bama mike

I have a few questions on putting a 5.3 into an 02 camaro. This would be a complete swap. What will it take as far as wiring,sensors etc?
Headers?
241 heads?
Cam?
I know I would use my Ls6 intake and TB. along with oil pan.
The 5.3 is an 04
Any other sugestions are welcomed! Thx

1quickirocz

your taking your LS1 out and replacing it with a 5.3????........why???more info needed.

bama mike

Ls1 threw a rod. And just want to make it a dd so my wife can just drive it.
5.3 is cheaper than any Ls1 I have been able to find. I cannot do the work myself either. Where I live it is frowned upon...HOA

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

Drill and tap the front of the 5.3 block for the alt bracket mount. M10x1.5mm. Only physical difference you need to worry about

Only the shortblock and heads are useable for the swap. Everything else needs to come off your old LS1. Front accessories, intake, pan w/ related, balancer, coils etc

Since the 5.3 puts out less power youll need a tune, but the 5.7 tune will be close enough to run for a while. Itll be a little rich because the 5.3 doesnt use as much air

bjamick

iTrader: (31)

No need to tap for the other alternator bolt, just use the 2 you can. As for the ECM needing tuned you should be fine without a tune, but I would advise you to get a tune though.

SpecV44

iTrader: (7)

just drill and tap the alternator bolt (why use 2, it takes all of 5 minutes to do the other. you can also tap it for 3/8x16 if you dont have a metric tap, just use a 3/8 bolt) and swap everything else over. You will need a tune, but it should be able drive to the shop for the tune.

no issues swapping the LS1 for a LQ4 in my brother's 98 Z28, or my LS1 for a 5.3 in my 2000 TA

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

I would suggest tapping the bolt. The alt bracket mounts with 3 bolts and one totally isnt cast into any of the iron blocks. One of the remaining two has a boss cast, but no hole. How you gather two holes are present is beyond me

SpecV44

iTrader: (7)

both my brother's 1999 LQ4 and my 2002 5.3 had 2 alternator holes, but was flat where the 3rd was supposed to be (near the motor mount on the driver's side), Ive never heard of the holes not being there (aside from the 3rd that is always missing on iron blocks)

MeanYellowZ

iTrader: (19)

agreed ^^


DOn't waste time swapping heads or you may as well buy an LS1. Gaskets/ bolts/ head etc add up.

You will need to tap the hole as mentioned, switch out the water pump/ balancer/ coolant crossover (possibly)/ intake/ rails/ injectors/ oil pan/ pickup tube/ windage tray. A few hours work if you can borrow an LS style balancer removal tool. Really all simple, with the small exception of tapping the hole for the accessories, which is really not a big deal.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

I think he's talking about the hole on the drivers side of the block for the alt rear brace. This is cast into all LSx blocks, but it isnt considered an alt mount hole. The two alt holes under for LSx blocks are on the front of the block and happen to be the only two holding the alt to the bracket itself. Missing one of these will throw the alt out of alignment. The missing boss/hole for iron blocks only held the bracket itself to the block when the alt was removed

Just be sure you're straight when drilling/tapping the hole

usmcz28

iTrader: (3)

this swap seems to be a waste of time/energy/money. LS1 long block can be found on the cheap if you look hard enough. Hell even LQ4 are going for $500-800. Not my money so whatever

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

They're cheap with a spun bearing, good long blocks are still $1000-1500

5.3's can be picked up $100-300 all day long without looking hard