98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

Hey everyone,

Planning a 5.3 swap for my '73 split bumper. I plan on using a 5.3 from an 02 truck. My question is:

Do I want to buy 98-02 camaro/trans am accessories? Starter, alternator, power steering pump? Will they bolt right in like they do on an LS1 with the factory camaro brackets and such? Also, will they be in the stock Camaro/Trans am locations? (alternator on lower D/S) I've seen them all over the place in all different configurations.

I'm looking for bolt-on options. I've seen people use the truck accessories and make their own brackets and stuff, but I don't have the equipment for that.

I will not have A/C.

Thanks!

Jimbo1367

The best bang for the buck is Holleys FEAD. It is based of the Corvette FEAD but uses the more common (cheaper) alt. vs the Vette only alt. You wont have to worry about the lowmount alt clearing UCA mount that is a problem at times.

76larkman

truck stuff should work ok for you. I have a L33 5.3 truck engine in my 76 skylark. Basically same subframe as yours. Truck intake clears hood, only problem was the steering pulley interfered with steering box. Dorman 300-130 pulley fixed that--smaller pulley. stuff usually cheaper far as being truck instead of car stuff. with truck water pump a upper radiator hose for a chevy SSr truck (05) worked well for me, lower I had to put a T & 2 different sections of hoses together. Steering hose works by changing your old valve back of pump into newer pump.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

What those guys said.

I have the Corvette FEAD in mine and it all bolts up easily. I didn't have to cut or weld a thing. However, I imagine the vette-only alternator might be pricey if I cook it off.

Razor

If you have a cowl hood, you can use the truck accessory drive without issue.

98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

Thanks guys! Pics are worth a thousand words here, so if you have some post them up please!

I don't have a cowl hood.. I was considering it, but then it sort of negates the point of trying to save money either way lol.

Hey 1981 TA - were you able to retain your factory brake booster? I'm wondering if mine will have clearance issues with the LS swap. I have the factory one. How do you like the carb setup vs. FI? Also, tell me about your rear end setup - what do you have back there? Did you have to change your master cylinder?

Thanks fellas!

76larkman

brake booster & master cylinder no issue for clearance on skylark basically same firewall. I think you would be able to run truck parts by just changing steering pulley(dorman 300-130). I think you want to use holley pan/mounts.

1976CamaroGuy

iTrader: (8)

Don't put a cowl hood on that car, a square bulge kills the round body lines of the car

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

I was able to keep the booster but eventually took it out in the interest of weight reduction and better brake feedback. I didnt have to change my master, but also did so in the interest of better feedback. I have anadjustable prop valve inside the car. carb is good and more forgiving of weak vacuum but it's no fun getting it started in cooler weather. Check out my build thread for pics.

98 WS6

iTrader: (20)

Really? I started my Camaro today after sitting for a month, the temps around here have been anywhere from 0 - 30ish degrees.. she starts up on a dime every time. I had a few friends comment on that when they see me start it, lol. Are your accessories run in the F-Body setup? I bet you didn't have any pitman arm clearance issues being that you have a T/A.

I'm gonna check out the thread!