1981 C10/5.3L Build Thread
Picked up a TH400 off craigslist for $75, going to try my first rebuild....
With the new engine/Trans location I had to make a new transmission crossmember. Decided to go a little overboard and make it extra beefy.
With the new engine/Trans location I had to make a new transmission crossmember. Decided to go a little overboard and make it extra beefy.
Got a 2007 5.3L water pump to clear the LS1 intake, made a new idler bracket and painted it and my tensioner Spice Red. Also had to cut the alternator/PS bracket to clear the intake.
Tapped a hole in the water pump and plumbed the steam vent there.
Measured and got a Gates belt from the local auto parts store.
Tapped a hole in the water pump and plumbed the steam vent there.
Measured and got a Gates belt from the local auto parts store.
Decided to relocate the coils to make it look clean so I made some brackets to bolt the coils under the engine on the frame.
Had to make the passenger side different than the driver because the starter.
Got some heat shielding from a Jetta at a salvage yard and made some heat shields.
Did some Summit cut to length wires but need to get some plug wire sheaths.
Looks pretty decent from up top, you can barely see the plug wires.
Had to make the passenger side different than the driver because the starter.
Got some heat shielding from a Jetta at a salvage yard and made some heat shields.
Did some Summit cut to length wires but need to get some plug wire sheaths.
Looks pretty decent from up top, you can barely see the plug wires.
Next I made a decision that I have regretted ever since but in the end I'll be happy. I pulled the entire chassis harness and am putting in a universal harness. That way I will know my wiring is good and wont have the risk of 30 year old wires catching on fire.
I just pretty much finished up the cab wiring last night. Only need to wire the gauges and one wire for the HVAC Controls. I'll probably just hook up the speedo and fuel level because I'll go with aftermarket gauges a little later on.
The under dash wiring is a pain in the ***, but its a lot cleaner than before.
I just pretty much finished up the cab wiring last night. Only need to wire the gauges and one wire for the HVAC Controls. I'll probably just hook up the speedo and fuel level because I'll go with aftermarket gauges a little later on.
The under dash wiring is a pain in the ***, but its a lot cleaner than before.
When I pulled the cab harness out it was a lot easier to remove the seat and the dash to get to it all. So since I had the dash removed I went ahead and painted it Spice Red to match everything else.
The interior is blue now, but I used the vinyl dye and got the dash black, I'll have to dye the rest of the plastics black later and get some black carpet and newer model silverado buckets.
This pretty much gets me up to date on the build thread.
Next on the list is trying to finish up the engine harness and figure out how to get power to everywhere on the engine that needs it.
I've read about people doing the 4 wire hookup but a buddy of mine went another route where all the powered items had their own fuse on a small block in the engine bay. Not sure what I want to do on that yet...
Suggestions are welcome...
The interior is blue now, but I used the vinyl dye and got the dash black, I'll have to dye the rest of the plastics black later and get some black carpet and newer model silverado buckets.
This pretty much gets me up to date on the build thread.
Next on the list is trying to finish up the engine harness and figure out how to get power to everywhere on the engine that needs it.
I've read about people doing the 4 wire hookup but a buddy of mine went another route where all the powered items had their own fuse on a small block in the engine bay. Not sure what I want to do on that yet...
Suggestions are welcome...
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Brett Foote Nice, that this is pretty cheap too. Did you have to order pins and just wire it up yourself?
My buddy used this one and its pretty nice. Its called "SA-1000 Engine Management Fuse Block" I dont think the company that sells it is a vendor so I wont put a link. But its about $125, but comes with everything.
How easy was yours to hook up? I'd rather spend $25 than $125...
My buddy used this one and its pretty nice. Its called "SA-1000 Engine Management Fuse Block" I dont think the company that sells it is a vendor so I wont put a link. But its about $125, but comes with everything.
