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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: aussie on August 18, 2009, 05:22:35 pm

Title: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 18, 2009, 05:22:35 pm
ok gonna drop the 5.3 in this week or weekend just gotta bolt but the engine mount plate and trans and i will drop her in !!! here are some pics
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: choptop on August 18, 2009, 07:50:28 pm
Awesome, I look forward to following your build.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on August 19, 2009, 11:32:52 am
Whos plates are you using?
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: DnStClr on August 19, 2009, 01:41:54 pm
Looking at the 1st pic it's hard to see any adapters.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 19, 2009, 03:58:47 pm
Whos plates are you using?
im using trans-dapt part # 4592  in the first pic with the engine bay, are the mounting plate in the right position??? there are other holes ???i wanna make sure the where my new engine plate and engine mount bolt into the truck is correct!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on August 19, 2009, 05:07:51 pm
If you had a V8 in it already it will be in the right location.  If it had a inline6, you need to move it to the hole marked 8.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 19, 2009, 05:41:24 pm
it had the  5.7 diesel  i will go out and have a look !!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on August 19, 2009, 05:44:05 pm
you need SBC mounts then.  the 5.7 Diesel uses different mounts.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 19, 2009, 06:06:13 pm
the kit come with new engine mounts but on the crossmember there is another mounting point where the new engine mounts atach , do i need these too???
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 19, 2009, 08:49:38 pm
Here is what im talking about the kit come with theses in the box and the lower pic is the location of my engine mount brackets what im wondering is the right location for the brackets?? i wanna put the engine in with out having to pull it out  and changing the location of the brackets if there not in the correct postion i brought the truck without the engine (DIESEL) BUT i found out that the diesel blew and  this truck had a gas engine in it in the 90s
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on August 20, 2009, 11:21:06 am
What kind of motor was in it before?  A Chevy or something else?
Can you get a closeup pic of just one side?

IF there was a Chevy V8 engine in there before, (which I doubt if it is at the 6 location) just move the mounts to the 8 location and drop it in. 
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 20, 2009, 02:54:56 pm
ok here are a couple of pics
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on August 20, 2009, 03:48:50 pm
Those appear to be non SBC mounts.

These are the SBC mounts on mine:
(http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/images/POR15misc.jpg)
(http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/images/pulledeng.jpg)
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 20, 2009, 04:58:27 pm
i can get a set off a 4wd truck are they the same??
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 28, 2009, 06:30:36 pm
ok here are updated pics got the engine and trans in !!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: nucknoel89 on August 29, 2009, 03:16:17 pm
Nice work, when are you gonna start on mine?   ;D  Actually, that sounds like something your neighbour would say thinking he's so witty, like when you're mowing your lawn or shoveling snow.  "Hey, when you're done shoveling your driveway you're gonna do mine, right?"
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: bagged n blown on August 29, 2009, 08:56:26 pm
hey nice work are you going to run it like it is or run a carb?
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 30, 2009, 09:15:21 am
no carb its gonna run  efi ,only thing is i should of brought a 4l60e and not run the 700r4 for the VSS i have a chance on monday to return the 700 and get a 4l60e out of a 98 truck but only thing is its out of a 350 truck and i wanted to know if the VSS are the same!! i have to pay $50 extra for the trans  and remove the 700 out of the truck!! this way i would save on the aftermarket VSS stuff and the TV cable hook up !! 
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: 87OldYeller on August 30, 2009, 10:23:26 am
Looking good. Looking to follow this. What about fuel pump you gonna change out the tank and all ? Or Like O2 Sensors gonna use stock or aftermarket exhast.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 30, 2009, 06:13:06 pm
Nice work, when are you gonna start on mine?   ;D  Actually, that sounds like something your neighbour would say thinking he's so witty, like when you're mowing your lawn or shoveling snow.  "Hey, when you're done shoveling your driveway you're gonna do mine, right?"
well where i live here in maine not many people are into doing up old trucks !!! but i must say your right about the mowing the lawn thing they do pull up and say!! when your done can you do mine LOL
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on August 30, 2009, 06:29:23 pm
Looking good. Looking to follow this. What about fuel pump you gonna change out the tank and all ? Or Like O2 Sensors gonna use stock or aftermarket exhast.
im gonna see if a can install a used tank out of a 2000 tahoe that will have the right fuel psi rate for this engine!! hope it will fit some where in the back between the rails ,if not gonna use a TBI 87 truck tank and run a reg ! going to run the front O2 sensors  and im gonna use camaro/ firebird manifolds  they fit close to the block, the 5.3 truck headers will hit the frame and the PASS side  and i dont wanna cut any of the frame away!!
ive just remove the 700r4 and tomorrow going to get a 4l60e its out of a 98 (sbc) so im using the crank spacer for it,ive already elongated the 5.3 flexplate when i installed the 700r4 so every thing will fit nice i moves the trans crossmember to sit where the 700r4 does and all i had to do was drill one hole , using the 4l60e i can now run the VSS and the harness and not worry about the TV cable adjustments  i will have the harness and PCM modified removing the VATS , rear O2 sensor, EGR and any other item i wont be running ,including the aircon and other emissions!!
i will take pics as i go and i will at the end of the built post every part and mod needed for the conversion i found it hard to find info on these trucks for LSX conversion plenty on pre 73 not much for 73-87!!!
 
