68driver

I found a deal(?) on a 5.3 motor and automatic transmission combo at my local performance shop. A 2002 model with just under 14,000 miles for $2500 complete. Until yesterday, I had never really considered this conversion. Can you give me some advise before I cut a check?

Specifically:
1. What mods are needed to "wake up" this 5.3? (new intake, heads, cam...)
2. Is the 5.3 swap similar to the LS1 conversion? (motor mounts, oil pan mods...)
3. I REALLY want a T56 six-speed in place of the automatic. Will this screw up the computer or wiring harness set-up?

He also has a new 6.0 motor at the shop. Not sure on the price, but would this be a better choice for a few dollars more?

I'm a newbie when it comes to conversion, so any and all advise is appreciated.

67ls1CamaroProject

I would hold out for the 6.0 motor. If it has the iron block, then it can be bored out and can be hot rodded easily to 500hp. There are some differences in the PCM's for the T56, but I believe not a big issue going from auto to t56. More of an issue going from t56 to automatic PCM. Overall, it would be exactly like the LS1 swap. I am currently trying to talk a colleague of mine into the 6.0 swap into a shoebox Chevy.

68driver

The more I read about the 6.0, the more I like the idea. Would definitely need to get rid of the "big ugly" intake on the truck motor. I assume that an LS1/LS6 intake and covers would be direct bolt ons.

(Off topic to 67LS1 - Great pictures of your ragtop! What size Hopsters and tire combo?)

Badzracing

iTrader: (12)

Put a turbo 400 or 700r-4 in it. No need for a computer and way better than any manual.

dennis68

That ugly intake actually flows pretty darn good, right behind the LS6 intake. Yes, everything up top is interchangable.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

don't spend that much on a 5.3L. You should be able to find an aluminum LS1 for that price. I wouldn't buy any smaller than a 6.0L truck engine.

As far as swaps, the truck 4.8/5.3/6.0 engines are basically LS1s but with iron blocks. All of the parts are interchangable. If you get a 6.0, make sure it is one of the newer (2000+) types with the aluminum heads. The older ones had cast iron heads.

Tony

Scream

iTrader: (6)

The intake manifold will physically bolt up to any 4.8/5.3/6.0, but the truck's idler pulley will be in the way of the throttle body--the truck manifold sits ~3" or so higher which allows the TB to clear the idler. There have been several different ways of fixing this problem...do a search in the truck section for LS1 INTAKE. Also, the truck injector harness is different, which would require you to change the pigtails out to F/Y car style if using that style injector.

68driver

Thanks Scream! It's much better to know these little nuggets of information going into a project rather than finding out later.

According to the other post, Speartech offers some bracketry to get around the idler issue. But what about water pump routing?

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

water pumps are the same.

Scream

iTrader: (6)

The outlet on the waterpump points up on the trucks and faces straight out on the F-body one, and the "bell" on the truck pump is threaded for an engine-driven fan. Also, the car accessories are closer to the block than the truck accessories (something like 5/8").

SRT VIPER

The 6.0 also comes in two versions, and maybe even three. The most common one is 300 hp, and the HO version is a 345 hp. I think there is also a 325 out there. I'm not sure if it's the ecu, the intake system, or something internal, such as cam or compresion difference. I have 5 of these new 6.0's and several other Gen 3 motors that I'm going to be doing conversion's on, and I really need to start learning more about these. If anyone knows any links that will give tips on what ecu to use, and what wiring harness is best, I'd appreciate it.

I'm going to do a conversion on an 04 model Chev short bed, regular cab, as these are the nicest driving trucks out there.

ps, the price on the 02 model 5.3 complete power train, 15,000 miles, at $2500.00 is not high. And I would like to see you find a 5.7 complete powertrain with those miles for anywhere close to that. Not a chance of that.

Skip White

Gen3Benz

iTrader: (4)

Gen 3 engines use a PCM(powertrain control module)
Also, I bought my LS1/4l60e with 34,000 miles for $2000

67ls1CamaroProject

THANKS! IT IS ACTUALLY JUST A COUPE WITH A VINYL TOP. HOPSTERS ARE 17X8 WITH 275 40'S OUT BACK AND 17X7'S WITH 235'S UP FRONT. AT THE END OF THIS WINTER I WOULD HOPE TO HAVE 335'S OUT BACK WITH A DSE MINI TUB JOB.