5.3 conversion

[pocketpool]

I am building a 68 chevy with a 5.3 out of an 04 pickup and when I set the motor in the frame I discovered that the exhaust manifolds are going to hit the frame rails. I have already powder coated the frame so notching the frame for clearance is out of the question. What are you guys who have done this conversion doing for exhaust? I am running the early classic motor mounts just in case that is going to make a difference. Any help would be great. Thanx

[sandking]

Are you using stock manifolds?
You can get some Pacesetter headers or try a different motor mount.

[pcmcobra]

fbody 98-02 exhaust manifold will work on I know 73-87.
Or you can go with the thorleys, awesome header.

[pocketpool]

I spent 230.00 on the motor mounts so I am using them. The problem is the stock manifolds hit the frame so no I am not using them. I am looking for some that will fit without having to notch the frame. This is a 68 so I am not sure that the info on the 73-87 will do me any good. Thanx for the input though.

[clinebarger]

Ive done 5.3 conversions on a 71 & and my 85 had to cut both frames about the same amount to clear the manifolds so if F-body manifolds clear a 73-87 it should fit yours.

[Sicmaro]

i cut my frame..... ive been told that 98 f-body manifolds will clear. no other year will work. I tried the truck, 99-02 f-body and 97-up corvette.

and fyi, you only have to cut the pass side frame to clear the truck manifolds.

[LEEVON]

there was a guy on here that successfully used trailblazer ss manifolds, not sure what engine mounts he had though. I've heard the 04-06 GTO manifolds work too, I picked up a pair for my swap but haven't started yet.

[piecesparts]

IF you really want the hot thing, then look at the previous installs in the web for the headers that fit the Gen III motors into a 67-72 truck. They are made by Doug Thorley and they even had a web purchase price on here for awhile. I have a set sitting in my storage for my LS-1 that I am putting in my 68. They would fit your 5.3, also.

[brad_man_72]

Originally Posted by pocketpool

I spent 230.00 on the motor mounts so I am using them. The problem is the stock manifolds hit the frame so no I am not using them. I am looking for some that will fit without having to notch the frame. This is a 68 so I am not sure that the info on the 73-87 will do me any good. Thanx for the input though.

you can come up and check out my swap anytime you want to man, remember me i bought one of your fender patch panels.
im using swap headers on my 5.3 just put engine and trans in last time yesterday, im using factory mounts with s&p plates. give me a call
840-1999
later
brad

sweet 68 is local also, hes running custom mounts and vette manifolds

[Arad68]

Here is a link to the headers. Hart_Rod did the test fit for them.

http://www.dougthorleyheaders.com/pr...productID/1029

Here are pictures of an LS1 w 98 F-body manifolds.

http://satellitehead.com/gallery/dis...album=9&pos=86

[short-t]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

there was a guy on here that successfully used trailblazer ss manifolds, not sure what engine mounts he had though. I've heard the 04-06 GTO manifolds work too, I picked up a pair for my swap but haven't started yet.

That was me! Here is a link for the pictures of the Trailblazer SS manifolds. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=331689

I was going with Doug's headers so I tried them for the folks that wanted to run manifolds to see how well they fit. IMO they fit pretty darn good! Thats with the ECE gen III engine mounts.

[Custom 68]

I used manifolds from a ls6 (from a zo6) motor for a while, Now I did build my own motor mounts so it was made to fit...

[brad_man_72]

oops got custom 68's handle wrong sorry dave, thanks for chiming in.

[Ackattack]

i used stainless steel headers for a 98-02 F-body. Fit like a glove and no clearancing the frame.

[Custom 68]

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

oops got custom 68's handle wrong sorry dave, thanks for chiming in.

I skipped right over that the first time so no biggie...
I forgot to add I did swap to mid length camaro headers. Brad and I compared or motor locations and they are pretty close. Mine maybe a tad lower but they look pretty simular except for his shiny headers