ChrisGMC

Well I have posted a few times and finally got started on the swap. This is my first swap so bear with me. Little info on the truck, I paid $200 for the truck, not running. It is complete with a 5.0 and 4l60E. I am bringing this over from LS1Truck, It is not that active.

So here goes:

Well it is time to get this project going. I was looking on CL for tools that people are selling. Can never have to many. came across an ad for a engine stand for 50, but must take the motor attached. The guy sent me some and it was a 5.3. Not sure the year, I know it is a DBW, with 862 heads. I went over there to check it out, I would not turn it over by hand, but it has all the injectors and sensors and coil packs, So I offered him 40, told him i was going to have to go home and unload the motor and take it to the scrap yard. He took it.

Well Now the bad news, still cant turn it over. Started to take it apart, this is probably the most neglected motor in the US. Took the pan off, there is so much sludge in the bottom on the pan. only 1 lifter came out, the rest can only come out half way. SO i have to figure that out. And I have loaded up the cylinders with some PB Blaster going to check to see if I can turn it over in the morning. Here are some pics.








That is only half the sludge that was in the pan.

ChrisGMC

Well I got the motor torn down,



This is about the worst part of the crank


This is the worst cylinder




Does this look like normal wear?

ChrisGMC

Looks like all the machine work will be done on Friday and he closes before I get off work. So Monday I will get everything.

Cant wait to put this together.

In the meantime I need to decide if I want to go with DBW or swap out the intake. I still need to run down to the salvage yard and pick up and ECU and Harness so do I pick up a new intake while I am there??

Tuskyz28

Nice score !! What's the plan for the truck when completed ? Tow rig, daily driver , weekend toy or what ?

ChrisGMC

It will tow the boat, daily driver, and be the weekend toy. It is just something I can mess with. This is going to be the experiment for me. I have another 5.3 and 4l60e that is being planned for my Jeep Cherokee. I am going to keep track of everything I spend on this truck. I want to see how close I can stay to $1500 on the swap. Realistically I was thinking $2500 to $3000, but we shall see.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Nice score on everything. That truck was worth well over $200 in scrap and looks to be in great shape. I'll be watching c-list like a hawk for these deals since I need a truck pretty badly.

OutFoxed

iTrader: (5)

Good luck with truck....... I'm going to keep an eye on your build/thread progress. I have a 96 2 door Tahoe that's waiting for me to drop a 5.7/T56 out of a 98 Z that I have sitting around.

ChrisGMC

Quick question on the wiring. For me to keep the ABS, AC, airbags and so on, Do i need to keep the factory PCM and just remove the portion of the old harness that I wont be using and then use the new PCM and harness for engine and transmission control?

like2grudge

cool will be watching progress .I have a 97 chevy just like it and am thinking of doing this same swap minus the rebuilt engine

hokeplaya05

iTrader: (3)

you can re-pin your truck harness to accept the 5.3 411 PCM. google 411 PCM swap, it is what I am planning on doing when I swap my lq4 into my 96. there are diagrams you can get that show what to do, I got mine from lextech on here.

edit: here is a link that I have saved that kind of gives you the idea. although this info is if you were to be keeping the vortec 5.7 and swapping to the 411 PCM
http://www.gmtruckcentral.com/articles/12200411.html

ChrisGMC

Thanks, I will check it out. Machine shop just called said everything is ready for pick up. I love when they get things done early.

like2grudge

don't forget pics

ChrisGMC

I will get pics when I pick up the parts. I was trying to get off work early, but looks like I have to wait till Monday on my days off.

ChrisGMC

Well went by the machine shop late after work and you know it they a few guys were still there. Picked up my crank and pistons and rods. The block was getting cleaned one last time. so I will get in Monday. We had to go 010 on the Mains and 030 on the rods. Bores were just cleaned up with a hone. The owner of the shop said that it was tight even after the hone. So I am going standard on rings.

So what color should I paint the block? So do you think I can use the factory cam or just looking for a new one? I think it is worn. buddy says it looks ok....






Thanks in advanced

HILROD

For the cam I'd say look for an Ls1 or 6.0 cam. A takeout should be damn near free. Too lazy to look up where you are or I'd offer you one.

ChrisGMC

I am in the San Antonio area.

Shaggykjb

Where did you get your engine work done in SA? I'm down here too and need a place that can vat, bore , hone. Specifically I need a shop that can hone rods too.

ChrisGMC

I used Midway Automotive in Floresville off 181.

Shaggykjb

updates on the build?

ChrisGMC

Going to pick up the block tomorrow. Been busy at work and he closes at 5 and I get off at 630.

So starting monday this project is going on the fast track.