nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Well I've been working on this truck for close to 5 years... Here is the build so far.
I've been a reading member of LS1tech for many years but dont post much, I have learned a lot from this site so thanks to everyone for posting.

The truck is a 1981 GMC C15 but I have swapped grills and other parts so its sort of a mix match now, I just call it a C10.

5.3L swap, was set up for TH400 but ended up going with a 4L80e.

Here is a picture of the truck as I got it... Needs some work for sure.

nichoms

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Back when I had both trucks and a blown Mustang GT... Now down to one truck and the GTO (Much better than the Mustang)

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Some goodies from McGaughy's

2.5" drop spindles
2" drop front springs

6" flip kit drop
McGaughy's Drop shocks

Energy Suspension full body/suspension bushing kit

Also new brake discs, tie rods, ball joints, bearings, etc...

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Too low for me...

Crossmember was 3.5" from the ground.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

This is better.. 2.5" front and 5" rear.
Crappy pictures and I will have different tires but you get the point.

Blackpony

iTrader: (6)

Kool build, I am doing a similar build with an n/a ls1 in my 85 swb.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Pulled the tired old 305ci and 700r4.

Sold engine for $250 and trans for $100 I think

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Cleaned the firewall up with some oven cleaner, then did some sanding and some bondo, threw some primer on and then some semi-gloss black.
Also sanded down the front half of the frame.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Got the frame and front suspension painted...

Rustoleum Satin, same as the firewall.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Here is my $500 junkyard 5.3L. A little dirty but should work just fine!

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

New ARP Head studs, Melling high volume oil pump, LS2 timing chain, LS6 valley cover, and a cam I bought from a guy on here.
Its a Comp cam with a Texas Speed custom grind, 228/232 0.588/0.595 on a 115 LSA. Pretty good size for a 5.3L but should be good for the turbo.

Got the engine painted a nice black.

Also, some Katech rod bolts.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Cleaned up the heads and got some new valve seals, PRC 675 dual springs, some new comp pushrods, and LS7 lifters.

Bought an LS1 intake off here and put it on for mockup. Also painted and polished a bunch of other crap.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man, I wish I could have gone with an LS1 but I'm on a reasonably tight budget, so 5.3L it is...

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Painted the intake the same color I'm going to paint the truck, Spice Red Metallic from a 2006 GTO.

Blackpony

iTrader: (6)

Same here. I'm hoping to come in around 2k total for the swap. Hoping to have just a tick over 1k in the longblock but it will be all fresh with new or almost new everything. The harness will be the deciding factor on my budget.. good luck with yours! I'll definately be keeping an eye on this thread.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Out of order, but before painting I made my motor mount adapter plates out of some thick 5/16" steel, had to notch the frame for the exhaust manifold, and boxed in the sway bar brackets...

Exhaust manifold are pointing backwards because I'm going to run NA for a while to save up money for the turbo.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

I feel like I'm doing it as cheap as I can but I'm already well over $4k and havent rebuilt the trans, got a converter, put together most of the fuel system, and a bunch of other crap.

It all adds up really quick. I will be at about $7500 for the NA swap and about 10k for the turbo setup.

You can do it for $2000 but you will have to keep it pretty basic, I believe there is a $1500 swap thread in the stickies so its for sure possible.

Thanks for the interest man, I'd like to see how your build comes along.

Nick

dec010974

iTrader: (1)

hello to all. nichom keep me posted and keep the build thread going. I will be following this build to the end. I love what your to doing to swb. i cant wait to tear mine down a third time. two things, what kit did you use for the front end suspension and how good are the home made adapter plates working for you? also where did you get the template? subscribed! good luck. lsx swaps are the best once completed. a good camshaft and tune make 5.3's performers. ask me any questions, ill be glad to help, dec010974@yahoo.com.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

dec,
Well in the end I just used the McGaughy's 2.5" drop spindle, the stock spring, and the McGaughy's drop shock. The rest of the items I got from the local auto stores, mostly Moog parts.

The homemade adaptors are good, they are really thick 5/16" plate so they are thicker than all the plates you can buy.(just happened to be the plate I had at home)
I just measured where I wanted the engine then came up with my own design. I later found other people have done similar designs though.

nichoms

iTrader: (1)

Got a '99 Camaro M6 ECU and Engine Harness.

This is before I removed about 30 wires that I wont need.