5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**oldrustytrucks** · 01-13-2013, 11:16 PM

I have a 2003 5.3 truck engine and 4l60E with complete harness and computer. I want to put it in my 67' Chevy (2wd). I am wondering what all I am up against. I have a general understanding of what will need to be done but would like to know some of the problems you have came across. I would like to know my best options for the engine harness and integrating it into a stock 67 truck harness. I have heard I will not be able to run stock 5.3 exhaust manifolds and stock A/C compressor... Any frame or cross member mods? Any other pointers would be great! Thanks in advance!

Bhelton · 01-13-2013, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldrustytrucks

I have a 2003 5.3 truck engine and 4l60E with complete harness and computer. I want to put it in my 67' Chevy (2wd). I am wondering what all I am up against. I have a general understanding of what will need to be done but would like to know some of the problems you have came across. I would like to know my best options for the engine harness and integrating it into a stock 67 truck harness. I have heard I will not be able to run stock 5.3 exhaust manifolds and stock A/C compressor... Any frame or cross member mods? Any other pointers would be great! Thanks in advance!

Jims performance can take care of your harness and programming, Pro Performance does the engine mounts and headers, you can buy fuel pump kits for the conversion from multiple places. And radiators are available for the swap or you can run the stock one and run more hose...Its really not that bad of a swap, good luck which ever way you go

brad_man_72 · 01-14-2013, 12:17 AM

there is a ton of information in the engne and drivetrain sub forum lsx swaps...

Stock radiator, stock radiator hoses lower 67 upper 2000, stock power steering lines (swap fittings on the pump), run a longer batt cable to the alternator instead of relocating battery, oil pressure line can be plumbed into the block above the oil filter, you can get a temp sending unit can be installed in the rear of the passenger side head. There's a few ways to hook up a speedometer, factory tach can work as long as the computer is reprogrammed to send a 8cyl signal, eliminate the aintitheft and torque management.

Leave any driveshaft work to a drivelie shop. Not a machine shop, not a quicklube, not your uncle with a welder.
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joesgreen67 · 01-14-2013, 08:46 AM

I just finished the 5.3 swap on my 67. I started off using the adapter motor mount plates that are around $50. I didn't like the fit of them at all. I ended up buying the ECE mounts, while expensive they fit much, much better.

I did have to trim the top fram rails back about 3/8" on each side since 67-68 frame rails are wider. ECE states that minor frame triming may be required. Not a big issue, but just be aware it will need to be done.

I 5.3 truck manifolds just simply would not work to well. I bought a set of headers from Racing Innovations for $189 and they worked out perfect. Direct fit with no issues.

I used a 87-90 Jeep wrangler gas tank with a Blazer sending unit. If you have any specific questions just let me know!

Longhorn 70 · 01-14-2013, 01:48 PM

AHEM!! Pictures??? Performance thoughts???

Ackattack · 01-14-2013, 01:59 PM

I did the wiring harness modifications myself, did the programming myself using HPtuner.

I also made my own engine mount adapters on tubular engine mounts (from POL IIRC). I also used SS headers for a LS1 camaro from ebay. Used a fuel tank mounted backwards behind the axle from a LS1 trans am with the stock pump. LS1 camaro electric fans. You will need a different oil pan, the truck pan hangs below the crossmember. I used one from a Camaro too.

I had to modify the trans crossmember to clear my exhaust, used a Lokar column shift cable, cause the stock linkage wouldn't clear the headers.

None of it would be to hard if you're just swapping into a truck. I put mine in as part of my restoration, so it was 3 years of work.

