Hello I am going to start on my jeep project soon. This is what I'm planning to do. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.I'm going to put a 1999 5.3 truck eng into a 1991 jeep wrangler that had a fuel injected 4 cyl. I am planning on using a turbo 400 tranny for the reason of cheap rebuilds. The questions I have are?
1) going to use a howell harness. Is that a good one to use?
2) advanced adapters flex plate to put the 5.3 to the turbo 400 Is there any other wat to do this?
3) advanced adapter motor mounts. They cost around $126.00. Is there any other place to get them? Or should I fab them up myself?
4) Will the original jeep intank fuel pump put out enough pressure?
5) The computer Howell Told me what to have done to it to make it work. Any other input?

Thank You

 

I want to know too is there any people who have done this swap succesfully

 

The TH400 is a fine choice, but cheap rebuilds is kind of silly. About the only way you will kill it in a YJ is to flood it with water (ie deep water crossing). What transfer case do you plan on running?

Anyway, some answers:

1) Don't know. If you have the stock harness, use it. With the 5.3's underhood fuse block, there are five wires to hook up...

2) Use the GM spacer and bolts. Slot the holes in the 5.3 flexplate if necessary. Check out my website for more info.

3) I haven't used AA's mounts, but I have heard mixed reviews on them.

4) It will probably put out enough pressure, but likely not enough volume. Its simple enough to find out, just hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail once you are done and running. Take it out for a few WOT runs, and watch the gauge. If the pressure drops off, you need to upgrade the pump.

5) Since you are using a TH400, I think you would be best served to have it programmed as a manual trans. Have VATS removed, and maybe the evap system and rear O2 sensors. Personally I wouldn't bother removing anything else emission related. Keep it as stock as possible to reduce the variables at first. Once you have it up and running, then you can play with the other stuff...

 

I've done about 4 4.8/5.3 swaps... They are awesome motors for Jeeps.

http://www.terratraction.com/gallery/wilson/DSC01234
http://www.terratraction.com/carl/DSC02947.JPG
http://www.terratraction.com/carl/DSC01566.JPG
http://www.terratraction.com/carl/dave1.AVI - Just a lil' ole 4.8

 

Like jeepinpete said, use the original harness if you have it. I have the AA engine adapters in my CJ7/5.3 and would put a positive note on it. It gives multiple adjustments form side to side. Just can't say how much fun it is to drive around. Check out this shifter set up, I think it's cool. 5.3/4l60e all hooked up!!
Thanks

 

The AA motor mounts are very nice. Don't buy the Novak mounts - they suck! Novak does make nice parts though. I did my own harness in the blue YJ (just modded the stock harness) The truck harnesses suck compared to the LS1. Waitforme performance does a great job on the harnesses and reprogramming.

What are you running for a transfercase POWER ON? Shifers look nice

 

Thanks for the good comments everyone. It's good to get all the encouragements. It's a Dana 300 with AA adapters.
Thanks

 

Aww man - you need to twin stick it and learn how to do front digs!

 

That sounds like a plan. As for now I will be laying it down with the rear tires. I really enjoy it!!
Thanks

 

My buddy and I where talking about swaping my 4 cyl wrangler with a built 350 and he told me not to bother building a SBC with that money you can have a 5.3 vortec with a delphi computer for 2 grand and have 300 hp stock. Right now im very fresh to the 5.3 and Ls1 engines. He said I should go with the delphi setup over the reflash and programing stuff much simpler and better.
I already have a TH350 tranny and a NP241 Tcase.
I also tought of running an LS1 how much can i expect to pay for and Ls1 engine only, alot of peole seem to sell the tranny and motor swap.

 

Your friend is right, go with the 5.3 but the stock computer is just as good and not hard to get it reprogrammed. I am too very fresh to the new age of computer stuff. I feel figuring it out and making it work is what it's all about. It's not hard with all the support here at LS1TECH.COM and when it works as it did for me, SATISFACTION!!!
Thanks

 

how much can i expect to pay for an ls1 engine? where do people find them?
IM still deciding between the 5.3 and and the ls1 i'll wait and save a little more if the ls1 is worth it.

 

Is this what I need to drop a 5.3-or LS1 into my jeep

1. Engine Harness

2. PCM from 5.3

3. underdash harness

4 reflash the PCM with out the tranny and other sensor crap.?

 

What are you doing for gauges? there is not really a harness needed for under the dash if you are running aftermarket gauges.

The ECM needs a lot of work. Delete rear o2s, vats, egr, trans.. etc

 

Im gonna use all autometer gauges on the stock locations.
will this harness solve alot headaches?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-L...spagenameZWD1V

 

That conversion harness is not worth it IMO, speartech and wait4meperformance both sponsor the board here and I believe that they are both cheaper to have your harness reworked than from the place on e-bay.

If you can handle electrical then you may just want to get a stock harness and fuse block since it is pretty easy to hookup.

I paid $800 for my motor, computer, wiring, and all the accys except the A/C compressor. But it depends on where you are located. I have heard people saying you should be able to find a 5.3 with accys computer and wiring for 500 but I have never seen one that cheap.

 

If your on the West Coast check this out. http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pts/180496186.html
Unreal deals!!!
If that does not come out, go to craig's list and pick Orange County, go to parts and search for vortec engine.
Thanks

 

It seems that you can pick up a 5.3l with accessories, PCM, and uncut harness for around $1000 give or take. LS1's seem to be about double that...

 

thanks for the info guys, it really is helping me im such a noob thanks

 

My friend just picked up a '04 5.3, accessories, harness, ECM for $500 off ebay!