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 03, 2009, 08:39:49 am
the 4l60e is all fitted now transmission crossmember in too every thing looks good the driveshaft looks about 1 " shorter from factory gonna look at that later on !!
i order some truck header from summit gonna try these out, they have the EGR on the side so i know this has to come off  im hoping they will fit like standard cast manifolds with the clearing on the PASS side chassis the EGR mount removal i know the DRIVER side fits well
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on September 03, 2009, 03:26:23 pm
were you noti interested in the BRB headers. I know they work.
Fitting a new tank is going to be a major undertaking.  The simple way is just use the 87 sender (-93 should be the same) and run an AC241 pump.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 03, 2009, 04:41:10 pm
couldnt find there website or info on the headers themselves so if i brought an 87 to 93 fuel sender the ac241 pump bolts to it /?????
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on September 03, 2009, 05:53:00 pm
It is in the vendors section and in teams 6.0L swap.

They were also used in the 73 pickup Hot Rod build: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=11889.0


http://www.brphotrods.com/1955-1987%20Chevy%20truck.html

Yes, the Corvette/F-body pump drops right in place of the factory TBI pump.  I have one on mine and OJOE on here has one on his.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 03, 2009, 07:52:14 pm
they wanted $499 for there headers plus shipping  which isnt over the moon but they couldnt say if they would fit coz i used the transdapt engine mount plates and they are non refundable so for $144 including shipping i brought the shorty headers from summit!!! if they foul i will try make'm fit im sure they will come close to fitting they made them for a direct replacement for a 99-02 truck and i know the cast manifolds  work on the drivers side and need some frame grinding on the passengers side but if they fit they would make a great low cost  addition to a conversion !! and as they claim 15 added horsepower and im sure would sound alot better!!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on September 04, 2009, 12:09:56 pm
They fit, they are on my truck right now.  The only issue is if you have a 4L80E you have to cut the ears off.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 04, 2009, 02:20:52 pm
They fit, they are on my truck right now.  The only issue is if you have a 4L80E you have to cut the ears off.
so you have the trans dapt mounts too?? i was kinda disapointed seams like he was trying to over sell his other parts to me when all i wanted was the headers!!! the engine and trans is in with the factory crossmember i didnt see needing to spend the extra $500 on his other parts so i went with summit !! cant wait to get them coz of the labor day holiday it will be tue!!! like a kid in a candy store!! LOL
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 04, 2009, 02:22:41 pm
HEY has anyone modded there own harness to stand alone !!!!!i would love to have a go !! but dont know where to start!!!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: choptop on September 04, 2009, 07:35:37 pm
I have some schematics coming (Thanks Steve) and will be trying to sort the harness out when it gets here. I have 3 harness that came on my engines, so I will have physical wiring to trace and sort out as well. Im not sure when I will get it sorted out, but will definately get the info on the site when I do.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 04, 2009, 08:58:50 pm
great i was thinking it cant be all that hard to work out!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on September 08, 2009, 06:05:51 pm
so you have the trans dapt mounts too??

negative.  You don't need them, I tried to tell him this, but.... whatever.  I only got the headers.
His kit moves the motor around and I wanted mine back as far as possible so I got Edelbrock 1" back plates, same ones everyone else sells.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 08, 2009, 07:21:35 pm
Looks so cool.. :) you done got me looking for a wrecked pickup so I can take a shoot at this.

