May 18, 2016, 06:11 PM
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My Budget LS Engine Swap Guide <$1500
Nice write-up. Sanderson makes very nice swap headers of LS motors, we used one type: CC1-LS1 on the driver side, and another type: LS-150 on the passenger side. Other than the factory GTO manifolds, most of the stock LS manifolds have two problems:
1. They tend to hang straight down, instead of being tight to the block
2. They have HUGE 3-bolt flanges.
1. They tend to hang straight down, instead of being tight to the block
2. They have HUGE 3-bolt flanges.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
This is a great post and is going to be VERY helpful when i go to putting an LS motor in either my 80 camaro or my 70 chevelle.
I was feeling the same way about going with the 5.3L truck motor over the LS-1 motor for the huge cost savings between the two. Its amazing how cheap the 5.3 motors can be found now. I have seen them as low as $150 for them with a 90 day warranty on them. Most are 100,000 plus mile motors but that doesnt scare me to much.
I cant believe how many of these swaps you have done yet im a bit nervous to try one. Im sure after getting one out of the way it will go alot better.
Thanks VERY much for taking the time to write this up for us all and share your wealth of info, its much appreciated.
Andy
I was feeling the same way about going with the 5.3L truck motor over the LS-1 motor for the huge cost savings between the two. Its amazing how cheap the 5.3 motors can be found now. I have seen them as low as $150 for them with a 90 day warranty on them. Most are 100,000 plus mile motors but that doesnt scare me to much.
I cant believe how many of these swaps you have done yet im a bit nervous to try one. Im sure after getting one out of the way it will go alot better.
Thanks VERY much for taking the time to write this up for us all and share your wealth of info, its much appreciated.
Andy
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Great post! I just picked up an '05 L33 with 28K that had been in a lite fire. A semi-melted intake, coils and no harness for $200. After a little clean up, I just need to source my LS6 intake parts, get new coils and a standalone harness and I'm good to go.
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here's a question.. i was doing some research and found there are quite a few 5.3 truck motors.. are they all the same? or is there one that is the best swap candidate?
great writeup btw
great writeup btw
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (19)
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 647
Likes: 17
From: Davenport, Iowa
basically stick to the 99-04 ish ones, at some point (maybe someone will chime in) they went to throttle by wire, but that doesn't matter much, you can get a cable throttle body, especially if you are switching to a car intake. The newest ones have made some changes, but by sticking to the years listed they are all pretty much the same. Don't be afraid to buy one with some miles either, these things go to 200k easily. Look on ebay at the newer trucks, there are a bunch with over 200k on them and read the writeups about them, most say they have never done any engine work at all.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,148
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
If you get the wiring and computer with the motor it is a lot cheaper to go injected. I paid $840 for my first 5.3L and it came with everything, fully dressed motor (w/o A/C compressor), all the wiring, computer, everything. By the time my swap was over I spent about 2600 for everything including a 4l60e( the little stuff adds up quick, exhaust, fuel pump, driveshaft, intake filter/tract, fuel line, wiring connectors, gaskets, etc)
I`m going to bounce this up to a sticky for a while, and then I will let it float back down and put a link in the main FAQ sticky to it.
I`m going to bounce this up to a sticky for a while, and then I will let it float back down and put a link in the main FAQ sticky to it.
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Would you mind making a list of what all parts are needed to swap the LS1/6 intake manifolds to the truck motors? I'm guessing maybe just injectors and fuel rails? I'll be using the Corvette accessories.
Nice write up and a lot of help.
Thanks,
Larry.
Nice write up and a lot of help.
Thanks,
Larry.
Last edited by 85ss; Mar 6, 2009 at 09:46 PM.
Staging Lane
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Terrell, Texas
There are several...I just looked through a book I have and found 5 or 6 within the 2007/2008 model years...all with different engine codes. If no one has listed them by the time I get back from my friend's house, I'll go through the book and code them all.
Last edited by Gray Ghost; Mar 8, 2009 at 11:03 PM.
If you get the wiring and computer with the motor it is a lot cheaper to go injected. I paid $840 for my first 5.3L and it came with everything, fully dressed motor (w/o A/C compressor), all the wiring, computer, everything. By the time my swap was over I spent about 2600 for everything including a 4l60e( the little stuff adds up quick, exhaust, fuel pump, driveshaft, intake filter/tract, fuel line, wiring connectors, gaskets, etc)
I`m going to bounce this up to a sticky for a while, and then I will let it float back down and put a link in the main FAQ sticky to it.
I`m going to bounce this up to a sticky for a while, and then I will let it float back down and put a link in the main FAQ sticky to it.
Just adding a spin on your Budget. You could use the old tranny? and Carb?
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Burbank, CA
L33
The L33 was an aluminum block version of the LM7, and was referred to as the Vortec 5300 HO in marketing materials. Power increased by 15 hp (11 kW), to 310 hp (230 kW), over the LM7, and torque was unchanged. It was only available on extended cab 4WD pickup trucks.
L33 applications:
* 2005-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
* 2005-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Vortec_engine
There are others, but they are Flex-fuel, Active Fuel Management or feature variable valve timing, ca-ching!