LSx nova project
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
LSx nova project Hey fellas, just joined the site, recently sold off my old sbc and now time to dive into EFI! I plan to get a 5.3 truck engine as my power plant, because there is an abundance in the yards here and they are all around cheaper. My question to you guys is what year and out of what truck should i pull my 5.3l? is there year specific parts...etc. I dont want to pick up an engine and realize i cant find anything for it because it is an oddball year. let me know what is the ideal year and what vehicle to search for. looking at vehicles in the 80,000 -100,000mi range.
Good going.. Hope you got a good price.. most any one of the plates will work, but you have to decide on how/where you mount the engine, Standard, 1+ setback, etc. There are some adjustable one. BRP makes a complete kit that will drop it right in.
Suggestion is to buy Headers and plates from the same manufactor, that way they will be designed to work together and fit. I made my own mount using Edelbrock 1" setback design and Edelbrock Headers (which are not discontinued).
Oil Pans..:
OEM
- A notched F-body pan
- CTS-V
- LH8 (but IMO, it hangs too low).
Aftermarket
- Cast - Mast or Holley
- Steel - Autocraft, Champ, etc..
Suggestion is to buy Headers and plates from the same manufactor, that way they will be designed to work together and fit. I made my own mount using Edelbrock 1" setback design and Edelbrock Headers (which are not discontinued).
Oil Pans..:
OEM
- A notched F-body pan
- CTS-V
- LH8 (but IMO, it hangs too low).
Aftermarket
- Cast - Mast or Holley
- Steel - Autocraft, Champ, etc..
I don't know much about the later Novas like your '77, but there is one listed here: https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...ap-thread.html
I have heard your generation Nova shares front suspension with the 2nd generation Camaro. If that's true, I'd be looking at mounts, adapters, and headers that have worked historically on those Camaros.
I have heard your generation Nova shares front suspension with the 2nd generation Camaro. If that's true, I'd be looking at mounts, adapters, and headers that have worked historically on those Camaros.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
Forgot to get into details about what i purchased. I payed 1,200 for a 95,000mi 6.0 out of a 1999 silverado 2wd, it's matching 4l80e, complete wiring harness for engine, cab, and lights. guage cluster, pedal assembly, airbag computer, coresupport, transmission cooler, transmission crossmember, exhaust which is cut off after 2nd O2 sensor, stock airbox setup. I got so many parts which i'll be reselling most to cover the cost of the swap. I think i got a pretty good deal here! especially since I had already settled for the 5.3l.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
Engine and transmission arrive today where I then got to work stripping down the engine and cleaning it all up.
Theyre spending the night with eachother tonight...my toys..
You decide on a pan yet ?
You might check the clearance on the Truck Exhaust manifold.. they exit pretty far to the rear and a bit wide, they may cause problem with the firewall and frame.
The 4th Gen F-Body mainfolds should or usually do fit well. .. Or flip them over and add a few turbo on top of them !
You might check the clearance on the Truck Exhaust manifold.. they exit pretty far to the rear and a bit wide, they may cause problem with the firewall and frame.
The 4th Gen F-Body mainfolds should or usually do fit well. .. Or flip them over and add a few turbo on top of them !
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
Still researching pans still...looking to spend 300 for one, idk if that will happen. and i havent gotten to test fit with the manifolds but i have the truck exhaust with the o2's to try to fit to bring it down to my old dual exhaust.
finally, a post-74! keep us updated, that '77 that clint mentioned was only a couple pictures - no info whatsoever. I'm specifically saving a spot for ya, so let me know what you're doing for:
Mounts Should be able to run S&P/carshopinc style (easy to fab)
Oil Pan Notched f-body is popular - however, yours being front steer, you may not need to notch it. They can be found for ~$200-250
Headers good luck
Accessories That truck stuff should work
The wiring isn't terribly difficult. lt1swap.com should be able to help you out a ton.
FYI - that 6-oh has iron heads. I'd ditch 'em pronto and pick up some 317s or (better yet!) L92/LS3s. You shouldn't have trouble w/ that 4L80e.
Mounts Should be able to run S&P/carshopinc style (easy to fab)
Oil Pan Notched f-body is popular - however, yours being front steer, you may not need to notch it. They can be found for ~$200-250
Headers good luck
Accessories That truck stuff should work
The wiring isn't terribly difficult. lt1swap.com should be able to help you out a ton.
FYI - that 6-oh has iron heads. I'd ditch 'em pronto and pick up some 317s or (better yet!) L92/LS3s. You shouldn't have trouble w/ that 4L80e.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
pulling the trigger on CTS-V Pan and some 1" setback mounts. truck power steering looks close, can i cap off my steering box and run manual? or do i have to switch boxes...
Sticking with the completely stock motor for now as im about to head to college and work will run out here next month. This leaves me room to save and plan a strategy of how and when i want to upgrade things so i don't have to do it twice. i think once i'm more educated on the turbo stuff ill put a single turbo on it, and push a light 12lbs of boost since it will be daily driver status besides my current driver which is my streetbike
Sticking with the completely stock motor for now as im about to head to college and work will run out here next month. This leaves me room to save and plan a strategy of how and when i want to upgrade things so i don't have to do it twice. i think once i'm more educated on the turbo stuff ill put a single turbo on it, and push a light 12lbs of boost since it will be daily driver status besides my current driver which is my streetbike