Longhorn 70 · 01-14-2013, 02:03 PM

Nice job Ack

**oldrustytrucks** · 01-15-2013, 01:13 AM

Great info, thank you!
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eagleuh1 · 01-15-2013, 03:18 PM

The hardest part is going to be the AC. Finding hose blocks now is difficult. You'll love it when its done though. Check out the ls engine sub forum for lots of info. Theres lotsof good info there. Good luck. Jim

1972K20 · 02-06-2013, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagleuh1

The hardest part is going to be the AC. Finding hose blocks now is difficult. You'll love it when its done though. Check out the ls engine sub forum for lots of info. Theres lotsof good info there. Good luck. Jim

What are the hose blocks?
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01-13-2013, 11:16 PM	#1
oldrustytrucks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tucson, Az. Posts: 395	5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions I have a 2003 5.3 truck engine and 4l60E with complete harness and computer. I want to put it in my 67' Chevy (2wd). I am wondering what all I am up against. I have a general understanding of what will need to be done but would like to know some of the problems you have came across. I would like to know my best options for the engine harness and integrating it into a stock 67 truck harness. I have heard I will not be able to run stock 5.3 exhaust manifolds and stock A/C compressor... Any frame or cross member mods? Any other pointers would be great! Thanks in advance!

01-14-2013, 12:17 AM	#3
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: 5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions there is a ton of information in the engne and drivetrain sub forum lsx swaps... Stock radiator, stock radiator hoses lower 67 upper 2000, stock power steering lines (swap fittings on the pump), run a longer batt cable to the alternator instead of relocating battery, oil pressure line can be plumbed into the block above the oil filter, you can get a temp sending unit can be installed in the rear of the passenger side head. There's a few ways to hook up a speedometer, factory tach can work as long as the computer is reprogrammed to send a 8cyl signal, eliminate the aintitheft and torque management. Leave any driveshaft work to a drivelie shop. Not a machine shop, not a quicklube, not your uncle with a welder. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

01-14-2013, 08:46 AM	#4
joesgreen67 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Goldsboro NC Posts: 151	Re: 5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions I just finished the 5.3 swap on my 67. I started off using the adapter motor mount plates that are around $50. I didn't like the fit of them at all. I ended up buying the ECE mounts, while expensive they fit much, much better. I did have to trim the top fram rails back about 3/8" on each side since 67-68 frame rails are wider. ECE states that minor frame triming may be required. Not a big issue, but just be aware it will need to be done. I 5.3 truck manifolds just simply would not work to well. I bought a set of headers from Racing Innovations for $189 and they worked out perfect. Direct fit with no issues. I used a 87-90 Jeep wrangler gas tank with a Blazer sending unit. If you have any specific questions just let me know!

01-14-2013, 01:48 PM	#5
Longhorn 70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 1,149	Re: 5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions AHEM!! Pictures??? Performance thoughts??? __________________ 1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9

01-14-2013, 01:59 PM	#6
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Re: 5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions I did the wiring harness modifications myself, did the programming myself using HPtuner. I also made my own engine mount adapters on tubular engine mounts (from POL IIRC). I also used SS headers for a LS1 camaro from ebay. Used a fuel tank mounted backwards behind the axle from a LS1 trans am with the stock pump. LS1 camaro electric fans. You will need a different oil pan, the truck pan hangs below the crossmember. I used one from a Camaro too. I had to modify the trans crossmember to clear my exhaust, used a Lokar column shift cable, cause the stock linkage wouldn't clear the headers. None of it would be to hard if you're just swapping into a truck. I put mine in as part of my restoration, so it was 3 years of work. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

01-14-2013, 02:03 PM	#7
Longhorn 70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 1,149	Re: 5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions Nice job Ack __________________ 1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9

01-15-2013, 01:13 AM	#8
oldrustytrucks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tucson, Az. Posts: 395	Re: 5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions Great info, thank you! Posted via Mobile Device

01-15-2013, 03:18 PM	#9
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: 5.3 Vortec / 4l60E install questions The hardest part is going to be the AC. Finding hose blocks now is difficult. You'll love it when its done though. Check out the ls engine sub forum for lots of info. Theres lotsof good info there. Good luck. Jim



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