for a pretty good price
The pan from S10V8 is from a hummer with the 5.3. I used a truck oil pan and just notched the crossmember and boxed it back in. So far so good.
For accessories, f-body accessories will not work. The alternator will hit the steering box. I ran C5 accessories, no problems with this setup. Also the c5 alternator is a 140amp unit, thats pretty nice. The pressure line for the power steering pump from the c5 also fits perfectly.
I am trying to think of anything else I ran into, let me know if you have any specific questions.
I had to use a stand alone harness and integrate my body harness. It was pretty easy to get all of my factory gauges working. I know on the newer obd2 trucks, you can get a vehicle specific harness. Just plug it in and everything works. These guys make a very nice product.http://www.currentperformance.com/s10wir.html
Since my truck was a TBI, I just swapped the fuel pump for a TPI pump. I put some -6AN adapters on the sender and ran it to a c5 fuel filter/regulator. It has been running great so far.
Truck exhaust manifolds will not work. I ran 1998 F-body exhaust manifolds and they fit perfectly. All you need to do is cut off the flanges and weld on straight exhaust pipe and it clears everything without issue. www.s10v8.com These guys sell swap headers, swap mounts, and a swap pan for a pretty good price
The pan from S10V8 is from a hummer with the 5.3. I used a truck oil pan and just notched the crossmember and boxed it back in. So far so good.
For accessories, f-body accessories will not work. The alternator will hit the steering box. I ran C5 accessories, no problems with this setup. Also the c5 alternator is a 140amp unit, thats pretty nice. The pressure line for the power steering pump from the c5 also fits perfectly.
I am trying to think of anything else I ran into, let me know if you have any specific questions.
#5
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If you pick up a 98+ with the 4.3L, you can use that 4L60, but you have to get the v8 input shaft and bellhousing so I hear. I'm not sure if someone makes adapters, so you don't have to swap out anything. Do you know what year year the motor is? I think it was in 04 when they went to the drive by wire throttle body. If that's what you have, you swap to an older t/b.
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Missed the part about the 4l60e. I am running one from a 2002 ls1 camaro. I was able to hook up my shifter cable without much issue, but you will have to modify the mounting point on the crossmember a little bit. The trans itself is the same length as the original 4l60e, the mount is just in a different location. When I put my driveshaft back in, the slip yoke was at the exact same depth as it was with the old trans.
#7
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Great stuff guys. I do know from prior experience that the 4L60E from a 4.3 is the same as a V-8, so I can mate it to the 4.8 with very little trouble. I did not know about the 98 up wiring, so that is very valuable. I will certianly keep this info tucked aside and let you all know when I find the right truck. It looks like a guy on my street has a possible candidate I have seen poking out from a tarp for a little while now. It may be time for a visit.
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#9
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It is very satisfying to finally make the first pass down the block.
I finally was able to connect with the guy in the neighborhood about his truck. "NOT FOR SALE", was his reply. I guess this means that I am on the hunt for a 98+ S10, regular cab, 4L60E, with a broken 4.3. Any one out there have one at a fire sale price?
I finally was able to connect with the guy in the neighborhood about his truck. "NOT FOR SALE", was his reply. I guess this means that I am on the hunt for a 98+ S10, regular cab, 4L60E, with a broken 4.3. Any one out there have one at a fire sale price?
#14
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I kind of forgot about this thread. I did finally find a suitable vehicle for the swap. 2000 2.2 AT, with ZQ8 suspension and AC. Since all of this started we have relocated to central KY, and I don't have any place to do the swap yet. I am looking at possible engine combinations. Does anyone know anything about swapping a front drive LS from an Impala or Grand Prix into the S10? Information I have seen indicates that the trans flange on these engines is different than the rear drive. What does anyone really know about this?
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I kind of forgot about this thread. I did finally find a suitable vehicle for the swap. 2000 2.2 AT, with ZQ8 suspension and AC. Since all of this started we have relocated to central KY, and I don't have any place to do the swap yet. I am looking at possible engine combinations. Does anyone know anything about swapping a front drive LS from an Impala or Grand Prix into the S10? Information I have seen indicates that the trans flange on these engines is different than the rear drive. What does anyone really know about this?
Now onto your question, your absolute best bet is to find a 4.8 or 5.3. They are cheap and they are the easiest swap into an s10. This setup is more compatible with what came in the s10 and the harness can be built plug and play.
#20
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donwp, do you plan to have AC on this one? I have seen several done that require a section notched in the PS side rail where the compressor will reside.