49 ls1

[skymangs]

So I decided to mock up the 5.3 in the engine bay to see where I was at, and where I'd have to cut. I mounted it about 2 inches higher than I would have for a 350, so I can use the stock pan. Since this truck will get bagged, I don't want anything hanging below that crossmember.

Initially I had about 3.5" of clearance between the wp pulley and the rad. I'm looking for about 5". Rather than buy a different accessory drive, I decided a 2" recessed firewall was a good option. So I made some rough cuts, bolted on the trans, and blocked it in position.

[skymangs]

Once I was happy with the positioning of the motor, I started to put together some motor mounts. The last shot is with the intake in position (It kinda fits perfect in the factory 6 banger recession).

[skymangs]

Once I had the mounts made, I strengthened them with some 1/4 wall tube, and started banging out a new firewall. I want this one to be smooth, so I cut the factory one completely out, saved and re-used the 6 cyl recession (and moved it down about 1.5"), and cut 18ga. sheet to fit. It's just sheetmetal screwed for now, but I'll be welding it in, and re-bracing the backside tomorrow.

Hopefully this weekend I can get the cab off, and build the trans mount.

[Wyattdog2]

Originally Posted by skymangs

So I decided to mock up the 5.3 in the engine bay to see where I was at, and where I'd have to cut. I mounted it about 2 inches higher than I would have for a 350, so I can use the stock pan. Since this truck will get bagged, I don't want anything hanging below that crossmember.

Initially I had about 3.5" of clearance between the wp pulley and the rad. I'm looking for about 5". Rather than buy a different accessory drive, I decided a 2" recessed firewall was a good option. So I made some rough cuts, bolted on the trans, and blocked it in position.

what radiator did you use? I have same combo but also want dual elect fans and not finding anything that I think will fit. my firewall is not cut but the motor is very close.

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by Wyattdog2

what radiator did you use? I have same combo but also want dual elect fans and not finding anything that I think will fit. my firewall is not cut but the motor is very close.

I used speedway’s 19x22 universal rad w/ pass inlet/outlet. For the fan I used a single hayden 16", that’s one thing I’ve learned, not to skimp on fans. I only use hayden 16" now.