1981 C10/5.3L Build Thread
1981 C10/5.3L Turbo Build Thread Well I've been working on this truck for close to 5 years... Here is the build so far.
I've been a reading member of LS1tech for many years but dont post much, I have learned a lot from this site so thanks to everyone for posting.
The truck is a 1981 GMC C15 but I have swapped grills and other parts so its sort of a mix match now, I just call it a C10.
5.3L swap, was set up for TH400 but ended up going with a 4L80e.
Here is a picture of the truck as I got it... Needs some work for sure.
I've been a reading member of LS1tech for many years but dont post much, I have learned a lot from this site so thanks to everyone for posting.
The truck is a 1981 GMC C15 but I have swapped grills and other parts so its sort of a mix match now, I just call it a C10.
5.3L swap, was set up for TH400 but ended up going with a 4L80e.
Here is a picture of the truck as I got it... Needs some work for sure.
Last edited by nichoms; Nov 28, 2016 at 04:53 PM.
Some goodies from McGaughy's
2.5" drop spindles
2" drop front springs
6" flip kit drop
McGaughy's Drop shocks
Energy Suspension full body/suspension bushing kit
Also new brake discs, tie rods, ball joints, bearings, etc...
2.5" drop spindles
2" drop front springs
6" flip kit drop
McGaughy's Drop shocks
Energy Suspension full body/suspension bushing kit
Also new brake discs, tie rods, ball joints, bearings, etc...
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Cleaned the firewall up with some oven cleaner, then did some sanding and some bondo, threw some primer on and then some semi-gloss black.
Also sanded down the front half of the frame.
Also sanded down the front half of the frame.
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Verdad Gallardo New ARP Head studs, Melling high volume oil pump, LS2 timing chain, LS6 valley cover, and a cam I bought from a guy on here.
Its a Comp cam with a Texas Speed custom grind, 228/232 0.588/0.595 on a 115 LSA. Pretty good size for a 5.3L but should be good for the turbo.
Got the engine painted a nice black.
Also, some Katech rod bolts.
Its a Comp cam with a Texas Speed custom grind, 228/232 0.588/0.595 on a 115 LSA. Pretty good size for a 5.3L but should be good for the turbo.
Got the engine painted a nice black.
Also, some Katech rod bolts.
Cleaned up the heads and got some new valve seals, PRC 675 dual springs, some new comp pushrods, and LS7 lifters.
Bought an LS1 intake off here and put it on for mockup. Also painted and polished a bunch of other crap.
Bought an LS1 intake off here and put it on for mockup. Also painted and polished a bunch of other crap.
Same here. I'm hoping to come in around 2k total for the swap. Hoping to have just a tick over 1k in the longblock but it will be all fresh with new or almost new everything. The harness will be the deciding factor on my budget.. good luck with yours! I'll definately be keeping an eye on this thread.
Out of order, but before painting I made my motor mount adapter plates out of some thick 5/16" steel, had to notch the frame for the exhaust manifold, and boxed in the sway bar brackets...
Exhaust manifold are pointing backwards because I'm going to run NA for a while to save up money for the turbo.
Exhaust manifold are pointing backwards because I'm going to run NA for a while to save up money for the turbo.
Same here. I'm hoping to come in around 2k total for the swap. Hoping to have just a tick over 1k in the longblock but it will be all fresh with new or almost new everything. The harness will be the deciding factor on my budget.. good luck with yours! I'll definately be keeping an eye on this thread.
It all adds up really quick. I will be at about $7500 for the NA swap and about 10k for the turbo setup.
You can do it for $2000 but you will have to keep it pretty basic, I believe there is a $1500 swap thread in the stickies so its for sure possible.
Thanks for the interest man, I'd like to see how your build comes along.
Nick
c10 hello to all. nichom keep me posted and keep the build thread going. I will be following this build to the end. I love what your to doing to swb. i cant wait to tear mine down a third time. two things, what kit did you use for the front end suspension and how good are the home made adapter plates working for you? also where did you get the template? subscribed! good luck. lsx swaps are the best once completed. a good camshaft and tune make 5.3's performers. ask me any questions, ill be glad to help, dec010974@yahoo.com.
dec,
Well in the end I just used the McGaughy's 2.5" drop spindle, the stock spring, and the McGaughy's drop shock. The rest of the items I got from the local auto stores, mostly Moog parts.
The homemade adaptors are good, they are really thick 5/16" plate so they are thicker than all the plates you can buy.(just happened to be the plate I had at home)
I just measured where I wanted the engine then came up with my own design. I later found other people have done similar designs though.
Well in the end I just used the McGaughy's 2.5" drop spindle, the stock spring, and the McGaughy's drop shock. The rest of the items I got from the local auto stores, mostly Moog parts.
The homemade adaptors are good, they are really thick 5/16" plate so they are thicker than all the plates you can buy.(just happened to be the plate I had at home)
I just measured where I wanted the engine then came up with my own design. I later found other people have done similar designs though.