wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

This truck used to belong to my great uncle, passed then to my granddad, now passed to me... Its a 1979 and had 25000 original miles on the inline 250before the swap. I have now swapped in a 5.3, along with a harness and computer from a 2004. The truck came factory with a TH400 and 12bolt rear, which I have decided to keep in the truck. I was so excited to do the swap, I didnt take pitcutes of the build (upset with myself) but I have completed pictures for everyone who is interested! Thanks to ls1tech, performance trucks, and a few other sites, I was able to complete this swap in about two and a half weeks at a very slow pace!

I still have a little clean up and detailing to do, and also finish the a/c system, but for now the hard part is complete!

Anyway, please enjoy!

Also, for other swappers, if you have any questions or want pictures of the way i setup my fuel system, wiring, etc, please feel free to ask!

oxford03cobra

nice truck

ls6firebird

wow good lookin truck. been wantin to do the same swap in and 80's k10 really bad. the wiring scares the hell outta me tho haha

wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

Thanks!
As far as the wiring, I used a factory truck harness and computer, really easy hookup. It took maybe a few hours to get the harness in and wired up to the starter, power, ignition, and fuel pump. basically I was pretty scared too, but I thought if I jump in it ill force myself to get it done. Turns out easier that I thought.

02ssclone

Nice, What headers are those?

wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

Yall probably wont believe me, but they are stainless bbks, that are made for 98-02 f-bodys, only had to trim a small part of the frame on the passenger side, otherwise they fit great and have no issues!

jarednut4ever

iTrader: (14)

I have a 1977 gmc sierra with a lq4 in it. I also used ls1 camaro headers and trimed the pass side frame. Works pretty well. Very Nice truck.

dec010974

iTrader: (1)

wzup1000 i like the swap. i like the way u used the factory harness. simple but effective. since my swap, i learned so much that i could do another swap in my sleep. you may want fresh air for your engine. ur current set up may loose hp/torque with hot air. here is an idea. spectre tubing from napa. these pics r old before shor'dee went to the paint shop. like i said before nice job. i am certainly impressed.

wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

Sweet, thanks for the ideas and pictures. I am actually going to reuse the original a/c compressor and swap out the vbelt clutch to the serpentine clutch, and there is a way to use and relocate and use factory serpentine tensioner and bracket made for sbc that will work on the 5.3 belt system (I have to thank Jesse at SDPC for the idea, as he has sucessfully done this on his truck)...

But I do like your a/c setup dec010974, im just gonna try and use factory style parts. to keep cost down a little.. I have also been trying to decide what to do about the iat temps as they get up to 130+ degress on extremely hot days, so thanks for the idea on how to solve that issue, yours looks damn good!

silverz28camaro

iTrader: (20)

NIce, Do you plan on running it at the track at all? I bet it would run pretty good. I'm going with a 4l60e in my build just for some extra mpgs.

bowtie-r-die

did you have to program out the passlock to get yours running or do you have another trick,i dont have the bcm but i do have the ign switch module for the passlock

SuperSport01

Nice truck and nice swap! I would like to know what/where the electric fans came from though.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (23)

what did you do for motor mounts? Planning on doing this swap sooner or later on my 88 suburban, already have the motor just need the cash and time.

wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

Idk about the track,lol. Its just mainly a cruiser...so far its a dog due to the 3 speed 400 and the tall gear in the back...wish i wouldve went with overdrive and lockup

I just tuned out VATS via hptuners. Havent had any problems, and you shouldnt need the bcm...

Thanks! The fans are from an lt1 fbody, I got them for like 80 bucks (prolly to much but they turned out great!

I used motor mount adapters from SDPC ($65), they are nice billet pieces, you get to reuse your saddles and motormounts...(i used new mounts tho, $15 for both brand new)

xpndbl3

iTrader: (23)

got a part number for those SDPC pieces or a link to them? I poked around with no luck finding them

tennerv8

iTrader: (7)

mlevario99

wzup1000 nice truck.
Do you have the number for those adapters. I'm doing the swap in a 66 chevy C10, I bought the adapters from Trans Dapt Performance Products through SummitRacing, I was trying to install them today and the holes on the adapter plate do not line up with the block, I was able to line up three holes but the fourth one is off. Did you had any issues with your adapters

Thanks

wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

Oh, man I forgot that they didnt show a part number online (or i couldnt find one either) but Jesse at SDPC can help you out. Call here and ask for Jesse:
800-456-0211 ext 358 He is an awsome guy and can give you alot of info as he has completed a swap of his own...

No issues at all with The SDPC adapters, but I do have a buddy that got the Trans Dapt ones and they gave him a little trouble too, but fortunately we had the resources to "modify" to get them to fit...

wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

Also, I wanted to add a tip for those using the motor mount adapters, I found it alot easier to notch/ elongate the bolt holes inwards about 1/2" - 3/4" on the saddles for the for ease of installation...This did become a small problem on my install because I was able to get one side to line up, yet the other side was about an inch or more away from the hole on the motor mount. Please excuse my description, as it probably isnt really clear, but I will make up for it with pictures by this afternoon.

kaotic_ws6

hey what did you do for your speedo? im nervous too im about to do a 5.3 and a th400 in a 68 c-10