FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

Im starting to assemble parts for a 5.3 swap into my 72 C20 suburban. My big question for all of you who have done the LS into a C10 swap, is there any significant difference between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton when it comes to parts (motor mounts, headers that fit, trans cross member, etc)??

Ive got a 2001 LM7 with about 86,000 miles on it. The plan is to swap in the LS6 cam out of my 2003 Z06 (along with new lifters, trays, push rods, gaskets, etc), send the factory heads to TEA for a little work, then throw an 750 carb on it and bolt it in front of the factory 700R4. This is my daily driver, so Im not going for any sort of high horsepower build, just something cool and relatively cheap.

Heres a few pics of the truck, Ill update as I make progress but any help would be greatly appreciated!

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Great looking suburban. I don't have experience with this particular swap, but my gut feeling is that all motor mounts in 1972 were the same. If you post some close up pictures of what you're working with, I (and many others) can tell you for sure.

Andrew

1964SS

iTrader: (1)

Very nice looking suburban! will be a cool swap for sure. I would recommend keeping the fuel injection for a daily driver so you get the benefit of the fuel economy of these new motors.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

I probably will eventually revert back to the fuel injection, but for right now Im trying to keep this as simple a build as possible, mostly with parts I have laying around or found cheap. Once its up and running, Ill look into the fuel system/computer requirements to go with the fuel injection.

Right now my biggest concern is will all of the aftermarket C10/LS swap parts work on the 3/4 ton truck. I tried getting a picture of my motor mount but need to get the truck up in the air to get a decent picture.

onedayjake

Yeah the motor mounts are the same between 1/2 and 3/4 ton. +1 for leaving it fuel injected, you're still going to need a fuel system for carb. Fuel pump, filter and so on.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

awesome, thanks....that makes life a bit easier.

onedayjake

Oh and I have a Z06 cam in my 5.3 and picked up good power.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

That's cam and springs alone? I know my next upgrade. Any more details on the motor?

onedayjake

02 Avalanche 5.3, DBW, 70Kish mile JY motor. Had it in an 87 Suburban bone stock, stock tune, stock manifolds with 2 1/2" duals with Magnaflows out behind the rear tire. Put down 216 whp on a Mustang 1750SE dyno. Pulled the motor and put it in my 47 Chevy 1/2 ton. While it was out I put in the 03-04 Z06 cam and springs. Still has the truck intake and exhaust manifolds. The only other change is full 3" exhaust with 40 series Flowmasters, probably would pick up more with better mufflers, lol, but it was what I had. It put down 278 whp in the 47 with minimal tuning on the same dyno. Tuned the MAF table but didn't get into timing too much yet.

Ian Johnston

Thats one tidy Suburban you have there. Nearly too good to touch. I wouldnt imagine there would be that many around??

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

Reallly like your suburban., looks nice. As far as engine mounts go, the frame stands are the same for 1/2 and 3/4 tons, 1 tons have about an inch taller frame. I also would keep the EFI, but that's just me. I drive my '71 a lot and the 5.3 just made it that much nicer. Good luck with the swap, and keep us updated.

FLYNAVY30

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the help guys, Im pretty excited about doing the swap. The truck is a lot of fun and pretty rare at the cruise nights. Ill keep you posted as the build progresses.