Going to do the 5.3 swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fatboys69 · 12-01-2009, 12:39 PM

Going to pull my existing motor out and replace it with an 02` 5.3L with computer. Any of you guys that have done it or are doing it what am I in for ??

JMARQUEZ_13 · 12-01-2009, 01:07 PM

I want to do the same keep me posted on your updates.

**Hart_Rod** · 12-01-2009, 02:42 PM

I have one in my 69 Burb and my 67 Crewcab. You can check both of my builds in my signature.

Shon · 12-01-2009, 04:15 PM

Mine (6.0/4l80) is in daily driver mode!!

Link in sig!

no moa · 12-01-2009, 04:37 PM

What do you guys do about wiring? Painless? Stock gauges? Stock key switch? I'm using an LT1/4L60E and those are my hold ups.

**Clyde65** · 12-01-2009, 05:09 PM

From everything I have heard, Nelson Performance is the way to go. They custom make the engine harness, I wish I would have went that way, just because the cheaper way isnt always a better way. Look at LS1Truck, LS1tech for more information. You can go with Wait4me performance, inexpensive but not pretty. If you go the latter way, PM me so I can tell you what to have them remove. It will make for a cleaner install. You can also do the harness yourself, look at LS1Swap.com.

More food for thought.

As far as the key switch and all that, stock is fine. however with the 4l60e, you will either need to change the tailhousing for a cable type or buy a digital speedo. if you are rebuilding the trans, go with the tail shaft. or you can just go with a 700r4.

Shon · 12-01-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no moa

What do you guys do about wiring? Painless? Stock gauges? Stock key switch? I'm using an LT1/4L60E and those are my hold ups.

I am using the stock harness but I can have the harness done for you if you want it.

I am using the stock gauges.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

with the 4l60e, you will either need to change the tailhousing for a cable type or buy a digital speedo. if you are rebuilding the trans, go with the tail shaft. or you can just go with a 700r4.

speedo is run with the Cable X box. it takes the VSS and turns the mechanical speedo.

Stock key switch.

LT1/4l60e: have you looked at the EFIConnection 24x set up? it sets up the harness to use the LS1 PCM, coils, etc. $1800 for everything and they have lower cost options. The benefits is no more opti and the tuning ability is way better with the LSx PCM, and not limited to 7k RPM limit like the LT1 pcm if you need to spin the motor that high.

Ackattack · 12-01-2009, 05:48 PM

you can read the last 2 pages of my 68 build thread. I answered a lot of these questions in there.

Hope to fire my 5.3L up tomorrow!

no moa · 12-01-2009, 05:50 PM

Im not building anything to extravigant, I just didn't know how all the wiring ties into the truck. When i get to that point i'll decide, for now i have the engine, tranny, stock LT1 wiring. I'm going to yank the nose and cab soon and start the frame work, get mounts and tranny mounts and go from there.

Thank you all for the info.

**Clyde65** · 12-01-2009, 05:55 PM

Shon,

What is the cable X box?

tk-mpl · 12-01-2009, 07:37 PM

With the engine mounts and trans cross member of your choice it fits right in there. With alittle time, patience and research the wiring can easily be done by yourself. I fallowed alot of "68 short step's" threads to get most of my info.. There is alot info and other threads on here that will help you get it done and if not, just ask. Somebody will be happy to help.
Trevor

Shon · 12-01-2009, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Shon,

What is the cable X box?

Abbot Cable X

here is there website: http://www.atrol.com/cablex.htm

If anyone needs one contact me for pricing.

**Clyde65** · 12-02-2009, 11:13 AM

How much are they?

Shon · 12-02-2009, 11:22 AM

I will ship them for $300.

**Clyde65** · 12-02-2009, 11:28 AM

Well, dummy me, I didnt ask here before I bought a new speedo, I will probably do it when I do my dad's 6.0 for sure.

I appreciate it, very good price too!

Shon · 12-02-2009, 11:32 AM

I like the box b/c it allows the retentioin of the stock speedo/odo.
for me that was the selling point. very proud of it only having 109k miles on it.
Setting up the dip switches is EASY if using the VSS output from the PCM that would normally run the speedo in original vehicle.

**Clyde65** · 12-02-2009, 01:20 PM

Yes that is how my digital speedo hooks to the trans. NUTS!

brad_man_72 · 12-02-2009, 09:03 PM

its not hard to get $1000 into the fuel system.

im using wait4me harness, everybody says it looks great?
original switch and guages, trying to put an s-10 speedo behing stock speedo.

bbadfred · 12-02-2009, 09:25 PM

Call John Spear at speartech. He will answer all your questions and either redo your harness or build you a stand alone engine trans harness and reprogram the stock computer. speartech.com in Anderson Indiana.

*Puropedo* · 12-02-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shon

I am using the stock harness but I can have the harness done for you if you want it.

Shon, how much do you charge to redo (simplify) the original stock harness?

Shon · 12-02-2009, 10:49 PM

$450 to take a stock harness and do it up.

