Glock's new project: "Fred" w/ 5.3L LS swap info

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic truck. Fred will be that truck. We can make him better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster.

[Codys87]

On your a/c issue, what if you used a compressor from an earlier vortec 5.7 like whats in the 96 model trucks and used the adapter fittings from this site...
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...n-left-332.php
then had some hoses made to work? The compressor will bolt right up and the belt will work on it also.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by Codys87

On your a/c issue, what if you used a compressor from an earlier vortec 5.7 like whats in the 96 model trucks and used the adapter fittings from this site...
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...n-left-332.php
then had some hoses made to work? The compressor will bolt right up and the belt will work on it also.

Have you physically done this yourself? The 96 era 5.7 was a Gen II block, and the compressor was on a bracket on the upper left side. The bolt pattern doesn't look quite the same.

[Codys87]

I haven't gotten as far as putting the adapters on yet, but the motor is in and the compressor is on. I also have the belt on the compressor right now so I could see if that was atleast right. When I get home I'll try and snap a pic and repost it so you can see what you think.

[glock35ipsc]

That would be GREAT! If and when possible, I would like to see the adapter at least held into place too. Thanks!!!!

[Codys87]

Heres the pics of my a/c compressor, but I haven't gotten the adapter yet. Honestly didn't know if it would work until I found your thread and found the link to the adapters on here. I have about 2 inches of clearance from the a/c compressor to the frame so I'm not sure why it wouldn't work. I am using the brp motor mount conversion kit though. But it looks like we both may have about the same clearance.



Let me know what you think. I was going to order the adapter tonight.

[glock35ipsc]

I'm bbq'ing right now, but that looks like it will definitely work!!! I'll be back later on.

Thanks!!!!!

[glock35ipsc]

With that flat adapter pointing back, 90* fittings will point them up with little if any interference with the frame.

You say it bolted right up to the AC bracket?

Dude, I think you just solved a major problem for all of us here!!!!

[Codys87]

Cool I was hoping I could help out with all the help I have gotten from everyon else. Yeah the compressor bolted right up. I've been piecing my motor together and when I got the compressor I didn't even realize I didn't get the one that comes on the 5.3's until I already had the motor in and was comparing the setup to my avalanche!!!

[glock35ipsc]

It looks like the flash washed it out, but is there a part number on the compressor? And you know for sure it is off a 96? This is fantastic, with that flat block and 90* fittings I can't see anywhere this would cause a problem.

Do you have a build thread on here?

Thanks again!!!

[nlped]

Dumb question, but is that a much different compressor, or is the motor just sitting higher in the frame? I was looking at your pic, Bob, from post #522 vs. Codys87's and it kinda looks like the motor sits a bit higher. Don't blast me if I am wrong

[menace121978]

whoa, i'm i reading this right???

a compressor off a '96 gen II small block bolts right up to the ls motor and clears the frame rails?

how is the compressor quality compare to the newer style?

[glock35ipsc]

Well, anything is better than the ones like I have.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by nlped

Dumb question, but is that a much different compressor, or is the motor just sitting higher in the frame? I was looking at your pic, Bob, from post #522 vs. Codys87's and it kinda looks like the motor sits a bit higher. Don't blast me if I am wrong

I think you are right, the upper compressor bolt on his looks to be above the frame rail, where I had to angle mine to clear the rail to get the bolt in the hole.

BUT..... and this is a big but , the manifold on the 96 compressor is flat and exits to the rear, whereas the 06 compressor exits up at about a 45* angle. With the flat manifold block of the 96, a pair of 90* fittings could be ran straight up.

[glock35ipsc]

Then again.....

Compare the height of my heater hoses above the frame (barely seen in the top of the pic) to Cody's.

Cody, if you would please, could you measure from the top of your frame to the bottom of the heater hoses? I'll measure mine here in a little bit.

[joe231]

looks pretty close by eyeballing it....

[Codys87]

Measuring from the top of the frame rail to the bottom of the heater hose is right at 2 1/2 inches. But I am using a different motor mount set up too.

Give me a day and let me check out and make sure this compressor is the exact same as the 96. Problem with mine is that when I was cleaning it the part number from the sticker rubbed off!!! unless there is another spot on the compressor I could check for a part # I need to go to the parts store and compare some stuff. This compressor looks just like the compressor on my dads 96 Silverado, but with no part # I don't want anyone else to go out and buy one until I'm for sure.

[Driveway Dreams]

Wow, this is really turning into an educational experience for all. Bob, you my friend should get an award for build thread of the year.

[glock35ipsc]

Mine is right at 1.5", so you are an inch higher. I still think it might work. But I'm not going to worry about AC until spring, so we have some time to figure it out. Or at least, I do.

OK, Dennis is in need of a pic fix, so here we go:

[nlped]

Lookin' Good Mr. Kotter!!!

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams

Wow, this is really turning into an educational experience for all. Bob, you my friend should get an award for build thread of the year.

Thanks dude! I'm blown away that it's at almost 700 posts in just two months! And there's not really that much BS'ing going on. But there has been a TON of great LS swap info brought out in this thread. It will definitely make to task of drawing up a 73-87 LS swap guide a whole lot easier!

[Codys87]

Let me just start off by saying that your build is awesome! It looks so neat and like it came from the factory that way. Very nice!

And after searching like crazy because I don't want to disappoint, I finally found the compressor that I have. It's not a 96 style after all, because one bracket mount is different, but it actually came on the 99-02 5.3.
Two part numbers I found are:
Delphi - cs20010
Delco - 1520413

Also if your heater hoses are 1.5 from the frame rail that would mean you should have a little more room to put the adapter in, right?

[menace121978]

hahaha! thats sweet Bob. i felt something move below my belt line when i seen that overhead view! i feel better now

this thread is chocked full of great info and pics! excellent job buddy.

[glock35ipsc]

LOL @ Dennis! Thanks man!

Cody - you did not dissapoint brother! Thanks for getting that info! And I think you are right, since mine sits lower I should have a little more room between the block/fittings and the under side of the frame rail.

I'm laying in bed on the Blackberry right now, so I'll check out those part numbers tomorrow. See if I can find who has the best price.

G'nite all!

[JohnC]

Yeah this is a very resourceful thread for LS swaps. If anything it is the iconic one. Soooo much information.