Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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1989 siverado stepside

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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 06:08 PM
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Default 1989 siverado stepside

I found a nice body to put my l83 into. It is a short wheel base stepside single cab. No rust, no dents, interior is very dirty but I believe it is salvageable.
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It has 169k miles on it and has a 5.7 It hasnt moved in 10 years but the engine turns over. The throttle body is frozen shut so I beat it open with a screwdriver, poured some gas down its throat and she fired right up.
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It was missing so I did a compression check this morning and it came out fine, plugs are wasted and one wire burnt off. I fixed the wire and replaced the plugs and its still missing. Thats when I saw a big crack in the cap. New cap and rotor and it runs good. I picked up a throttle body at pickapart and I am going to replace the pump with a high pressure one and flush the tank. If I can get it running and shifting I will sell the drivetrain to fund the Ls install.

This is what is going in.
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So I am going to need help, please bear with me as I ask a lot of dumb questions.
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I hope the ac compressor fits....
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 07:14 PM
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A/C compressor probably won't fit without some serious crossmember surgery. Best bet is moving it, or getting a bracket to mount the R4 compressor in the factory location. What engine and transmission is that?
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 07:34 PM
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It is a 2014 L83 I lucked into. The guy who had it could not figure out how to wire it in so he sold it to me and put in a older engine. I wonder how much modification I would have to make on the frame I would really rather use the new compressor. I build hot rods so I have a mig and a plasma cutter.
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 07:54 PM
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I swapped a 01 5.3 out of a Tahoe into my 89 c1500 and it looked like a lot of cutting. The passenger side sway bar mount is also in the way from what I remember. I used the Dirty Dingo R4 mount on mine, but I wished I had used the newer compressor. I also build cars and do fab work, just looked like it would cause strength issues with the passenger side lower control arm.
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Old Sep 6, 2015 | 10:32 PM
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Hopefully someone will check in that has done one. It looks like I would be opening a can of worms to move the compressor as the alternator is occupying that spot.
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 10:03 AM
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I got the bed liner out getting ready to pull the bed. Man this thing is nice, no rust.
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Old Sep 8, 2015 | 05:00 PM
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Started ordering a few parts. Picked up these mounts, they look really nice and seem a lot simpler than the 2 piece designs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321807704176?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITI also ordered a posi unit and a 3.42 gear.
Still trying to get the old engine running right so I can sell it. It now idles perfect but acts all goofy when you drive it. I believe its in the distributor.
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 02:00 PM
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updates?

I am collecting info to swap my 89 C1500
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 06:55 PM
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Check out LS1TRUCK dot com you will find something interesting for you.
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 08:50 PM
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Thanks Slogo I am on there as well. I am trying to find as much info as I can but I really suck at search.
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Old Oct 8, 2015 | 08:49 AM
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I have been working to get the truck driveable after 10 years of sitting. I got the engine running decent now. I rebuilt the rear end and installed the posi with 3.42 gears. Installed prothane bushings and a 2 inch drop for the rear while I was at it Got the brakes working. Repaired all the lights. Cleaned the old coating off of the wheels and repainted them and replaced the tires. I got it to pass inspection yesterday so I am on my way.
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Steering is next as it really sucks. Needs pitman and idler arms.
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Old Oct 8, 2015 | 09:05 AM
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Freak! being a new forum member sucks! I can't post anything besides one liners....

I'm on LS1Truck too slogo, just can't post anything but text (no pictures, links, etc) without mod's approval (which takes a few days to get approved).

frige I just dropped a dime on ALL new front end parts on my truck (which looks dang close to yours that I can't post pictures of). Lower control arms, upper ball joints, idler, pitman, tie rod ends, shocks, grease, turn signal fluid, everything! Ha! Thanks for the update... you have 1 fan
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Old Oct 8, 2015 | 03:30 PM
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To keep the factory low mount the AC you really have to cut into the frame a lot. I have seen them done but to me you are asking for trouble because you are taking a lot of the structure out of the frame right next to the control arm mount.

If it was me I would swap out the accessories on the motor to truck or 2010+ Camaro accessories. Or you could just get a full set from dirty dingo or lsbrackets.com and do the high mount ac.
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Old Oct 8, 2015 | 05:27 PM
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Thunder, would the camaro parts or the other brackets that you mentioned fit the 2014 direct injection engine? If so I would be all for it.
Oh btw I got the registration done after jumping through all the hoops at the DMV for a hour or so. I`m legal YES!
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Old Oct 9, 2015 | 03:44 AM
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I guess I missed it was a direct port motor. I dont know if the accessories would bolt up to it or not.
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Old Apr 13, 2016 | 11:45 AM
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Updates?
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