LS LM7 swap start

[K10 STEPSIDE]

I introduced some of you to my 67 K10 last week and now it's time to start the tear down on her to swap in a new motor the plan is to put one of the ls family in, most likely the LM7 unless I stumble upon something better. Tomorrow I'll be pulling the truck in the garage.



The Images I have posted are from the original build and the truck is still in one piece I'm just showing what I'm working with. I am planning on using the original sm420 Tran and T221 transfer case mainly because I see no "easy" or "cheap" way of switching it, and changing to the new ls and hydro brakes.

for mounting I have looked at two different options
plates like these http://dirtydingo.com/store/index.ph...=1_206_305_335
Or a crossmember kit like this http://dirtydingo.com/store/product_...oducts_id=1408

Does any one know why they don't include 4x4 on the plates fitment list. I will get a better look tomorrow but right now I haven't seen much for fitting this in a K10?

exhaust, right now I have headers on the truck and the options I see are.
changing the headers I have to fit with ls flanges
using the ls manifolds
Buying new headers
The exhaust is particularly tight in the truck between the cab, frame, clutch linkage, and crossmember on driver side.

The clutch linkage looks like it needs to go as I don't know if the ls has a bolt hole for it, I doubt it, and it will make more room for the exhaust, be cleaner.
these are the two types I found. (picture are not specific just examples)


Any specific part or build would be nice information?
mounting the master should be simple.

I plan on using some electric fans on the old radiator and making hoses to fit.
how ever Ill have to add the steam tube (any good ways to tie that up?)

as far as accessories Ill be using the alternator and power steering pump from the ls and will keep the ac pump on the shelf in case I decide to add it later. how will the ls alternator work compared to the 79 alternator I have now?

Right now I have the 2004 truck booster and master cylinder on the truck and an not very happy with it (running drums in the back and disks in the front)
So, what do you guys think of the new hydro setups and anything you have run across as a great proportioning valve?

when I pick up the engine I'll get the computer and harness as well, possibly the brake unit.

as far as this truck goes it is a show and go that gets driven alot. So the goal is to be reliable and clean.
I will be changing cam push rods and springs I have a general idea on what it will be but not positive, I am looking for an aggressive cam, but nothing insane with huge losses, just good power gain and sound. May change to car intake, relocate coil packs, get nice valve covers, and fuel rails.

I am open to any questions, constructive criticism. please point out anything I over looked, The main point here is to get the dos and don'ts, tricks and tips, and anything else to make this build better. please point out any 67-72 4x4 swap, i have been looking and have most of the information. I will be keeping this thread updated threw the build and will re post a clean build thread when it is finished with all helpful parts and information.

[K10 STEPSIDE]

I also forgot about the difference in connecting the engine and trans. Can't quite remember but I think the crank was .400 tho less than the old blocks, I have heard of people pushing their bushing in only so far to fix this but I don't like that idea. any better part to do this with. This will be alot easier when I have an engine to look at and compare.

[whitels1]

I have attached my build thread which, has most of the information you are looking for. I used a Tilton 7/8 master cylinder and a howe hydraulic throwout bearing. Good luck with your build.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=532351

[K10 STEPSIDE]

Thanks Dave
I have already looked threw your thread, definitely the most helpful for me having a 4x4 with the old manual. I hope you don't mind if I throw some question at you as I work my way threw this thread.

[whitels1]

Not a problem just let me know.

[K10 STEPSIDE]

I pulled the front clip last week to make room. also pulled the the motor to make way for new. Anyone know of a good place to get an LM7 dropout up here near Wisconsin. I was calling around but the holidays slowed me down should get one this week.
snapped a few pics

[K10 STEPSIDE]

Alright, I ordered a 5.3 LM7 and it is on it's way It has all the accessories, wiring harness, ecu, tak, and pedal. I'm going to track down a few more parts so they are ready to go when my vacation starts in a week. So, the shopping list goes flywheel, pilot bearing, throwout bearing, electric fans, hydraulic clutch, engine paint, new ignition switch, and fuel pump.

[Daaaanz67]

Nice truck subscribed.

[68GMCCustom]

subscribed.

