Needing some details
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Joined: Aug 2021
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Needing some details I have 1989 a Chevrolet c1500 with a 5.0 in it and I plan on swapping a 1999 5.7 Vortec into it. I don't really know where to look for information on the swap or if its even possible. I don't know if the motor mounts line up or if i need any custom motor mounts, I think the transmission is a 4l60 (im not too sure) and I don't know if I need a different one since I'm doing this on a budget. Will I also be able to line up the A.C compressor since on this motor it is on the opposite side of where it is supposed to be.
TECH Addict
Joined: Dec 2017
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It is very easy.
Take off the entire intake manifold and all that from the 99 motor. Get a 4-bbl Vortec Performer RPM, and a 4-bbl <->TBI adapter. Put your TB & distributor on it. Use your existing transmission if there's a 4WD vs 2WD issue; all your existing accessories and their brackets; AC, PS, alt, etc. Done.
Then go visit a truck board where people are still doing things with the old small block, which is what the 99 5.7 is. They'll be more able and willing to help with the details. This forum is for LS derivatives; the motors that replaced that old mid-50s thing, that came in 97-up Vettes, 98-up F-bodies, 99-up trucks EXCEPT 5.7 and 8.1, and various other vehicles such as GTO, G8, TBSS, CTS-V, SS, and so on.
Take off the entire intake manifold and all that from the 99 motor. Get a 4-bbl Vortec Performer RPM, and a 4-bbl <->TBI adapter. Put your TB & distributor on it. Use your existing transmission if there's a 4WD vs 2WD issue; all your existing accessories and their brackets; AC, PS, alt, etc. Done.
Then go visit a truck board where people are still doing things with the old small block, which is what the 99 5.7 is. They'll be more able and willing to help with the details. This forum is for LS derivatives; the motors that replaced that old mid-50s thing, that came in 97-up Vettes, 98-up F-bodies, 99-up trucks EXCEPT 5.7 and 8.1, and various other vehicles such as GTO, G8, TBSS, CTS-V, SS, and so on.
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 19
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Are you going to put a carb on this engine? You can run the TBI like the other poster said...but, it will run to lean for that roller cam, and those vortec heads. Don't waste your money, or time on a chip. They don't work. Ask me how I know. I did this on my 94 Z-71. I ended up running a Carter AFB carb with a HEI dist. My truck has the 4L60E, I made a bracket for my TPS, and my transmission works fine. I think you have the 700 in the 89 so you will have to get a TV cable bracket. My truck is full roller with shorty headers MSD 6A and GMPP self aligning roller rockers I scored off ebay for 90 bucks, and Edelbrock performer vortec intake (craigslist for 100 bucks) It runs smooth, and gives me 16 mpg. I hope this helps.
Good luck,
Mark
Good luck,
Mark
