My K5 Blazer Story.

[justcuz]

I know as these engines got newer the emissions got less and less. Air pumps went away early, and other revisions to the engine removed emissions to the point that just the cats were left. I think eventually even the EGR was removed.
I presume you are passing on the cats, so just one set of O2 sensors?
I'm curious now, going to have to look up a wiring diagram for one of those ecm's.
You have to be really excited now that this thing is coming together, it is really going to be nice.
LS engines are CARB approved here in California, you can install them in anything.
I know of a guy who just installed a 5.3 into a 1986 Ford Bronco 4x4. 35" tires, 4.56 gears, 17 mpg's on the road.
If he did not have a buyer for his 351, he said he would be throwing rocks at it.
Keep up the good work and informational postings. It is fun to watch the progress.

[Zoomad75]

Since I live in a non-emissions county, no plans on Cats. This system doesn't fire the injectors sequentially, but in a batch fire style similar to the old L98 TPI systems. Based on that, one o2 sensor is enough. The stock style downpipes off the manifolds do have bungs for o2 sensors, but the left side will get a plug.

I wasn't aware ALL LS engines were CARB approved. I know the GM crate Erod engines were, but thought the ruling was the vehicle with the newer swapped in engine had to meet all the requirements of the year of the engine installed. Meaning, cats, evaporative emissions systems and all the other goodies. MEFI for in my form in a 91 probably wouldn't pass CARB's muster. If anybody in CA is looking to do this kind of swap, you need to do the research with CARB to find out what your swap will need to be legal.

[First c10]

Not sure if all LS's are CARB approved but 1975 is the cut off date. so if you install anything in a pre-1976 vehicle there is no smog check required so anything passes...
I had a friend that put a nasty small block in a late 80's(86 I think) 4x4 that was originally a diesel truck.... he never had to worry about getting in smogged since it was classified a diesel truck.....

[justcuz]

Originally Posted by Zoomad75

Since I live in a non-emissions county, no plans on Cats. This system doesn't fire the injectors sequentially, but in a batch fire style similar to the old L98 TPI systems. Based on that, one o2 sensor is enough. The stock style downpipes off the manifolds do have bungs for o2 sensors, but the left side will get a plug.

I wasn't aware ALL LS engines were CARB approved. I know the GM crate Erod engines were, but thought the ruling was the vehicle with the newer swapped in engine had to meet all the requirements of the year of the engine installed. Meaning, cats, evaporative emissions systems and all the other goodies. MEFI for in my form in a 91 probably wouldn't pass CARB's muster. If anybody in CA is looking to do this kind of swap, you need to do the research with CARB to find out what your swap will need to be legal.

Rob,

Here is the kicker, California actually has 3 different smog rules depending on your location, however engine changes fall under one rule.

There is no real way of telling if the engine is an ERod engine or not, (since it is basically a GM pickup 5.3) so as long as your engine conforms to CARB executive order D-126-31 you should be good. You correctly stated it must include all the emissions equipment for that engine including the EVAP and other required emission control items. This would negate the use of the MEFI controller your using for a post 1975 swap in California.

California has changed, in the fact that if your car did not originally have the availability of the chosen engine you cannot swap it into your vehicle.
So no diesel in GMT400 1/2 ton trucks, no 4.6 or 5.4 in your post 75 ford vehicle.
You can install a fuel injected 360 in your 91 Dodge 1/2 ton, but no Diesel swaps until you step up to a 3/4 ton truck.
The GM LS engine to my knowledge is the only engine certified by CARB that you can legally swap into ANY vehicle post 1975.

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by justcuz

Rob,

Here is the kicker, California actually has 3 different smog rules depending on your location, however engine changes fall under one rule.

There is no real way of telling if the engine is an ERod engine or not, (since it is basically a GM pickup 5.3) so as long as your engine conforms to CARB executive order D-126-31 you should be good. You correctly stated it must include all the emissions equipment for that engine including the EVAP and other required emission control items. This would negate the use of the MEFI controller your using for a post 1975 swap in California.

