Cameron Hill

Hey guys.
I plan on grabbing a junkyard 5.3 to mate with the th350 in my 1975 k10.
I don't need a looott of power, i'm looking more for the mpg's. I dont make a ton of power out of the existing sbc 350, but it's enough for me, and i'm sure the 5.3 will give me even more than that

I have a friend and his dad who have done multiple LS swaps in different cars. They can help me with the wiring and fuel system.
But as far as mounting the 5.3 to the th350, what adapters or spacers do i need to fit her in? What about crossmember/oil pan interference?

I'm stashing money away right now for the swap, so I'd like to know exactly what i need, then buy it all and start swapping it out.

Thanks in advanced!

Jimbo1367

real nice looking truck. Whatever you hink it will cost....... double it.

operatorfailure

iTrader: (3)

If fuel mileage is what you're after an overdrive transmission will help you more than anything. With you being 4wd that complicates things for sure, but I'm pretty sure there was a few applications with the correct setup to go overdrive. Go for the 5.3 swap for sure though, you won't regret it!

sierravmax

iTrader: (1)

Yes I agree. See if you can get hold of a 700r4.

Cameron Hill

I was thinking about that a lot. I met a guy who 5.3 swapped his 74 truck, all jacked up on 35s. He sais he gets like 16 mpg with a th350. I'm sure overdrive would make it much better. But how do I mate the transfer case to a 700r, or even a 4l60 or 4l80? I have an np203 in the truck, but I have access to a np205. If either is easier to mate.

1967BuickGS400

Advanced adapters makes an adapter to go from a 2wd 4l80 to an old style transfer case. I have been looking into it for my 86 k10 when I do my swap.

Cameron Hill

Should I look for a 700r, or a newer 4l60/80? I feel like the 700r is simpler, because theres no electronics. But at the same time I'm already putting a 5.3 in. Wouldnt a 4l60 or 80 bolt right up?

jcvett56

A 4l60 or 4L80 would bolt up to your 5.3 with no adapters. The wiring will already be there if you are doing a swap. Just get the same transmission your wiring harness is setup for if you are doing the wiring yourself. If not get a standalone harness that gets tested and verified by the shop before it ships.

Cameron Hill

Sounds like I'm gonna be looking for a 4l60e now too. Id assume i might not get as many mpg with a 4l80. Or am i wrong? Maybe I'll find a package deal with motor and tran .
So as far as mounting both the motor and the trans in the truck, what must be done? Could I use the existing motor mount location. And go off of that for everything else? I hear about tight clearance by the firewall when doing just a 5.3 swap. If I could pull the motor/trans closer to the front of the truck to avoid that, I'd be very happy.
Also, I'd assume I'm gonna have to get driveshafts made too. But what else would be necessary?