Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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New FOX body build..

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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 08:40 PM
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Default New FOX body build..

Hi..i am new member to the forum..but have been following it for a while now..
I am building a LS based mustang....I already have one mustang with a SBF..
so my thought it to make my other coupe..a lil different..
I see alot of people on here doing this..but my question is..
I have a 98 LS1 and 4l60e from a camaro...
and have a 5.3 from a truck available...which should i use..and if i put one in
how easy is it to swap in the other motor..if the first gives up..
im more worried about the wiring and than mounting..my AJE Kmember is on its way..and I will be getting a set of Kooks headers..
any particular harness i should use if the 2 motor will interchange?..
i would like my wiring to accept either motor ..IF that is possible..

thanks for any advice..
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 08:49 PM
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Use the LS1 if you have it. Bigger is better(usually). And as far as the wiring, I'm no good with that lol. I'm sure there is one though.
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 08:51 PM
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Thanks..I have the LS1..but was goin to buy the 5.3 also...
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 08:53 PM
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I don't see why, unless you just want a backup motor. How many miles on the LS1? And is the 5.3L Iron or Aluminum?
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 08:58 PM
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The LS1 was an ex Richland county sheriffs car..not sure how many miles..but i bet they were hard miles..
the 5.3 is iron motor...and in reality..yeah..i want a backup motor..plus...i have a 3rd car i wanna build also..that i may use the 5.3 in..so..if one wiring setup would cover both cars...
that would be neat..because..i wouldn't have to try to figure another setup again..just duplicate the first..
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 09:10 PM
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USe the LS1 with the LS1 harness (if you have it.)

I've helped my buddy with a couple (3) of his mustangs so I'm pretty familiar with foxbodies. As far as the LS1 and harness, It's actually pretty cut and dry.. Just take it one thing at a time. Learn how to read schematics if you don't already. There's really not much to the LS1 harness, just splits in half over the engine. Pick up a repair manual too, that should have everything you should need. -For the Camaro.

The 5.3 SHOULD have all of the same engine monitoring connectors. i've never messed with em though. Really not much of a difference, there. If you were to swap an LS6 intake on the 5.3, you'd never know the difference. (except the iron block.)

As far as the wiring should just be;
Starting/charging
12v system/Power distribution
Emissions (EGR, AIR)
Engine monitoring (TPS, IAC, Temp, Knock sensors [2], crank/cam sensor, Oil pressure sensor, MAP, MAF, grounds [pass side head] o2 sensors (2 before cat, 2 after)
Ignition -Coils
Fuel (pump, EVAP)
Vehicle speed/Traction control


That should be everything that the PCM needs to see. -Just off the top of my head. The 98 is a weird year, tho.

Last edited by bayer-z28; Mar 2, 2011 at 09:21 PM.
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 09:17 PM
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Sounds like a plan...I hope to get my Kmember Friday...
need to get under hood painted..before putting that in...then i can set motor
...who should i get to perhaps work on the factory harness..
i see alot of people use Speartech?...my brother has a 72 chevy C10..
with an LS1 out of a 2001 camaro...harnesss was a painless harness..
i CNCed him a dash panel out of Aluminum to hold the factory Camaro cluster..with the shape of the factory 71 shaped bezel..they used a painless harness though..wasn't sure if that is the way to go..or have factory harness modded

Last edited by nickmthw; Mar 2, 2011 at 09:20 PM. Reason: spelling..
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 09:19 PM
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Speartech = The Bomb.
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Old May 8, 2011 | 08:38 PM
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update on car....waiting on struts..so i can install spindles and such..
have UPR caster camber plates and coil over conversion..
changing to 5 lug also...
hopefully getting motor set in this month...
Attached Thumbnails New FOX body build..-start.jpg   New FOX body build..-old-wiring.jpg   New FOX body build..-painted-engine-bay.jpg   New FOX body build..-img_5822.jpg   New FOX body build..-img_7312.jpg  

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Old May 10, 2011 | 08:18 PM
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good luck on the build
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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 11:16 PM
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any news?
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Old Jun 5, 2011 | 09:50 PM
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No news yet...money was/is tight this month...bought a lathe to go along with my mill
so...ill see what i can get bought this month....ill update soon as i add more..
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Old Jun 6, 2011 | 12:58 AM
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cool project. keep us posted..
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 02:14 PM
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Just got back started...
Attached Thumbnails New FOX body build..-photo-1.jpg   New FOX body build..-photo-2.jpg  
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