91z28 98ta

iTrader: (1)

A 5.3 seems to be the cheapest route compared to ls1 and its more in my budget. i have a ls1 intake. and looking for cheapest route. so here's for the questions?

should i get ls1 injectors and fuel rail?
Use truck ecm?
are Motor mounts the same as Ls1?
Get Ls1 front accessories?
Use stock exhaust manifolds with what Y-Pipe?
Different Fuel Pump with regulator?
install a cam and springs?

is there any manual tranny that will bolt up thats not sky high other than t56 or should i just get a 4l60e?

1quickirocz

the answer is yes to most of your questions. with the ls1 intake you will need ls1 fuel rail/injectors. you can use the truck ecm but you may have to change a few things with the wiring harness. mounts are the same.you can use stock ls1 manifolds and have a custom y-pipe made. Yes to ls1 accessories. There are a few different things you can do with the fuel system. The stock 3rd gen system uses a return style fuel system and the 4th gen ls1 system uses a returnless system. Your TPI pump should be able to handle a mild ls engine. all you need to do is get a 97-04 vette fuel filter which has the fuel pressure regulator built in and adapt it to your lines. Or you can swap the 4th gen fuel tank in the car and just use the one fuel feed line to the front of the car.try a search on that there is alot of info on both. An auto trans would probably cost alittle less used.

1nasty86

iTrader: (63)

what did your car come stock with? t5 or auto. then either do the t56 or 4l60e.

dynodanmanda79

iTrader: (3)

I personally wouldn't use any other manual transmission other than a T-56 or MN12. I bought my MN12 for $1500 and that's not bad for a 6-speed transmission. If you are going automatic, try to get your hands on a 4L80E instead.

89ROC-Z

iTrader: (11)

go to thirdgen.org and read through the stickys

dynodanmanda79

iTrader: (3)

That would be a good start, then go to the LTX and LSX subforum

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

A 5.3 seems to be the cheapest route compared to ls1 and its more in my budget. i have a ls1 intake. and looking for cheapest route. so here's for the questions?

should i get ls1 injectors and fuel rail?
Sure, be sure the injectors are the 28.8lb versions as the 26's max out quickly on a mild 5.3
Use truck ecm?
Go be service number instead of original vehicle
are Motor mounts the same as Ls1?
Cheapest is the SBC adapter plates from ebay <$30. Cant use the LSx AC with them though
Get Ls1 front accessories?
They fit best. GTO and Caddys are similar but less common. C5 stuff also works but has the vette tax
Use stock exhaust manifolds with what Y-Pipe?
98-02 Fbody manifolds fit perfect. Early are stainless, later cast iron. Any Y-pipe will be custom made. The 4th gen wont fit and no companies are building them for 3rd swaps yet
Different Fuel Pump with regulator?
Use a walbro or mid 90's vortec truck pump and a C5 filter/regulator combo. Stock pump will not be enough to feed the LSx. It is designed for 43psi, LSx operate at 58psi
install a cam and springs?
Its an extra cost, but sure. LS6 cams are the cheapest and give a good punch for the effort. 224-228 duration cams also play nicely, anything 230+ gets rough to tune according to the performance truck forum
is there any manual tranny that will bolt up thats not sky high other than t56 or should i just get a 4l60e?
Easiest is to go with a Fbody or GTO T56. Id suggest not compromising on the trans type, if you do you will regret it. I know I did

Read over the TGO sticky and check out some of the builds over there. Dynodanmanda and I are both using a 5.3 and several others are using truck blocks

91z28 98ta

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the advice fellas. i think thats the route i'll go. 5.3 with ls6 cam or one closely compared with springs, truck ecm, stock fbody exhaust manifolds,and maybe a performance fuel pump with corvette filtler and regulator combo. didnt know the ls engines didnt have return lines to tank i have a 98 ta just havent paid any attention i guess.

if i happen to luck up on a new fbody gas tank will they fit reasonably well?
which oil pan will i need, fbody for sure?

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

Stock K-member only allows the Fbody pan. Tubular allows the LS2 C6 pan and sometimes the C5 batwing

Yes, the newer gas tank fits right in there with a filler neck trim, but why bother? Swap a new pump into your stock gas tank and call it a day

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (6)

Keep in mind that the 6.0 LG4/LG9 isn't much more expensive than a 5.3, and is significantly more powerful. With all of the other associated expenses and effort associated with the swap, I'd say it's definitely worth the small additional investment to have the bigger motor.

PitchblackC3

iTrader: (3)

Q LQ4/LQ9. And they are a lot higher. You can pick up 5.3s for less than $500 all day long, a LQ4 will be around $1000, an LQ9 closer to $1500. Still cheap in the big picture, but higher than the 5.3.

91z28 98ta

iTrader: (1)

looks like buying fbody accessories could get a little expensive, hawksthirdgen sells the whole front accessories for 850.00. seems little high to me any other place to find brackets and all that? like stated above if ....you can find a 5.3 for around 500 bucks ,and to spend 800 dollars for accessories would be a killer.

hairtrigger6

Here is the idea I had. I have an 89 v8 auto. I've thought of just buying a whole fleet truck or a wrecked truck. Fleet trucks general have great service and are usually mechanically in better shape than private vehicles. If u buy a 1/2 or 3/4 ton 2wd with a 6.0 or 5.3 u have everything u need and a truck to part out or scrap to get some of Ur money back.200k on a fleet truck is like 100k on a private vehicle. So spend wisely. But my question is how much HP gain is there from the 6.0 and will it hurt fuel efficiency since this will be my daily driver.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

Use the stock 6.0 cam or something mild and MPG will be very nice. LSx engines are very efficient. T56 swap often get 30+ MPG

NortZ1989

Doing this swap also, This thread answerd a lot of questions i had for sure. was about to go buy a 4th gen tank this weekend. I just need an oil pan to get this swap moving. Those things must have gold in them becuase dang they are spendy even used. Half the cost of the engine.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

New from the dealer at $250. I dont even look at used pans over $100