1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic LS swap/build

[JustN]

Originally Posted by NastyBuzzard

I have seen other people almost direct swap it in!! There is one guy who is doing a diesel swap on a square body that slapped stock tank in w/ evap stuff and fit just fine.

Here is a pic I found of it:

that looks like flatbed tho kinda

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by JustN

that looks like flatbed tho kinda

It is possible. However, I think frame is the same? I've already taken out my d.s. tank and removed the support hanger/brackets for it. I feel like I should be able to get them to fit around the 01 tank then just maybe drill some holes and mount it up. Just have to get the location right for filler neck. Anyways, I am really hoping it will work!

[JustN]

if it does be good

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by JustN

if it does be good

Stay tuned and eventually I will let you know! I hope!

[NastyBuzzard]

I think I found what my transmission problems were... Or atleast why I was getting a code for 3-2 shift solenoid.

[Flatpat]

Did that fix your tanny problems?

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by Flatpat

Did that fix your tanny problems?

Awaiting parts to arrive. I got everything now besides that 3-2 shift solenoid pictured above. Should be here sometime this week. Now I got to find torque specs and install new knock sensors, knock sensor harness and get the intake back on. After that install new shift solenoid, fill up trans and fire it up and see how she does!!

If I can take her down the road and it run fine and get no codes then it is time to pull it out of the 01 and start taking apart the 87 to get her ready for the transplant!!

[NastyBuzzard]

Anyone know where I can find replacement intake bolts or some replacement rubber grommets? I thought my intake gasket kit came with them
But it didn't...

This is keeping me from getting the topend back together.

[mcbassin]

I found your thread. Very nice progress so far. I have a 4.8 in my build too.
I wish I could help you with the valve cover bolts. Probably better off finding a nice used set on ebay or on one of the forums.

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

I found your thread. Very nice progress so far. I have a 4.8 in my build too.
I wish I could help you with the valve cover bolts. Probably better off finding a nice used set on ebay or on one of the forums.

4.8s are nice! I'm just worried about it being in a 4x4 and for towing.. Even though it's what it came out of. I did find a complete 05 5.3 dropout from a Yukon. It has 100-110k miles and comes with wiring and PCM for $500. Thinking about getting that n selling the 4.8!

On the valve cover grommets I think I am going to try and reuse them since I just need it to run to move around the house. Later I'll go back replace of I use it.

I think I should try n move this to lsX swap thread seams to be more action going on over there..

[NastyBuzzard]

Top end is back on. Seems like the injectors arent going all the way down.. Any idea how far down they need to go?

If my 3-2 shift solenoid ever shows up I will get it back started! Thats all I lack besides some 5/16 hose from rad to throttle body. '

Praying for it to drive right w/ no codes.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by NastyBuzzard

4.8s are nice! I'm just worried about it being in a 4x4 and for towing.. Even though it's what it came out of. I did find a complete 05 5.3 dropout from a Yukon. It has 100-110k miles and comes with wiring and PCM for $500. Thinking about getting that n selling the 4.8!

On the valve cover grommets I think I am going to try and reuse them since I just need it to run to move around the house. Later I'll go back replace of I use it.

I think I should try n move this to lsX swap thread seams to be more action going on over there..

I think you will have plenty of power to tow with and use 4X4 too.

I actually had the chance to switch to a 2001 5.3 and I stuck with the 4.8 there was only 15 HP difference. I won't be switching mine unless it's a 6.0 or bigger. I have a feeling I will be plenty happy with the 4.8.
Good luck.

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

I think you will have plenty of power to tow with and use 4X4 too.

I actually had the chance to switch to a 2001 5.3 and I stuck with the 4.8 there was only 15 HP difference. I won't be switching mine unless it's a 6.0 or bigger. I have a feeling I will be plenty happy with the 4.8.
Good luck.

15hp difference isn't nothing but 40ft lb of torque is.

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by NastyBuzzard

15hp difference isn't nothing but 40ft lb of torque is.

