FrankZ

My son Daniel and I went to Denver to pick up a 5.3L from a Craigs List seller. He was originally asking for $450 for it but I talked him down to $300 over the last 3-4 weeks. It's out of a 99 Silverado with approx. 90K miles on it. It came with the harness, A/C compressor, power steering pump.... Well it was everything except the alternator, water pump and starter.

When we got to the guys house I asked if the crank could be turned manually and he said he had turned it himself a few weeks ago. I asked if I could try it and I couldn't get it to budge. I told him that I wasn't interested since I couldn't turn the crank and was all set to leave. I told him that I'd give him $150 and not a penny more.

The motor is now hanging from my hoist in the garage waiting to be put on a stand. I've already drained the oil and about a cup of water from the pan. The pan is off and no parts were found in the bottom of it, so that's a good sign.

No pics yet, we all know what a dirty V-8 looks like anyway.

As time a funds allow I'll tear it down and put it back together with new rings, bearings, gaskets, etc. No radical machining, stroking, forced induction. Just a basic rebuild with the intent of installing a functional, reliable GM GenIII 5.3L Vortec into the heep. I plan on adding a 4l60e into the mix as well.

So stay tuned and I'll post up as warranted. Pics will be added if there's anything interesting to see.

jbsjunk

Nice score. I'll be watching this.

FrankZ

Thansk! Hopefully there will be something worth watching.

FrankZ

So here's where I start asking alot of questions, and from what I've seen there are alot of very knowledgeable folks here that can help.

#1) Sensors
Maybe my search skills are weak, but I'm having a tough time finding a diagram of the OEM Sensors and a description of their function.

#2) PCM
I'm used to dealing with a stock OEM Jeep PCM that is not tuneable, so I've got a lot of ground to cover. I know that the Chevy PCM is tunable, but how do determine which parameters need to be changed for my application?

#3) Harness
Yeah I could send mine out to have it modified but where's the fun in that? As I understand it, the LS1 is a stand alone harness. So where do I find a list of the connectors and the associated pin-outs?

#4) Acronyms
Holy Crap!! Reading some of the threads here is like reading Chineese Braille...while wearing welding gloves! I've got a lot of catching up to do! Anyone ever come up with list to help us beginners out?
Found it!!

TomM

iTrader: (56)

Search for the FAQ's, there is a lot of info there, even the pinouts for your harness.....

T,

FrankZ

Well I think I know why the crank wouldn't turn.....





Not giving up just yet. I'll drive the pistons out later and see how the rest looks.

WeeWolf

iTrader: (16)

Mine was the same I just put trans fluid in the intake ports and turned it back and forth and freed it up.

FrankZ

Turning the crank wasn't an option. The pistons weren't moving without a good deal of persuasion.

The block is now torn down and the bearings (rod and main) all looked surprisingly good. Considering the pics posted earlier I fully expected to be the proud owner of a 5.3L boat anchor.

I'm going to start looking for a rebuild kit and get the block back together before moving on to the heads. One thing at a time...

FrankZ

Worked on on of the cylinder heads this evening...gonna need 2 new intake valves so far, probably a few more for other side as well. The 2 that I'm going to replace had a lot of rust on them and the stem side of the valve heads are severely pitted. The remaining 6 valves look really good and just needed to be lapped.

Pistons are soaking in solvent for a day or so and then I'll get a better idea of their condition.

Bo185

You might want to bore the 5.3 out to the LS1 5.7 and use LS1 pistion rebalance the crank. since you have it apart. And find some cheap 243 or 317 heads as well.

FrankZ

No, I'm trying to behave.

jbsjunk

What's the fun in that?

It's easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.

TomH

iTrader: (1)

Same logic as doing your own harness; where's the fun in that?

Seriously, given the shape of those slugs and the block, why wouldn't you?

FrankZ

I'll have an answer for you after i've run a hone through the cylinders. Obviously if the block must be bored then it's a whole other ball game.

LS1 TJ

All that work for 5.3? I paid $1200 for a 14000 mile 6.0 for my 99 wrangler.

It runs great. $150 for the 5.3 seems cheap but not very cost effective.

FrankZ

Well I haven't spent anything on it yet, other than the the $150 to buy it. How exactly is that a bad deal or not cost effective? Even if I have to throw a few hundred bucks at it, it still a lot less than $1200.

Think positive.....I need all the help I can get.

Bo185

That's a hell of a deal if its was complete, even if its a long block and needs rebuilt!

FrankZ

Just needs a starter, alternator, and a waterpump.

FrankZ

Well this project is going nowhere fast. The cylinders are in far worse condition than I had hoped. The funds for machining and OS pistons just ain't there right now.

jbsjunk

If anything, you have a mock up engine and get another 5.3 or 6.0 with a warranty. At least you got most of the drives and brackets with this one even if you don't use them.

Look to the bright side. Better than saying "Why do I do this to myself".