2006 5.3 vortec swap advice

[Macdaddy1]

So the project that I am currently working on is a 1965 C10 that came with a 1965 327 SBC out of a corvette. To make a long story short after assembling the engine components carb, belts pullies etc. and running it for about 10-15 minutes over a period of several weeks to test fit and such I now have a whole lot of coolant in the engine. So I am thinking of starting over. I have acces locally to a 2006 5.3 chevy vortec engine out of a silverado with 89K miles with no accessories or wiring that i am contemplating turning into a carb ureted LS swap . How hard and what cost to purchase all of the accessories to make this a carburated 5.3 for my truck. I have read as much as I can on many forums and have some idea but wanted to ask the experts for some real world advice.

[mongocanfly]

I've never carbd a LS and never will....
that is a good low mileage LS but would have to be cheap with no accessories...having to buy everything needed would make it costly
I would keep the ls injected or fix the 327 if possible...

[Wildkarde]

While I'm not really a fan of the carburated LSes I know some people just love thier carbs. It's not very difficult, but will be more expensive than keeping the fuel injection, especially if you leave the engine internals stock and don't need a full dyno tune.

The carb intakes are pretty expensive, and you need either a spark control box that takes the ls cam/crank sensors and runs the ls coils, or a bolt on distributor. Niether are particularyl cheap.

[ls1nova71]

I agree with the others, keep the EFI, that's one of the best parts about an LS. As for a harness and accessories, they're dirt cheap for a truck engine and the pick n pulls around here anyway are full of them.

[Macdaddy1]

Ok i am convinced find the LS swap with EFI. Thanks to all for your help and advice. This is what makes this forum exceptional.

[Clyde65]

I would fix the SBC, the incidentals and accessories will get pricey when you go LS

[Macdaddy1]

Just pulled the heads on my 327 and the block is cracked on both sides so it looks like I will be trying to source a low mileage 5.3 to swap.

[mongocanfly]

good idea but id find a complete LS to do your swap...be sure to get everything you need from the same donor...itll make life easier

[Macdaddy1]

Thanks Greg i am currently researching that now.

[Macdaddy1]

I just bit the bullet and purchased a 2005 5.3 LS with 86K miles and every option I could think of including the radiator and air filter system to swap into my 65 C10. I will post some pics when it comes in next week. I have learned alot of valuable lessons so far both financially and psychologically but that is what adventures are for. Will update on progress as the experiment continues.

[mongocanfly]

sweet... did you get trans also?

[Macdaddy1]

Already had a Tremec TKO 500 5 speed overdrive transmission.

[Macdaddy1]

Mongocanfly

Greg will the standard oil pan that comes with these 5.3's fit into our trucks or do you need to change them out to a shallower oil Pan?

[mongocanfly]

im not sure on a 65...maybe someone else will chime in....is your truck lowered? that plays into it as well......on my swap the stock LS pan fit perfect...

[Wildkarde]

From a buddies experience, it will fit just fine in terms of clearing everything, but will hang 2.5-3 inches below the crossmember. Whether this is too low for you or not depends on how low you have the truck.

[Macdaddy1]

Keeping mine standard height so 2-3 inches would be fine with me