Torque is good for towing and off road. I agree if you're going to be doing those sort of things. I'm not Mine is just a driver for fun

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Torque is good for towing and off road. I agree if you're going to be doing those sort of things. I'm not Mine is just a driver for fun

I agree! Unfortunately this will be my only truck, so I need to use it. If I can afford to keep the 4.8 I definitely will!! I don't think I'd ever do a carbed motor again!

[NastyBuzzard]

Got it back together.

What was odd was apparently at some point a checkball fell out... No clue where it came from. I didn't drop valve body at this time to check, I just put it back together.

Started up and gave me codes for IAC and now both knock sensors but runs fine. I drove it and seems like the check ball must have been for 1-2 kick down b/c it isn't wanting to drop back down to first but oh well.

It ran well enough I could justify pulling it now!! So next step is to find me a cherry picker and another engine stand and pull it all out!!

I will drop valvebody once it has already been removed from the truck and check for checkballs. I probably will take top end back off as well when I paint and really clean the engine.

Still plan to go look at a lower mile 5.3 just in case.

Time to make or order me some mounts and get the swap started!! I need to find a buy for my 350tbi/700r4 setup with less than 8k miles!

[Flatpat]

Glad to hear.

[NastyBuzzard]

I need everyones opinion... Swap everything into the 87 or swap the 87 body onto the 01 frame?

[y5mgisi]

The 01 is a better frame. So i guess i would say that. Although im curious. How locg do you suppose this will take? And how long do you suppose you will maintain your level of ambition?

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by y5mgisi

The 01 is a better frame. So i guess i would say that. Although im curious. How locg do you suppose this will take? And how long do you suppose you will maintain your level of ambition?

Level of ambition: until the job is done! This truck will never be sold and I'll be doing it under my car port so will have to be done so my z28 vert can go back under there.

Long it will take: that depends on what I do. My original plan was to swap in ls and as much else I can, then get it running. Then eventually go back in stages and swap interior in and even do a dash swap from the 01.

However, if I do frame swap it will save me time from swapping 01 gas tank, fuel lines, rearend, et cetera. If I do frame swap though I will be at the mercy of my good friend who is a far superior welder than I am and he has a mobile stick/mig setup with a generator.

I agree newer frame is better and will provide a better ride and will be easier for me to drive it more often. Plus my wife gets horrible car sickness so rough ride would keep her from long trips in the truck.

[JustN]

01 stuff to 87 frame etc to diff imo

[Flatpat]

Just a lot of measuring, cutting, and welding. You have an 11" wheelbase difference 131.5 (87), 143.5 (01) so you'll have to take out some of the frame. I believe the 01 has a shorter overhang than your 87 so you might have to add there. As long as you measure it all out and have a good plan to do, I don't see why not. Although, I think it will be easier to swap parts into the 87 honestly. Do they have vehicle inspections where you are?

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by Flatpat

Just a lot of measuring, cutting, and welding. You have an 11" wheelbase difference 131.5 (87), 143.5 (01) so you'll have to take out some of the frame. I believe the 01 has a shorter overhang than your 87 so you might have to add there. As long as you measure it all out and have a good plan to do, I don't see why not. Although, I think it will be easier to swap parts into the 87 honestly. Do they have vehicle inspections where you are?

No vehicle inspections in South Carolina.

Yep your measurements sound close to what I measured. 145" on the 01 & 131.5" on the 87.

Shorter overhang? Can you elaborate?

Here is frame dimensions for 87
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

This link has a pdf of frame dimensions (at the end) for the 01 frame
http://www.genuinegmparts.com/pdf/ve...ual_1463KB.pdf

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by JustN

01 stuff to 87 frame etc to diff imo

I am intimidated by it as well... I had never seen any threads of anyone doing it but I joined this thing on facebook for squarebody's and a lot of people have done it but they really didn't do any build threads or document it.

I am not sure which will be easier, considering I want to stuff A LOT of stuff from the 01 into the 87 anyways, such as gas tank, rear end, et cetera.

[y5mgisi]

Im telling you man, just swap the engine and trans into the 87 and call it a day. That alone will take 3 months minimum. I guarantee it. To put the 87 body on the 01 frame and have it all running and on the road will take no less than a year. Just keep it smart. We have all seen WAY too many projects die a bitter death due to too much ambition on the front side.