[K10 STEPSIDE]

just a quick question for you guys what have you been doing for setting up your computers with? I have been looking at hptuners and I know this won't be the last time I need to tune this or any vehicle. Plus you can scan so it would be nice to have around for the newer vehicles, but is the price worth it.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by K10 STEPSIDE

just a quick question for you guys what have you been doing for setting up your computers with? I have been looking at hptuners and I know this won't be the last time I need to tune this or any vehicle. Plus you can scan so it would be nice to have around for the newer vehicles, but is the price worth it.

If you plan to learn how to use it, then yes its worth it. But if you don't, then its a pricey gauge lol. Some people just SHOULDN'T go poking around in their ecm's, which is why some pro tuners lock it.

Keep in mind you need to buy credits to tune cars, so the expense continues if you plan to do other people. The thing is, you can buy the Professional kit from the beginning, and get a huge advantage on the credits etc when it comes to cost (but it almost doubles the initial cost).

[K10 STEPSIDE]

I downloaded the demo so I could get a feel for it and find my way around. obviously I can't really get in to making changes with it, but I wanted to see just what I can do using it. To start out I would need to disable vats and adjust rpm ranges changing from the auto to a manual. later a cam swap would need to be tuned. So far I have found everything I needed and something that I didn't. This build is my first with fuel injection and electronic ignition but I already have plans for more builds and have always loved these engines. They aren't going away so I better get good at working with them

[68GMCCustom]

I bought hptuners and use it for scans sent to my tuner...who sends me back a new file to load. works out great. maybe some day I'll even learn enough to do my own.

[Blackpony]

I would say that hp tuners is probably the most user friendly with a ton of help if you need it on their forum. I have been using it for almost a year now, great investment!! It also comes with enough credits to be able to tune 4 cars so if you get good enough with it, then you can easily get your money back with just a couple of tunes..

[K10 STEPSIDE]

Well Christmas came a little early, I unloaded the engine yesterday just going to head down to the shop and see how things are going to fit.

[CanadianK10]

Very interested in this swap, subscribed!

[K10 STEPSIDE]

I thought I should put up some of the progress. Right know I have the the drive train bolted back in the frame after I made my own mounts. I have a picture of the position I mounted the motor mounts in and I'll take some of the actual pieces I made tonight. I can see why most trucks are lifted when you put in an Ls the clearance between the axle and the oil pan is tight, and I'm looking at my options. I will probably lower my bumpers to protect the pan first and if my ride is rough and I'm hitting the bumpers than I'll have to look at lifting it an inch or two. It would be possible to do this without lifting but it would be tight and the engine would be tipped back more than I would like. Last night I did the majority of depinning and rework on the harness. Next up I'll lay the harness on the engine and figure out my inline fuel pump.

[K10 STEPSIDE]

sorry about The pictures I'll get some nice ones on soon.

[uxdesigner]

Excellent start! I'll be keeping an eye on this as I start my project. Did you get your engine through bowauto?

[K10 STEPSIDE]

Alright, I something was bothering me about my harness and as I was looking at buying hptuners. I figured out what it was. I do not have an obd2 port. Is there a section of the harness I am missing or a conversion I need to do?

Otherwise I went threw my trans and transfer with new gaskets and seals, had some of my pieces powder coated or ceramic coated and started to reassemble, but I have the wrong pilot bearing and am waiting on some trans gaskets before I can continue.

So, am I missing something in the harness to plug in the computer?

[K10 STEPSIDE]

Did you get your engine through bowauto?

Yes, the engine came from Bowauto.
other than a couple broken pieces of plastic (I think my engine came out of a rollover) it's been as expected.
That is why I am curious on this obd2 port. They seemed good at including everything.

[BR3W CITY]

Well ANY vehicle after 96 has an obdII port.....so how you got a harness without one I do not know. Its not a huge section of the harness, but its a few wires and the plug usually on a reasonably long lead.

[whitels1]

Check out the first post here for your obd2 port. I went to the junk yard and cut one out of a camaro and wired it how it explains in this post. Good luck! http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...swap-faqs.html

[littlevictories]

http://lt1swap.com/fuseblock_obd2port.html

i bought mine though the links on this page

[K10 STEPSIDE]

Thanks guys I have a parts car in the barn I'll cut it out of, and wire it in.