49' Chevy 3100 LS Swap
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Joined: Dec 2018
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49' Chevy 3100 LS Swap Hello,
I am new to this forum, hopefully this thread is in the right place. I purchased a 49 Chevy, putting a 5.3 LS engine in it. First timer here, so a bit nervous about the swap. Looking for advice from start to finish on it. I have no problem yanking everything out of the truck. But setting the new ls motor in place is the most crucial part from what I read so far, so I am wondering how to get this right? What do I need to purchased to make this as easy as possible? I am looking for bolt in parts, since I dont have a welder ( But will purchase one if needed ). Using a 5.3 with a 4L60E trans. Not sure what rear end to put in it yet?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Sam
Note: This will be on an all original stock frame. Will be putting a Sids 4" Drop kit on it. No Mustang II Kit.
I am new to this forum, hopefully this thread is in the right place. I purchased a 49 Chevy, putting a 5.3 LS engine in it. First timer here, so a bit nervous about the swap. Looking for advice from start to finish on it. I have no problem yanking everything out of the truck. But setting the new ls motor in place is the most crucial part from what I read so far, so I am wondering how to get this right? What do I need to purchased to make this as easy as possible? I am looking for bolt in parts, since I dont have a welder ( But will purchase one if needed ). Using a 5.3 with a 4L60E trans. Not sure what rear end to put in it yet?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Sam
Note: This will be on an all original stock frame. Will be putting a Sids 4" Drop kit on it. No Mustang II Kit.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 267
From: Bossier City, Louisiana
Hello Sam,
I went with all Holley parts - oil pan, forward bias engine mounts and Holley Blackheart headers. You might only need the oil pan due to the low hanging 5.3 truck oil pan - it is a very tall oil pan. Use caution with the engine mounts to get the trans far enough forward to let the floor pan clear the 4L60E trans, maintain good driveline angles towards the differential and possibly retain the use of your stock trans cross member. You may also need to eliminate the huge truck water pump fan and go with twin electric fans and relays to support them.
Whatever you decide you are doing with the transmission, make sure to solve your cooler line clearance problem before mounting the engine. On my A-body, I wish I had installed a 90 degree fitting at both of these tubes to give me more clearance.
The choices I made above were for an A-body El Camino much later than your truck and these parts were made for A-bodies. Things will be tougher for you but certainly not impossible. Somebody around here will be able to guide you better and has probably done a Chevy truck of your vintage.
And welcome aboard!!
Rick
I went with all Holley parts - oil pan, forward bias engine mounts and Holley Blackheart headers. You might only need the oil pan due to the low hanging 5.3 truck oil pan - it is a very tall oil pan. Use caution with the engine mounts to get the trans far enough forward to let the floor pan clear the 4L60E trans, maintain good driveline angles towards the differential and possibly retain the use of your stock trans cross member. You may also need to eliminate the huge truck water pump fan and go with twin electric fans and relays to support them.
Whatever you decide you are doing with the transmission, make sure to solve your cooler line clearance problem before mounting the engine. On my A-body, I wish I had installed a 90 degree fitting at both of these tubes to give me more clearance.
The choices I made above were for an A-body El Camino much later than your truck and these parts were made for A-bodies. Things will be tougher for you but certainly not impossible. Somebody around here will be able to guide you better and has probably done a Chevy truck of your vintage.
And welcome aboard!!
Rick