12-01-2009, 12:39 PM	#1
fatboys69 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dayton, Tennessee Posts: 447	Going to do the 5.3 swap Going to pull my existing motor out and replace it with an 02` 5.3L with computer. Any of you guys that have done it or are doing it what am I in for ??

12-01-2009, 01:07 PM	#2
JMARQUEZ_13 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: MARYSVILLE WA Posts: 85	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap I want to do the same keep me posted on your updates.

12-01-2009, 02:42 PM	#3
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,837	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap I have one in my 69 Burb and my 67 Crewcab. You can check both of my builds in my signature. __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

12-01-2009, 04:15 PM	#4
Shon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: sc Posts: 1,203	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap Mine (6.0/4l80) is in daily driver mode!! Link in sig! __________________ 71 Cheyenne C10 LWB cam'd 6.0/T56 Swap

12-01-2009, 04:37 PM	#5
no moa Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: maine Posts: 2,315	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap What do you guys do about wiring? Painless? Stock gauges? Stock key switch? I'm using an LT1/4L60E and those are my hold ups.

12-01-2009, 05:09 PM	#6
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,541	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap From everything I have heard, Nelson Performance is the way to go. They custom make the engine harness, I wish I would have went that way, just because the cheaper way isnt always a better way. Look at LS1Truck, LS1tech for more information. You can go with Wait4me performance, inexpensive but not pretty. If you go the latter way, PM me so I can tell you what to have them remove. It will make for a cleaner install. You can also do the harness yourself, look at LS1Swap.com. More food for thought. As far as the key switch and all that, stock is fine. however with the 4l60e, you will either need to change the tailhousing for a cable type or buy a digital speedo. if you are rebuilding the trans, go with the tail shaft. or you can just go with a 700r4. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!* Last edited by Clyde65; 12-01-2009 at 05:12 PM. Reason: adding more info and again

12-01-2009, 05:48 PM	#8
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap you can read the last 2 pages of my 68 build thread. I answered a lot of these questions in there. Hope to fire my 5.3L up tomorrow! __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

12-01-2009, 05:50 PM	#9
no moa Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: maine Posts: 2,315	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap Im not building anything to extravigant, I just didn't know how all the wiring ties into the truck. When i get to that point i'll decide, for now i have the engine, tranny, stock LT1 wiring. I'm going to yank the nose and cab soon and start the frame work, get mounts and tranny mounts and go from there. Thank you all for the info.

12-01-2009, 05:55 PM	#10
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,541	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap Shon, What is the cable X box? __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

12-01-2009, 07:37 PM	#11
tk-mpl Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lacombe, Alberta Posts: 353	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap With the engine mounts and trans cross member of your choice it fits right in there. With alittle time, patience and research the wiring can easily be done by yourself. I fallowed alot of "68 short step's" threads to get most of my info.. There is alot info and other threads on here that will help you get it done and if not, just ask. Somebody will be happy to help. Trevor __________________ 1968 short box stepside. 2007 5.3L 4L60, tuned w/EFI Live 2005 Silverado bucket seats. Dominator 2600's all around. Porterbuilt tubular control arms. Magnaflow 3" dual exhaust.

12-02-2009, 11:13 AM	#13
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,541	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap How much are they? __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

12-02-2009, 11:22 AM	#14
Shon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: sc Posts: 1,203	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap I will ship them for $300. __________________ 71 Cheyenne C10 LWB cam'd 6.0/T56 Swap

12-02-2009, 11:28 AM	#15
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,541	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap Well, dummy me, I didnt ask here before I bought a new speedo, I will probably do it when I do my dad's 6.0 for sure. I appreciate it, very good price too! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

12-02-2009, 11:32 AM	#16
Shon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: sc Posts: 1,203	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap I like the box b/c it allows the retentioin of the stock speedo/odo. for me that was the selling point. very proud of it only having 109k miles on it. Setting up the dip switches is EASY if using the VSS output from the PCM that would normally run the speedo in original vehicle. __________________ 71 Cheyenne C10 LWB cam'd 6.0/T56 Swap

12-02-2009, 01:20 PM	#17
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,541	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap Yes that is how my digital speedo hooks to the trans. NUTS! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*



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12-02-2009, 09:03 PM	#18
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap its not hard to get $1000 into the fuel system. im using wait4me harness, everybody says it looks great? original switch and guages, trying to put an s-10 speedo behing stock speedo. __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

12-02-2009, 09:25 PM	#19
bbadfred bbadfred Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: rantoul Il Posts: 461	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap Call John Spear at speartech. He will answer all your questions and either redo your harness or build you a stand alone engine trans harness and reprogram the stock computer. speartech.com in Anderson Indiana.

12-02-2009, 10:49 PM	#21
Shon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: sc Posts: 1,203	Re: Going to do the 5.3 swap $450 to take a stock harness and do it up. __________________ 71 Cheyenne C10 LWB cam'd 6.0/T56 Swap

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