AMC Eagle swap questions
03-28-2012, 07:47 PM
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AMC Eagle swap questions I've been a lurker for a few years. I originally wanted to do an LSx swap in my Mustang SVO. I got rid of that and a couple years later was contemplating putting one in my AMC Eagle. On a recent road trip for work to Nevada, I stopped in Provo, UT to look at an AMC Eagle that already had an LSx swap done. The seller had in advertised as a LS1 from an 03 Vette but it appears to be a 5.3L. Cast iron block, 706 casting heads. I drove it from UT to TN a couple days ago. It ran great and averaged 17.5 MPG. Not horrible for 35" tires.
I've done a little searching but didn't find a definite answer. How can I tell what vehicle this engine came from? It appears to have at least an LS1 intake not sure about the accessories.
The wiring job is quite sloppy, I'll have to address that in the future. A buddy of mine did a couple LSx swaps and notice the plug for the IAT just hanging there. He gave me one with a connector because the IAT he had didn't match my plug, but I really don't want to splice in a new plug if I don't have to.
My other Eagle that is still AMC 6 powered, for now.
I've done a little searching but didn't find a definite answer. How can I tell what vehicle this engine came from? It appears to have at least an LS1 intake not sure about the accessories.
The wiring job is quite sloppy, I'll have to address that in the future. A buddy of mine did a couple LSx swaps and notice the plug for the IAT just hanging there. He gave me one with a connector because the IAT he had didn't match my plug, but I really don't want to splice in a new plug if I don't have to.
My other Eagle that is still AMC 6 powered, for now.
03-28-2012, 09:44 PM
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Just when you think you have seen it all...What trans/transfer case did they use? I had all but forgotten about these Eagle oddballs until I saw about a half dozen of them in the PicknPull in Kelowna a few weeks back,and one for sale on CL the other day.
03-28-2012, 10:00 PM
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4l60E and NP231.
03-28-2012, 11:46 PM
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A scan tool should be able to pull a VIN from the PCM, but its just a guess. My engine came from an 02 Avalanche, but the VIN comes back as a 2001 Trans AM after having it reflashed. I have an Iron block with 706 heads.
Look under the water pump on the driver's side of the engine. 4.8/5.3 should be cast into the block with one circled in paint stick. That should at least narrow down your search.
Awesome car! Clean up that engine bay and keep us posted.
Look under the water pump on the driver's side of the engine. 4.8/5.3 should be cast into the block with one circled in paint stick. That should at least narrow down your search.
Awesome car! Clean up that engine bay and keep us posted.
03-29-2012, 11:20 AM
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A scan tool should be able to pull a VIN from the PCM, but its just a guess. My engine came from an 02 Avalanche, but the VIN comes back as a 2001 Trans AM after having it reflashed. I have an Iron block with 706 heads.
Look under the water pump on the driver's side of the engine. 4.8/5.3 should be cast into the block with one circled in paint stick. That should at least narrow down your search.
Awesome car! Clean up that engine bay and keep us posted.
Look under the water pump on the driver's side of the engine. 4.8/5.3 should be cast into the block with one circled in paint stick. That should at least narrow down your search.
Awesome car! Clean up that engine bay and keep us posted.
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03-29-2012, 10:54 PM
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I see a 5-wire MAF. It has a built in IAT, but many (myself included) cut the wires and run an LS1 IAT instead to get more accurate readings (the housings heat soak and the IAT reads high). I'd recommend a scan tool, but you can unhook the PCM and use a meter to verify how the installer did things.
If you need an LS IAT, they cost like 20 bucks. GM used the same IAT for 30 years. Mine came from a 96 Camaro. For how cheap they are, it can't hurt to run one.
As for what you have, the older 5.3 pistons are dished and the 4.8s use flat tops. Some say you can see enough from the spark plug holes to ID, but I don't see how you could without having them side by side to compare.
If you need an LS IAT, they cost like 20 bucks. GM used the same IAT for 30 years. Mine came from a 96 Camaro. For how cheap they are, it can't hurt to run one.
As for what you have, the older 5.3 pistons are dished and the 4.8s use flat tops. Some say you can see enough from the spark plug holes to ID, but I don't see how you could without having them side by side to compare.
03-30-2012, 05:50 PM
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I see a 5-wire MAF. It has a built in IAT, but many (myself included) cut the wires and run an LS1 IAT instead to get more accurate readings (the housings heat soak and the IAT reads high). I'd recommend a scan tool, but you can unhook the PCM and use a meter to verify how the installer did things.
If you need an LS IAT, they cost like 20 bucks. GM used the same IAT for 30 years. Mine came from a 96 Camaro. For how cheap they are, it can't hurt to run one.
As for what you have, the older 5.3 pistons are dished and the 4.8s use flat tops. Some say you can see enough from the spark plug holes to ID, but I don't see how you could without having them side by side to compare.
If you need an LS IAT, they cost like 20 bucks. GM used the same IAT for 30 years. Mine came from a 96 Camaro. For how cheap they are, it can't hurt to run one.
As for what you have, the older 5.3 pistons are dished and the 4.8s use flat tops. Some say you can see enough from the spark plug holes to ID, but I don't see how you could without having them side by side to compare.
Mine too. I just wish the execution was better. It's a little sloppy. It smokes the tires rather easily, though.
04-03-2012, 11:42 AM
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I finally got in touch with the builder. He said it's an all stock 03 Silverado engine except for the LS intake and Hooker headers. I've been driving it the 60+ mile round trip drive to work the past few days and it's been fun. My 40 MPG Festiva is getting jealous though.
