zims23

Hello,

I just pulled a LQ4 from a 2005 Sierra 2500 RWD. It has 122k miles on it. The engine ran well. I want to install the engine and transmission into my 65 Impala.
I am on a tight budget but will do what I should before the install.
What do people recommend before I slide the engine and trans in?
I have just purchased a Holley 302-1 oil pan.
Timing chain?
Oil Pump?

What exhaust manifolds work best on this engine? I have the truck ones but see some used LS3 camaro ones for cheap.

I plan to keep the truck manifold and accessories.

JoeNova

If I haven't heard/seen it run, I usually do lifters and head gaskets.
I've personally never replaced the pump or timing chain on any of the engines I've used.

zims23

Which lifters and head gaskets are recommended? I just starting cleaning up the engine and getting it ready for paint.

omc8

iTrader: (7)

Need more information on what you have and your plans. Do you have the harness and ecm ? Are you going to keep it dbw , do have the peddle and tac ? Since this a swap thread I'd move this to Conversions and hybrids section for better results and help .
P.S . I would retitle this 65 Impala swap

zims23

I do have the ECM, harness and peddle. It will stay DBW. I am thinking of buying a new harness for ease of installation.
I really just want to install the engine and have a good reliable drivetrain.
I am installing the 4L80 as well.
Working on the engine while on the stand is the easiest option for me. I will do any preventative work required now that is recommended.
Thanks

Bowtie316

iTrader: (1)

If they are even halfway maintained, they can go 200K easy without any internal work.

I usually do a leak-down test, and pull the pan and look for any trash and wiggle the rods to feel for any that appear loose. If all looks good I run it as is. Fix any leaks of course.

The early gen 3 6.0 motors had oil pump issues but they were fixed before 2005.

wph351

iTrader: (3)

If it were mine I'd do lifters, valve Springs, valves seals, valley cover seal, front main seal, front cover seal, rear main seal, rear cover seal, barbell, harmonic damper. This for me would be At minimum. That's just me, it's easier to do stuff when on the stand.

zims23

Thanks.
Do you recommend buying all GM OEM parts?

omc8

iTrader: (7)

Repin the truck harness and clean up routing the wires is most budget friendly. The ecm will need to have the VATS removed along with any emission you don't want. As far as manifolds 5th gen Camaro or Trailblazer/Envoy may work , you'll probably need one's that rear dump is my guess .Search full body swaps and find out what ex manifolds guys are using.Do you have motor mounts yet have you mocked it up yet ?

zims23

Thanks.
I purchased a set of motor mount plates from kwhizz.
I will start the search for manifolds.

wph351

iTrader: (3)

oem is usually the best for that type of stuff. Maybe a set of good aftermarket valve springs.

243

I had the same decisions to make with my 180K mile 5.3, it had a good bit of oily dirt on it but ran good and under the valve covers was clean. I pulled the pan and one rod cap and the bearing looked great, so I replaced the oil pan gasket. Also replaced all the other gaskets and front and rear seals with the exception of head gaskets and used GM parts.

I used GMPartsdirect and the cost was fine but there was nothing direct about their getting the parts to my house, never again.

The 5.3 is going into a fullsize Cherokee and I probably could have made the truck manifolds work but bought LS3 manifolds that will work and even better. They are tight to the block with a rear dump so they should work for a lot of different swaps.

A '65 Impala was my first car in '79 that I completely destroyed it (stupid kid tricks) so I do wish you luck. And there are a few really nice builds for reference here.

69-chvl

iTrader: (11)

What are your plans for the engine...cam, turbo, etc?? If just a cruiser, leave it alone.

If you plan on a cam, probably should replace the lifters which means the heads have to come off. Then do springs, seals, timing set.

Replace any seals that are leaking. I would do a compression test before installing it though.