LS3-swapped 1993 GMC Sonoma Hauls More Than it Loads
Super-clean GMC pickup gets an equally clean LS3 swap, which proves why these conversions are so popular.
Though we see LS swaps in just about any make and model you can possibly imagine, some platforms are obviously more popular than others. Here in the LS1 Tech forums, the humble Chevy S10/GMC Sonoma pickup is easily one of the most common. Stuffing an LS in one of these lightweight, compact pickups is pretty easy, for starters. And when you’re done, you’ve got one seriously fun little toy. That fact is clearly on display when you peruse member 84C10‘s build thread that combines LS3 power with a first-gen GMC Sonoma.
“I’m getting started on swapping a ’93 Sonoma and thought I would keep a running thread on the progress. Looking forward to using this thread to learn for myself and help others with their swaps. The truck I will be swapping is a really nice low-mile truck that doesn’t need any body or paint work. So we’ll just focus on the drivetrain side. Hopefully one day I can revisit this and powder coat the chassis.”
Starting out with such a solid base meant that this project wouldn’t drag on for years. And unsurprisingly, progress came quickly with this build. The original engine was out in no time, and we soon learned that the OP chose an LS3 and T56 Magnum combo to replace it with. Which is obviously a great recipe for fun in such a lightweight pickup.
“Nice weekend here in Kentucky, so I got a lot of work in on the GMC. Oil pan, mounts installed. Went ahead and bolted the trans to the engine and installed in one piece. Probably wouldn’t do it that way again.”
The OP used a set of Holley swap brackets to get everything mounted up, which seemed to work nicely. He also used a Hooker crossmember, which is a straight bolt-in. Even the shifter stayed in the stock location with the manual conversion, with no cutting required. Though the OP did trim out about a quarter-inch to ensure it wouldn’t hit anything.
Work continued with the fuel system, followed by the accessory drive components. A new set of Holley headers and a Frostbite radiator helped the conversion go smoothly, while a Blazer brake swap will undoubtedly help slow things down a little quicker. The OP also built up an 8.5-inch rear to handle the extra power of the LS3. And a little over a year after he started this GMC project, it was finished.
With incredible aftermarket support, completing an LS swap in a Chevy S10 or GMC Sonoma is obviously pretty easy. So it’s no wonder that we see so many of them here in the forums. If you’re thinking about swapping one of these compact pickups, be sure and check out this thread in its entirety. There’s lots of great information here that can save you a ton of time and money!
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