Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

5.3 into a 73 caprice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 12, 2015 | 08:19 PM
  #1  
weberjame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default 5.3 into a 73 caprice

Hey guys, I've been working on putting a 5.3 from a suburban (04 I believe) into my 1973 caprice. I have it mounted in the car with the oil pan, and trans mounted. I'm new to these swaps so I have a few questions.
1. I'm trying to connect my sunpro mechanical gauges and can't seem to find the correct adapters for the coolant temp and oil pressure. Any ideas?
2. Are there any headers I can buy that will fit/connect to the factory exhaust pipes? I'm trying to keep this as inexpensive as possible so I'd prefer not to take it to an exhaust shop
3. What is the least expensive yet reliable way to do the fuel system, it is still set up for a sbc
4. When I attack the wiring harness is there a list of things I can/can't get rid of?
I know these are a lot of questions, but as I said I'm trying to do this as inexpensively as possible so I thought I'd ask for options that others have done. Thanks for any input!
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2015 | 08:31 PM
  #2  
deuce4935's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 760
Likes: 3
Default

AutoMeter has adapters, just Google "lsx" adapters. Cheapest fuel system is to find complete fuel setup from bubble Caprice in jy(tank,sending unit,fuel lines,) Corvette filter regulator, AC DELCO EP241 fuel pump. As for the harness, lt1swap.com is your go to. Fbody headers are a sure fit but its going to require you to put vbands on the exh pipes if they still have the exh manifold collectors still in place.
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2015 | 09:28 PM
  #3  
weberjame's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for the info again, I'm still struggling to find the gauge adapters but i think I'll call summit tomorrow and have them figure out what I need. i figured I'd need to have some welding done on the exhaust but thought I'd check.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2015 | 02:54 PM
  #4  
76larkman's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 732
Likes: 1
From: alburnett, iowa
Default

you can go cheap on both oil and temp sender adaptor. Temp don't need adapter if you drill and tap a hole on water pump. I did it on mine for temp sender and the steam hose line. Oil pressure you can modify the Ls one by cutting/drilling tapping it 1/8 pipe thread tap. Or can on little 2 bolt housing on driver side oil pan drill tap it. If you have 04 engine it will have dbw throttle. Did you get gas pedal/tach box & harness? Wiring is little intimidating but not bad if you keep your cool. I done mine watching tv. Figure out where you want pcm to be first will also help. You may need to add or shorten wires depending pcm location.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:20 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE