My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1tonjimmy · 02-11-2011, 12:35 AM

I just finished up a GM 5.3 swap into the truck and I replaced everything from the fuel tank to the fuel rail on the motor with new parts. The fuel system is all plumbed in -06 Aeroquip socketless hose and -06 socketless fittings. I replaced the tank with a brand new tank and sending unit for a 1991 Jimmy and put the pump in the tank. I used a Holley/Walbro 255 LPH in tank pump and a regulator/filter from a 99 to 03 Vette. I am the 4th owner of this truck and this truck is an original Arizona truck so there is very little rust on it at all.

Specs :

Dana 60 front
Lock Right
1/4 Diff Cover
4:56 gears
New rotors, calipers and studs
New Wheel bearings
King Pins reworked
2.5 inch BDS front springs
ORD HD grease able shackles
ORD sway bar dico
ORD Steering box brace

14 Bolt rear
Detroit locker
4:56 gears
1/4 Diff cover
U joint / yoke rock guard
Rear disc conversion
New bearings and seals
shock mounts moved
axle perches moved
4 inch BDS rear springs
ORD HD grease able shackles

Built TH400
6 bolt round adapter
6 bolt round NP 205
New bearings, gaskets and seals in the NP 205

New 17X9 Pro Comp 1069 wheels with new 36X13.50X17 Irok bias tires. The tires have 27 miles on them and measure out the same as a 37x14.00X17 Irok which is 36.8 inches.

Hydoboost brakes

The inside of the tub has been Line X'ed

3000 watt continuous 6000 watt max inverter

New 31 gallon fuel tank with skid and very nice rear offroad bumper

Coated Street and Performance headers for a 5.3 swap into a 1973 to 87 GM Truck with a single Dynomax x flow muffler and no cats. The truck sounds great

New Taylor 10.4 wires, Taylor plug boots and with Bosch Platinum plugs

Flushed out the engine when we swapped it in and all I have ever ran in the motor is 5W20 Royal Purple oil.

1tonjimmy · 02-11-2011, 12:37 AM

Here is a few pictures from when we dropped in the motor.

Picking up the motor from the dock...

The Jimmy getting ready for the 5.3 swap.

Pulled out the old tank and put in a new 31 gallon EFI tank with a sump and a in the tank fuel pump. The pump I used is a Holly 255LPH which was dumb on my part because it is nothing but a $100.00 in the tank Walbro pump I guess you live and learn. I also replaced the old fuel sending unit with a new EFI sending unit. All the fuel plumbing is going to be done in -06 Aeroquip Socketless hoes and -06 fittings. I am also using a Vette regulator and filter comb from Pace Performance with -06 fittings as well. I replace all the old straps to hold the tank in the truck and put on new anti squeak material.

We trashed all the old exhaust and I will be going with some mid length headers and a Magnaflow x pipe muffler.

My buddies 7 year and the head mechanic on this job.

New home for the 5.3

Checking all the clearance

And it is in...

67C10BUB · 02-11-2011, 06:30 AM

Very cool. How does it run?

harnalien · 02-11-2011, 08:24 AM

Looks very cool and clean. I'm also interested in how it runs.
Posted via Mobile Device

1tonjimmy · 02-11-2011, 09:55 AM

The truck runs great IMO the new GM motor is the way to go for motor swap. The old school SBC is an out dated dinosaur plus the new GM motor swaps are so eazy once you have done one and know what not to do on the next go around. I want to do a beater C20 with a healthy 6.0 6L80 next.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Clyde65** · 02-11-2011, 12:43 PM

Very nice! I bet the swap was a little difficult being the Jimmy is so tall!

1tonjimmy · 02-11-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Very nice! I bet the swap was a little difficult being the Jimmy is so tall!

Not at all..... Just let the air out of the tires. There is more then one way to skin a cat.

Note: No cats were harmed during this engine swap...

Pop's C-10 · 02-11-2011, 01:28 PM

I've read you have to use a spacer or adapre of some kind to bolt a LS up to a 3 speed..how did you go about it..

1tonjimmy · 02-11-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

I've read you have to use a spacer or adapre of some kind to bolt a LS up to a 3 speed..how did you go about it..

The Th400 will bolt up to the GMIII and GMIIII just fine. I used this along with this flex plate. I had to elongate the holes on the flex plate a little but it works fine.

**Clyde65** · 02-11-2011, 01:48 PM

Nice! I like ur Jimmy.
Many companies supply the flexplate to connect a 3 speed, TH400 or 350 to an LS. Transdapt is one I believe, you can also get one from GM too.

1tonjimmy · 02-11-2011, 01:59 PM

Or just use the factory flex plate depending on which one you have. The flex plate is not the problem the main thing is the pilot for the snout of the Tq converter.
Posted via Mobile Device

68GMCCustom · 02-11-2011, 03:03 PM

Sweet Jimmy! Nice work on the LSx swap too!

1tonjimmy · 02-11-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

Sweet Jimmy! Nice work on the LSx swap too!

Thanks man it truly is a blast to drive.
Posted via Mobile Device

Pop's C-10 · 02-11-2011, 06:29 PM

Thanks for tha info

**TR65** · 02-11-2011, 09:25 PM

Oneton,

Great truck, great swap! Thanks for sharing.

I'm a dot5 man myself.

TR

y5mgisi · 02-11-2011, 09:32 PM

Are you still thinking about selling it?

conman585 · 02-12-2011, 08:10 AM

what engine mount brackets did you use?

1tonjimmy · 02-12-2011, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

Thanks for tha info

No problem man!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TR65

Oneton,

Great truck, great swap! Thanks for sharing.

I'm a dot5 man myself.

TR

Thanks bro!

Quote:

Originally Posted by y5mgisi

Are you still thinking about selling it?

Like I said if they got the money I got the title...

Quote:

Originally Posted by conman585

what engine mount brackets did you use?

Street and Performance LS motor plates with these motor mounts. You will need to get the S&P plates that move the engine one inch back.

68GMCCustom · 02-12-2011, 03:18 PM

I'm about to finish my completely new brake system. What are the +/-'s of going DOT5?

1tonjimmy · 02-12-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

I'm about to finish my completely new brake system. What are the +/-'s of going DOT5?

Withstands heat better, does not remove paint, and you get to put DOT5 only on your brake reservoir.

**TR65** · 02-12-2011, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1tonjimmy

Withstands heat better, does not remove paint, and you get to put DOT5 only on your brake reservoir.

What 1ton said plus it doesn't attract and absorb water. The paint and corrosion thing is what I do it for. It just isn't right to have an operating fluid ruin your paint with one drop. It is good stuff.

TR

Pop's C-10 · 02-12-2011, 11:00 PM

You got anymore pics of your gauge set-up

conman585 · 02-13-2011, 09:43 AM

1TON, love your K5

Any more info on the hydroboost setup. Follow any plans? What components did you use?

DirtyLarry · 02-14-2011, 08:20 AM

That turned out great 1tonjimmy!

1tonjimmy · 02-14-2011, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

You got anymore pics of your gauge set-up

I will get you some.

Quote:

Originally Posted by conman585

1TON, love your K5

Any more info on the hydroboost setup. Follow any plans? What components did you use?

All the hydroboost stuff came from a 1986 CUCV

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

That turned out great 1tonjimmy!

Coming from you that means a lot.... I was going to put this in it.

But Central Freight Lines destroyed it... The motor is a 8.1 from a 2006 1ton Chevy.

02-11-2011, 12:35 AM	#1
1tonjimmy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Gonzales,La Posts: 65	My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 I just finished up a GM 5.3 swap into the truck and I replaced everything from the fuel tank to the fuel rail on the motor with new parts. The fuel system is all plumbed in -06 Aeroquip socketless hose and -06 socketless fittings. I replaced the tank with a brand new tank and sending unit for a 1991 Jimmy and put the pump in the tank. I used a Holley/Walbro 255 LPH in tank pump and a regulator/filter from a 99 to 03 Vette. I am the 4th owner of this truck and this truck is an original Arizona truck so there is very little rust on it at all. Specs : Dana 60 front Lock Right 1/4 Diff Cover 4:56 gears New rotors, calipers and studs New Wheel bearings King Pins reworked 2.5 inch BDS front springs ORD HD grease able shackles ORD sway bar dico ORD Steering box brace 14 Bolt rear Detroit locker 4:56 gears 1/4 Diff cover U joint / yoke rock guard Rear disc conversion New bearings and seals shock mounts moved axle perches moved 4 inch BDS rear springs ORD HD grease able shackles Built TH400 6 bolt round adapter 6 bolt round NP 205 New bearings, gaskets and seals in the NP 205 New 17X9 Pro Comp 1069 wheels with new 36X13.50X17 Irok bias tires. The tires have 27 miles on them and measure out the same as a 37x14.00X17 Irok which is 36.8 inches. Hydoboost brakes The inside of the tub has been Line X'ed 3000 watt continuous 6000 watt max inverter New 31 gallon fuel tank with skid and very nice rear offroad bumper Coated Street and Performance headers for a 5.3 swap into a 1973 to 87 GM Truck with a single Dynomax x flow muffler and no cats. The truck sounds great New Taylor 10.4 wires, Taylor plug boots and with Bosch Platinum plugs Flushed out the engine when we swapped it in and all I have ever ran in the motor is 5W20 Royal Purple oil. Last edited by 1tonjimmy; 02-11-2011 at 12:39 AM.

02-11-2011, 12:37 AM	#2
1tonjimmy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Gonzales,La Posts: 65	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Here is a few pictures from when we dropped in the motor. Picking up the motor from the dock... The Jimmy getting ready for the 5.3 swap. Pulled out the old tank and put in a new 31 gallon EFI tank with a sump and a in the tank fuel pump. The pump I used is a Holly 255LPH which was dumb on my part because it is nothing but a $100.00 in the tank Walbro pump I guess you live and learn. I also replaced the old fuel sending unit with a new EFI sending unit. All the fuel plumbing is going to be done in -06 Aeroquip Socketless hoes and -06 fittings. I am also using a Vette regulator and filter comb from Pace Performance with -06 fittings as well. I replace all the old straps to hold the tank in the truck and put on new anti squeak material. We trashed all the old exhaust and I will be going with some mid length headers and a Magnaflow x pipe muffler. My buddies 7 year and the head mechanic on this job. New home for the 5.3 Checking all the clearance And it is in... Last edited by 1tonjimmy; 02-11-2011 at 12:40 AM.

02-11-2011, 06:30 AM	#3
67C10BUB Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alta Loma, CA Posts: 610	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Very cool. How does it run? __________________ 67 5.3L Build

02-11-2011, 08:24 AM	#4
harnalien TruckincrazY Join Date: May 2004 Location: Haslet, TX Posts: 493	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Looks very cool and clean. I'm also interested in how it runs. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ My build thread - '84 2wd w/ a 6.0 swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433595

02-11-2011, 09:55 AM	#5
1tonjimmy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Gonzales,La Posts: 65	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 The truck runs great IMO the new GM motor is the way to go for motor swap. The old school SBC is an out dated dinosaur plus the new GM motor swaps are so eazy once you have done one and know what not to do on the next go around. I want to do a beater C20 with a healthy 6.0 6L80 next. Posted via Mobile Device

02-11-2011, 12:43 PM	#6
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,540	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Very nice! I bet the swap was a little difficult being the Jimmy is so tall! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

02-11-2011, 01:28 PM	#8
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 I've read you have to use a spacer or adapre of some kind to bolt a LS up to a 3 speed..how did you go about it..

02-11-2011, 01:48 PM	#10
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,540	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Nice! I like ur Jimmy. Many companies supply the flexplate to connect a 3 speed, TH400 or 350 to an LS. Transdapt is one I believe, you can also get one from GM too. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

02-11-2011, 01:59 PM	#11
1tonjimmy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Gonzales,La Posts: 65	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Or just use the factory flex plate depending on which one you have. The flex plate is not the problem the main thing is the pilot for the snout of the Tq converter. Posted via Mobile Device Last edited by 1tonjimmy; 02-11-2011 at 03:07 PM.

02-11-2011, 03:03 PM	#12
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Sweet Jimmy! Nice work on the LSx swap too! __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

02-11-2011, 06:29 PM	#14
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Thanks for tha info

02-11-2011, 09:25 PM	#15
TR65 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 873	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Oneton, Great truck, great swap! Thanks for sharing. I'm a dot5 man myself. TR __________________ 1965 C10 SWB Fleet Two owner LS2 Swap Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413880

02-11-2011, 09:32 PM	#16
y5mgisi Second Chance Program Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,642	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 Are you still thinking about selling it?

02-12-2011, 08:10 AM	#17
conman585 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Midlothian, TX Posts: 87	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 what engine mount brackets did you use?

02-12-2011, 03:18 PM	#19
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 I'm about to finish my completely new brake system. What are the +/-'s of going DOT5? __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken



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02-12-2011, 11:00 PM	#22
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 You got anymore pics of your gauge set-up

02-13-2011, 09:43 AM	#23
conman585 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Midlothian, TX Posts: 87	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 1TON, love your K5 Any more info on the hydroboost setup. Follow any plans? What components did you use?

02-14-2011, 08:20 AM	#24
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: My 1976 Jimmy with a 5.3 That turned out great 1tonjimmy! __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram

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