California has changed, in the fact that if your car did not originally have the availability of the chosen engine you cannot swap it into your vehicle.
So no diesel in GMT400 1/2 ton trucks, no 4.6 or 5.4 in your post 75 ford vehicle.
You can install a fuel injected 360 in your 91 Dodge 1/2 ton, but no Diesel swaps until you step up to a 3/4 ton truck.
The GM LS engine to my knowledge is the only engine certified by CARB that you can legally swap into ANY vehicle post 1975.

Who cares! We live in Colorado

[justcuz]

OK point taken, I guess I'll just stop at the service area and leave my **** there.

[Zoomad75]

I can always count on Larry to keep stuff on track! LOL!

[DirtyLarry]

Well, Larry’s portion of the ZooK.5L project is almost done for a while. We still have some loose ends to tie up once it takes a trip to the exhaust shop to quieten it down so we can hear ourselves think enough to finish up the tuning and what not.

Our issues list is getting much smaller…..The alternator stopped charging again, TV cable needs to be hooked up and adjusted, torque converter lock-up wiring finished, and the radiator is leaking at the seam where the tank meets the core. Go figure, as that was one of the parts from the tired old ’75 K5 that we scrapped.

We`ll clean up the wiring near the junction block once the alternator issue is sorted out










We`ll tackle the body work next spring and spray some fresh paint on her


Before

[MTCK]

Just wow. Nice work guys.

[86454k30]

very nice work!

[Zoomad75]

I knew you were up to something when told me to check out the forums after work. This is the first time I've seen it with the engine cover on and cleaned up. What blows me away the Keep your GM all GM sticker. I always thought it was cool on your rigs and thought it would be cool to cap off the factory look you've shot for. Very cool- I love it. Didn't Jesse make the labels for yours? Did that guy have a hand in this too?

Got to recharge the wallet and get this thing knocked out!

Larry is probably getting tired of me telling him thank you for all the effort, but I think it bears repeating. Larry didn't have to do this for me. He's busted his tail, worked in between is actual job and late at night so he still could take care of his girls. He's gone through this as if it was his to do. To say it's humbling for me is an understatement. He knew my time is wrapped up around my work and leaves little time for wrenching since my garage isn't big enough to pull it off with my Nova hibernating in it. He wanted this for me and his effort inspired me to bust my hump to be able to pay for it. I've done a lot of horse trading, side work helping friends sell some classic cars and leaving the house at 6:00 am to come home by 7:00 pm to run a circus they call a service department at a little Chevy dealer. There is no end to the appreciation I have for him and can't thank him enough. The best way I can pay homage is keep it going with the same effort and attention to detail. The 91 is not going anywhere either. It's not getting sold. Ever.

Kudo's dude! You knocked it out of the park!

[DirtyLarry]

You betcha dude! Nobody I can think of that appreciates the labor of truck love more than you. Glad to help and be part of your new K5.3 story.

Pretty sucktastic day for pictures but at least it’s got a lid! I can’t wait until we get started on the body and bumpers in the months to come.

I can’t believe how tall it is….hopefully it will come down once bumpers and the interior is filled up




The right rear quarter is the only spot that will require some body work and even doesn’t look very time consuming. At least there is ZERO rust to deal with

[MTCK]

That does look tall. I think we need a K5 / K10 / Suburban group photo...

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by MTCK

That does look tall. I think we need a K5 / K10 / Suburban group photo...

For sure! It will be fun to line them up for a family photo

[Zoomad75]

Certainly is some family resemblance between them all. We'll get a family photo soon enough. My time in the BigAssGasGarage is up for now. Larry's got to get caught up on his own projects. The Supersportside needs some work and the Polar Bear is getting an attitude adjustment in the cam department.

[MalibuSSwagon]

How can I get my hands on one of these?

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

[Zoomad75]

A friend of Larry and mine did the artwork and printed them. I'm not sure what his ability is to go into production of these decals. I can ask him and if he's cool I'll get him in touch with you.

[ryanroo]

this is awesome! i keep putting my eye on this late 70's jimmy that is for sale on my road to work. im jealous of the nice little rig you'll have for mountains and just running around town. i want one!

[Zoomad75]

Originally Posted by ryanroo

this is awesome! i keep putting my eye on this late 70's jimmy that is for sale on my road to work. im jealous of the nice little rig you'll have for mountains and just running around town. i want one!