How easy was yours to hook up? I'd rather spend $25 than $125...
hello LS1tech. Nichoms, that fuse box is a nice piece. i ordered (2). When i installed the fuse box with my old harness the engine wouldnt start. the relays where wired differently. once i rewired the harness, pronto, the
5.3/4l60e combo came to life & drove like a champ. the junk yard fuse box can be used and rewired to work also. the current fuse box looks nice for an engine bay thats seen alot. functional wise, junk yard pieces works great.
5.3/4l60e combo came to life & drove like a champ. the junk yard fuse box can be used and rewired to work also. the current fuse box looks nice for an engine bay thats seen alot. functional wise, junk yard pieces works great.
hello LS1tech. Nichoms, that fuse box is a nice piece. i ordered (2). When i installed the fuse box with my old harness the engine wouldnt start. the relays where wired differently. once i rewired the harness, pronto, the
5.3/4l60e combo came to life & drove like a champ. the junk yard fuse box can be used and rewired to work also. the current fuse box looks nice for an engine bay thats seen alot. functional wise, junk yard pieces works great.
5.3/4l60e combo came to life & drove like a champ. the junk yard fuse box can be used and rewired to work also. the current fuse box looks nice for an engine bay thats seen alot. functional wise, junk yard pieces works great.
How many fused power sources do you need to hook up the LS engine harness?
Where did you put your ECU?
Thanks in advance
I havent got to that point yet, but I was planning on getting the flat 6.0L flexplate with the stock spacer. From what I've read that should mate an LS to a TH400.
Right now I've got my Trans mounted to the engine and on the crossmember just for mockup, but have to remove it to rebuild and buy a converter.
I'll try to verify it with the company I buy a converter from though...
Right now I've got my Trans mounted to the engine and on the crossmember just for mockup, but have to remove it to rebuild and buy a converter.
I'll try to verify it with the company I buy a converter from though...
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 186
Likes: 3
Not too bad, had to make up fan-outs to go from the pwr/trn and run/crank relays to their respective fuses since the bussed version didn't match up. Did consider the one shown for $125 but already had Weatherpack crimp tools so saved the money but spent the time.
The Bussmann is a little small for running a full LS. It can use 3x mini or 5x micro relays, I think micro are a little undersize. GM agrees since they use mini for most loads. I already had cooling fan and fuel pump relays on the other fender from previous EFI motors so wasn't a problem for me.
The Bussmann is a little small for running a full LS. It can use 3x mini or 5x micro relays, I think micro are a little undersize. GM agrees since they use mini for most loads. I already had cooling fan and fuel pump relays on the other fender from previous EFI motors so wasn't a problem for me.
pics of setup i hope the pics help. sorry, i apologize for the wiring. its a mess, but works. my setup runs with no issuess and i never took it out. i want to pull it, totally clean up the engine bay, and redo the wiring but everything works perfect. 5000 miles or more on the drivetrain. the setup is efficient, has good, clean power, and was driven out of town. i can shoot for more power but im satisfied with my 18 mpg. i know once its tuned properly i can get more mpg. good luck. ill check the thread to offer help where i can.
Dec- I like your truck. It has a really nice stance. Thanks for the pictures of your engine bay, what kind of headers are you using?
Speedfreak- Thanks man, I just hope the heat shielding keeps them protected enough. I do like the clean look a lot.
Scrap - Thanks, you should go for it man!
Speedfreak- Thanks man, I just hope the heat shielding keeps them protected enough. I do like the clean look a lot.
Scrap - Thanks, you should go for it man!
Great nichoms. i used JBA shorty headers. i was very impatient and tried to avoid nothching the frame on the driver side. i still had to notch the frame. also, that fuse box is a great, functional piece. for those that may want to alter a fuse box from the junk yard, look for a small fuse box from other gm vehicles like late 90's cutlass, camaros, pontiacs, s10s, etc. youll be suprised at all the treasure you find. ive have bought plenty of electric fans from tne junk yard. i sell the fans all the time. i cant wait to see your finished engine bay. im looking forward to seeing the finished product. subscribed!
Last edited by dec010974; May 16, 2012 at 02:18 AM. Reason: spelling