LS1 -> 5.3 what to look out for
11-30-2009, 09:03 AM
#1
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LS1 -> 5.3 what to look out for I am looking at picking up a WS6 with a blown motor. Still runs but knocking like crazy. PO replaced oil pump and rod bearings, knocking returned shortly thereafter.
To get the car off the ground (and for the peanuts the engine costs) I am going to put in a low mileage 5.3. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for? I know I will need to swap the intake, oil pan, and accessories over. What I don't know is what the differences between the heads and cam between the motors are. I will not be modding the car, it is just going to be a driver.
Should I just leave the donor engine sealed up and put it in? Is there anything else I need to know?
To get the car off the ground (and for the peanuts the engine costs) I am going to put in a low mileage 5.3. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for? I know I will need to swap the intake, oil pan, and accessories over. What I don't know is what the differences between the heads and cam between the motors are. I will not be modding the car, it is just going to be a driver.
Should I just leave the donor engine sealed up and put it in? Is there anything else I need to know?
Last edited by FuzzKill; 11-30-2009 at 09:20 AM.
11-30-2009, 09:17 AM
#2
If you just drop it in no real mods other than headers youll get number like in my sig.
You will have to drill 1 hole in the block to mount the alternator, other than than I dont remember anything else being different other than accessories, coolant crossover tubes, etc.
My car started as a v6 and took me a months to get the 5.3 in, LOTS of comparing the ls1 to the truck motors, the only thing else I can think of is the starter, some trucks used a different one but for most the ls1 starter should bolt right up.
The part of the block where the starter mounts on the early trucks was shapped like this -|_
The cars and newer trucks user a flat mounting surface. Like this ___
If it lines up, just bolt it up and your good to go.
You will have to drill 1 hole in the block to mount the alternator, other than than I dont remember anything else being different other than accessories, coolant crossover tubes, etc.
My car started as a v6 and took me a months to get the 5.3 in, LOTS of comparing the ls1 to the truck motors, the only thing else I can think of is the starter, some trucks used a different one but for most the ls1 starter should bolt right up.
The part of the block where the starter mounts on the early trucks was shapped like this -|_
The cars and newer trucks user a flat mounting surface. Like this ___
If it lines up, just bolt it up and your good to go.
11-30-2009, 09:22 AM
#3
Unless your getting a steal of a deal on the 5.3 why not look out for an lq4 or lq9 that way you get the same power as the ls1 with room to mod if you change your mind. The overall price is abt the same too. Or a new ls6 long block for scoggin is 2800 lol.
11-30-2009, 09:37 AM
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If this goes through I'll be spending about $280 on a 5.3 (oil pan to intake, no acc) from a 2002 with a 1 year warranty.
Car has a set of LT headers already. Thanks for the quick replies! Is there any difference between the stock heads?
Car has a set of LT headers already. Thanks for the quick replies! Is there any difference between the stock heads?
12-01-2009, 05:00 PM
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12-01-2009, 10:25 PM
#8
Douchebag On The Tree
Fuzzkill. I'm not too up on the Toyota codes, but I believe that's that either Corolla or Celica I saw on a wbody site a while back. Did this happen to start as a gray car, built in a tiny garage? I'm a sucker for some L67 and last I saw where a couple vids of some bitchin test runs.
Sorry for the hijack
Sorry for the hijack
12-01-2009, 11:30 PM
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Fuzzkill. I'm not too up on the Toyota codes, but I believe that's that either Corolla or Celica I saw on a wbody site a while back. Did this happen to start as a gray car, built in a tiny garage? I'm a sucker for some L67 and last I saw where a couple vids of some bitchin test runs.
Sorry for the hijack
Sorry for the hijack
12-02-2009, 08:44 AM
#10
Douchebag On The Tree
awesome. I'm liking the flat black on it. Any times with it yet? I bet it's a hell of a sleeper, or at least a surprise when you open the hood with people expecting a 2jz or something along those lines.
12-03-2009, 08:11 AM
#11
My car started as a v6 and took me a months to get the 5.3 in, LOTS of comparing the ls1 to the truck motors, the only thing else I can think of is the starter, some trucks used a different one but for most the ls1 starter should bolt right up.
The part of the block where the starter mounts on the early trucks was shapped like this -|_
The cars and newer trucks user a flat mounting surface. Like this ___
If it lines up, just bolt it up and your good to go.
The part of the block where the starter mounts on the early trucks was shapped like this -|_
The cars and newer trucks user a flat mounting surface. Like this ___
If it lines up, just bolt it up and your good to go.
12-13-2009, 09:19 PM
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I guess I'll go ahead and follow up here -
Bought the car, bought a 5.3 out of a 2004 Avalanche.
Dropped the engine out
Started swapping parts over
Put on the headers
Reinstall on k-member
And reinstall in car
Overall a very simple swap. Had to drill and tap one hole for the alternator/bracket. My f-body starter fit right on no problem. Used the truck block, heads, valve cover, cam, crank, and knock sensors. Swapped over the LS1 crank pulley, oil pan, windage tray and pickup tube, water pump, coolant tubes, intake, accessories.
Only other issue was the coils. Anyone with perimeter bolt valve covers will either need to get the newer coils/bracket or make their own bracket. I went to the local yard and got the coil brackets/coils/coil harness off of a freshly clunkered Silverado. Much easier and cleaner than making a custom bracket to mount my old coils. Apparently the wires need to be slightly longer too so I picked up a wire set for the truck. The stock wires would have worked but it was a little bit of a stretch and would have put stress on the boots.
Should be getting the car registered soon. Can't wait to start driving it.
Bought the car, bought a 5.3 out of a 2004 Avalanche.
Dropped the engine out
Started swapping parts over
Put on the headers
Reinstall on k-member
And reinstall in car
Overall a very simple swap. Had to drill and tap one hole for the alternator/bracket. My f-body starter fit right on no problem. Used the truck block, heads, valve cover, cam, crank, and knock sensors. Swapped over the LS1 crank pulley, oil pan, windage tray and pickup tube, water pump, coolant tubes, intake, accessories.
Only other issue was the coils. Anyone with perimeter bolt valve covers will either need to get the newer coils/bracket or make their own bracket. I went to the local yard and got the coil brackets/coils/coil harness off of a freshly clunkered Silverado. Much easier and cleaner than making a custom bracket to mount my old coils. Apparently the wires need to be slightly longer too so I picked up a wire set for the truck. The stock wires would have worked but it was a little bit of a stretch and would have put stress on the boots.
Should be getting the car registered soon. Can't wait to start driving it.
