1968 c10 2003 Vortec 5.3L swap

[Xeen]

Ok a little back story first.
For as long as I can remember I always liked 67-72 chevy stepside pickups, specifically the 67-68 because of the grill and slant nose hood.
I picked one up about a year ago and the fun began, now I'm to the point of installing a drivetrain, it's time to get this bad boy on the road.
I have been searching for an Engine and Transmission complete pullout for about 4 months when a couple of days ago I ran across a ad on craigslist of all places and the guy claimed he had a 2003 Vortec 5.3L and 4l60e with 28,300 miles on them, so I set up a time to go look at it and you can tell when something has been cleaned up, or used alot and this thing has the right amount of grime on it and a lack of wear that could only mean one thing, he wasn't lying.
I was very pleased and bought it on the spot it came with the ECM and TCM, the only thing it didn't come with is the GM harness and MAF and I'm looking for them.
The engine was in pretty good condition except for a crude pulling technique that broke the electrical conections off the starter and broke the mounting location for the rearmost coilpack on the right hand valve cover, so it will need the starter repaired and a new valve cover.
I will be updating this thread with information, tips, and pics as I go.
If you would like to see my 1968 c10 stepside build you can click on the link in my signature.
Here are a few pics to kick it off.

[Clyde65]

you will love it!

[mcmlxix]

I didn't think the 03 came with EMC and TCM... I believe the TCM was seperated from the ECM on 2007+ trucks.

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

I didn't think the 03 came with EMC and TCM... I believe the TCM was seperated from the ECM on 2007+ trucks.

The genIV engines, 2007 NBS and up ust the seperate TCM. But I think the OP meant to say TAC module since the engine in the pic is a genIII.
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[chuckmc8]

Mine runs great- 30 degrees here and I can just turn the key and she fires right up and idles....as opposed to my 67 with the 350 and carb- that I have to sit in the truck and feather the gas and it fumes the shop

[slamed67]

any progress?

[eagleuh1]

Yeh, whats taking you so long? Ain't you driving this thing already? Just kidding. Your're going to love the power and gas milage you'll get. big improvement over the old drivetrain.. Good luck with the build. Any questions, just ask. Jim

[Xeen]

Hey all;
Sorry it's been so long since an update, I am still gathering parts and making repairs.
I installed the Boyd Welding EFI gas tank today but I still need to instal the fuel lines.
I ordered a Lokar shift Linkage Kit.
I went to the salvage yard and picked up a Electronic gas pedal assembly and Pedal to TAC wiring.
I ordered a NOS GM Ignition Bezel.
I haven't replaced the valve cover yet but I have the replacement ready to go.
I repaired the starter by replacing the solenoid.
I ordered a Standalone harness from Performance Systems Integration, here is a link if you want to check them out. http://psiconversion.com/
I have yet to instal the new harness.
I ordered and installed engine perches and poly mounts from CPP.
I also ordered a tubular transmission crossmember and poly mount from CPP.
Now for some pictures.

[Xeen]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

The genIV engines, 2007 NBS and up use the seperate TCM. But I think the OP meant to say TAC module since the engine in the pic is a genIII.
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You are correct I did mean to say TAC module.

[Xeen]

Hey all;
An attempt was made to instal the engine and transmission on April the 29th which was a failure because the CPP 3" forward motor mount adapters caused serious problems.
The motor was so far forward it wasnt clearing either crossmember.
So to fix this problem I designed a new 2" forward adapter and had a set custom fabricated and another attempt to instal the motor will be made on May 6th.

[nlped]

Same issue here with the CPP towers and adapter plates. I ended up building a set of adapter plates that move the engine forward only a 1/2" vs the 3" ones. I believe it'll sit the motor right where the original 350 sits and will give me enough clearance for my TBSS pacesetter headers.
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[nlped]

FWIW...my new adapter plates worked perfectly. Motor sits right where it needs to, and my TBSS Pacesetter headers fit without much issue at all . Pic shows the CPP 3" forward adapter plate on the right and the new mounts on the left. I used 1/4" thick plate vs. the CPP's at 3/16"...thicker should be better, right? Anyway, it went right back in and it seems as though all will work