did you pull all the factory wiring out or going with a custom harness?
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 08, 2009, 07:53:08 pm
yes i got the factory harness im sending to a guy to get it modifed about $200 he will remove all the emissions , rear O2 senser, A/C ,EGR, ETC ETC pretty much a stripped harness ALSO got my pacesetter shorty headers from the big brown truck today (ups) there from summit they fitted great with just a little mod to the frame rail on the PASS side to fit ,it also had the EGR pipe it clears the frame but looked silly hanging there so i removed it welded the hole!!!! the drivers side is fine!!! i will post a pic of the headers tomorrow morning !!!!! oh they where only $153
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 08, 2009, 07:58:56 pm
Cool. Yea my Brother works a weekend or two for a friend/salvage yard owner said he could prolly get me a complete truck from an insurance sell cheap. So I may begin this project sometime.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 09, 2009, 06:26:57 am
here are some header pics '
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 09, 2009, 06:31:21 am
oh those headers come with the metal gaskets and bolts and colector gaskets too  all for around $153 delivered now i need to make some collector extension with O2 sensor bungs the driver side need a slight S no big deal though !!!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on September 09, 2009, 10:55:25 am
looks good.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: team39763 on September 12, 2009, 03:05:52 pm
Looking good.  Your header clearance is perfect.  At first I cut up a bunch of stuff in my truck to fit my headers, but then I changed to different adapters that lifted the motor and moved it back an inch...that made all the difference and would've saved me from cutting.  Do you have the cooling system all figured out?
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 12, 2009, 04:09:49 pm
well im going to see if i can use the diesel radiator its still good all i would have to do is get a long top hose and extend my transmission line from the right to left going underneath the front pulleys to the otherside
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on September 14, 2009, 04:26:06 pm
The Diesel radiator if ok is better for high heat as that is the big killer for a diesel.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 14, 2009, 07:20:42 pm
YEAH that radiator is in great condition my question to is you what did you do about the power steering pump tread being metric???
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 20, 2009, 09:22:03 am
ok i worked out the high pressure line on the pump i used the factory 2001 tahoe line and used the 73-87 union at the pump it was easy
ok MY NEXT question to Captkaos i was told to use a 87 TBI Tank because it has baffles in it ,better for FI ??? using TBI sending unit and the ac 241 pump (camaro or vette tpi correct?? what fuel lines did you use from the tank???? the trucks around here are so rusty underneath the lines are rotted ??? my truck was in storage since 93 when it was repainted
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on September 20, 2009, 06:22:46 pm
I am using the EFI tanks, but S&P don't on all of theirs.
The 241 put is what you want also.
I bought TBI lines for mine and used them on my truck.  You could also use braided line all the way.  If you use a 99-up corvette filter it has an internal regulator and you only have to run a supply line to the front.

I got my hardlines from Inline Tube or Classic Tube.  I go the braided lines from Pure Choice.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 24, 2009, 06:18:38 pm
ok some update on my truck here i have the the header pipes all done!!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 28, 2009, 07:54:45 pm
here is another pic ive done alittle since this pic
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: 87OldYeller on September 29, 2009, 09:51:50 am
I don't think i have seen this posted. maybe if it was i overlooked it. But are you gonna run a.c ?
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on September 30, 2009, 06:50:29 am
no the truck wasnt fitted with it im not a big fan on A/C i rather have the windows down on a hot day
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on October 01, 2009, 07:34:41 am
OK ive got the 2001 tahoe line hooked up as far as the filter and all the way to the tank for the return line now i need to drop the tank and put  the hi pressure pump in  and sending unit out of a 87-91 R truck im waiting on the sending unit to come in and then i need to order the pump the guy doing my harness said he will send it back to me this monday so waiting on that too then i need to hook up the trucks power to the new modded harness and send out the PCM to get all the emssions ,VATS,A/C ,rear o2 sensors, etc removed
im hoping with all the emission removed cats gone and the shorty header for around 305 HP in standard form
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on October 09, 2009, 06:08:31 pm
hey chris or anyone else thats done an LSX conversion!!! what cable did you use for the throttle body i got one from a k 2500 96 4x4 truck today its seams way too long and where it hooks up  to the pedal looks the same but its longer
the top cable is the 96 K2500
the bottom is the factory 78 c-10 cable
you can see the cable is longer where if hooks to the pedal
but also the cable is a good 18"  longer i need one about 12" longer the factory cable is too short!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on October 10, 2009, 07:11:56 pm
ok for thoses interested in GEN3/LSX/LS1 conversion i used the factory fuel lines from the maniold back to the filter and most of the return line to the fuel injection rubber line !! i used a ac delco ep 241 pump or part number at autozone   E3210
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: Captkaos on October 13, 2009, 02:27:39 pm
The TBI fuel lines are not rated for that much pressure especially if they are old.  I would change them.
As for throttle cables.  I am using a Lokar.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on October 14, 2009, 12:52:20 pm
The TBI fuel lines are not rated for that much pressure especially if they are old.  I would change them.
As for throttle cables.  I am using a Lokar.
those are not TBI fuel lines there from a factory 2001 tahoe lokar huh! cool !! since i posted that i used a 96 1500 truck cable i just moved the position of the cable stop at the pedal end !!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on February 02, 2010, 07:52:55 pm
hey guys i dont know if i posted this over here but check out my trucks lastest youtube !!
let me know what you think !!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjcgXHjyChg
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: jaredts on February 02, 2010, 08:02:41 pm
Friggin sweet!  It sounds great.
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on February 03, 2010, 06:33:11 am
thanks i cant wait till spring to start driving it again!!!!!
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: team39763 on February 03, 2010, 02:40:32 pm
Nice work buddy.  Any plans to drop a small cam in there?
Title: Re: 5.3 into my 78
Post by: aussie on February 03, 2010, 06:50:54 pm
yup gonna go turbo next!!!!!!!! cam for sure !!!!!!