Thanks! It's exceeding expectations for sure. If it wheels off road as good as it looks I'll be set! Then again I know it will. The suspension is proven and the added tru-trac up front will up the traction and help get the 5.3's power to the ground. Lots of shakedown miles for tuning in front of me for sure, but it will be worth it.

[72MARIO]

Does the MEFI ECM require a vss signal ?

I am very interested in this swap. I like how simple and tidy everything looks. I am thinking about buying a 1 ton crew cab short box and installing a 5.3 in front of a 4l80/205 setup. I understand it only requires a spacer behind the flex plate to bolt up the 5.3.

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by 72MARIO

Does the MEFI ECM require a vss signal ?

No, that is one of the nice things about it but I don't run VSS on my 8.1L K10 and Suburban either with 0411 P59 ECMs. Really not needed unless you are running a 4L60E/4L80E. To run one of those behind a MEFI-4 you would need an independent controller like an TCI EZ-TCU

[Zoomad75]

Originally Posted by 72MARIO

Does the MEFI ECM require a vss signal ?

I am very interested in this swap. I like how simple and tidy everything looks. I am thinking about buying a 1 ton crew cab short box and installing a 5.3 in front of a 4l80/205 setup. I understand it only requires a spacer behind the flex plate to bolt up the 5.3.

The MEI4 setup is certainly simplified and wired up nice and clean for sure. To comment on the 5.3 hooking up to a 4l80E, you don't need any goofy overpriced swap flexplate from Advanced Adapters or anything like that. The 5.3 was never mated with a 4L80e from the factory, but lots of 6.0's were. All you need to do is order the flexplate, spacer and bolts for a 3/4 ton equipped with a 6.0L and the 4L80e. 2002-2007 ought to cover you for the year range. Getting the plate specific for the 4L80e will have it bolt right up instead of the "adjustment's" we had to do to mate the 4L60e's flexplate to the 700r4's converter. Keep in mind all LS truck engines are internally balanced so the flexplate is interchangeable from the 4.8 to 5.3 and 6.0 designs.

[Zoomad75]

Went over to the BigAssGas Garage for a work day. Had to get the alternator situation nailed down, hook up the tv cable to the trottle body and diagnose the off idle stumble. Oh and help Larry pull the 8.1 out of the Polar bear.

So I pull up and find the K10 outside with the Blazer. Had to snap a couple of pics. Not a full family portrait but close.


Another shot.


For the alternator issue, Larry Volunteered the Alternator off of the burb for proof of concept. I did have to change the plug for the alternator to match, but after getting the right single wire hooked up, we had the system charging finally. Now I got to buy Larry an alternator before he needs it to go back in this week. This one only has 800 miles on it so it's pretty close to new so I don't have to worry about taking it off again.

I hooked up the laptop to see if my TPS reading is dropping out to cause the stumble. Watching the TPS percentage and voltage I found when the throttle got close to 95% the reading for percentage would drop to 6.6% but the voltage was still 4.5v or better. Larry had a spare TPS sensor so I swapped it out and rechecked. It behaved the same way. Our thought is the weird reading was probably more to do with the old scannerpro software than the TPS itself. Tuning looks to be the solution for this issue.

The TV cable and adjustment was pretty straight forward. I did have to adjust the pvc hose to the throttle body so it wouldn't rub on the TV cable.

The larger amount of work done was on the Burb. Larry needed help pulling the hood and running the engine hoist while he freed it up all over. We got it out and was able to get the engine torn down to swap out the hot rod camshaft.

Good day in the shop. Better than going to the mall the day after Christmas.

[DirtyLarry]

It was a great day for damn sure. I can’t remember when we were able to spent 9 hours straight working in the shop together living nothing but beer, tamales, Hickory Farms sausage, and Sam Adams Christmas Toffee without interruptions. Perfect way to spend a holiday vacation day!

My crummy cell phone pic contribution to the day…Mr. Zoomad talking to the 5.3L via ScannerPro


Polar Bear Burb 8.1L on the stand for dehotrodding….

[DirtyLarry]

Christmas vacation wrench-a-thon! Rob on his K5 and me on the Burb


Rob getting after the rear window gremlins