84 K10 5.3 Vortec 4l60e swap help..pointers

[84Silverado4x4]

My budget for this project is fairly tight although I do want to do it right.  Just doing it more for function than looks....The truck sure could be a show truck but it's my daily driver and I have a lot of other projects tugging at my check book.  I will probably go with the set up that makes the most sense at the lowest price I can get by with.  What compressor/brackets would you recommend and will I need all the room I can get up front for radiator and fans?  I was thinking of just reusing the stock radiator for now.  I was also thinking of reusing the under dash a/c unit but I will need a new condenser and dryer.  I suppose with mechanical fans I wouldn't need a binary or trinary switch... my concern with the mechanical fan is if I can keep the truck warm enough during the winter months...its current set up with the fan running all the time has a hard time heating the cab.  I may also need to do a winter front.  What temps are these 5.3 vortecs running at normally?  That may solve some of my heating problem. It currently reaches 195-200 but when the thermostat opens cools to 160 in a second.  Of course its been a little on the extreme cold side this winter in SD.

[dvdswan]

you should be fine running the truck setup with the ac down low with no issues.

[Captkaos]

You will HAVE to trim the frame rail a considerable amount or get some AC extensions from Docs Blocks to run the AC down low.
My setup in 20 degree weather runs fine and with the Thermostat set to 180 on the fan switch you will be turning the temp level down within 10 minutes as it is too hot.
There shouldn't be any reason to not use the current radiator and as for clearance the only reason to move it is because of the limited real estate down low.

[dvdswan]

didn't know that you would have to trim for the compressor to fit.  how much wider are the newer frames compared to the SBC

[Terryr85]

I have to block my radiator to get the truck to hold 180 in the winter with a stock thermostat and mechanical fan

[84Silverado4x4]

I would rather spend the money for adapters/brackets to relocate the compressor than notch the frame...the frames on these trucks are far from overkill as it is.  Will the truck exhaust manifolds clear without notching the frame?  Manifolds are fine for me but I don't want to grind on the frame if I don't have to.  If its near 30 degrees or above I'm ok and I have good heat but anything below that and it just runs too cool.  I'm guessing I will need a winter front to block some air through the radiator to maintain a warm enough temp.

[dvdswan]

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1285081-1987-chevy-k10.html

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1583833-84-chevy-truck-lsx-swap-parts-list.html

http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/lsx-truck-conversions/5495-5-3l-lm7-into-obs-silverado.html

[Captkaos]

I don't mind putting links here but I would like the info to be shared on here also instead of relying on outside links.

The newer model frames are much wider than ours..
The 2010 Camaro manifolds will fit without modifying the frame.

[dvdswan]

I don't mind putting links here but I would like the info to be shared on here also instead of relying on outside links.

no worries.

[84Silverado4x4]

I have a set of 2012 camaro exhaust manifolds layin around in the shop...I assume they are the same for all the latest model camaros.  I talked to my local tuner to get the ball rolling and see what we can do and he said he was able to bench flash/tune the computer on those and he suggested picking up one of the hybrid 5.3's at our local salvage yard.  He said they won't come with a starter or alternator but they are good strong engines that I could pick up for around $900 with around 60-70k miles on them.  I would have to get a separate trans though would this be a good route?
 

[dvdswan]

I would look at a couple yards, I picked up the engine, trans, t/case, wiring, and PCM with the all the accessories on it including the starter.

[84Silverado4x4]

It's been a while but finally got started on the swap now that winter in SD is finally over.  The old drive line is out and started rounding stuff up.  I have a 06 5.3 hybrid engine on the way and will have a drive by wire computer and harness from another donor.  I also ordered a tans adapt conversion for the 4l60E to work with the np208 tansfercase.  I was wondering what I should use for the air filter or cold air intake so that the ducting routes nice in the engine bay.  Does anyone have part numbers for radiator coolant hoses that fit the best.  Has anyone done a cam swap with any good gains?  Which cam?....I'm not looking for a lot and would like to maintain mileage if I were to do a cam.  Will the stock column shift set up work with the 4l60e or will I need a different linkage or levers?  Any tips or things I should be doing before or during the install ??  The 4l60e will be a fresh rebuild and the 5.3 has 79K on it.

[84Silverado4x4]

Also any suggestions on what I should run for fuel lines and connections from the tank to the 2006 5.3?  Should I run braided line or would I be better off using the plastic tube stuff like the 06 would have come with?

[Captkaos]

You can ideally use the factory air filter setup, or make your own.
The factory truck radiator hoses work if you are using a factory radiator out of the truck.  Bottom may need a little trimming...
Cam, depends on what you are after.  They love cams...
Column shift will work, if you specify you want the old style selector I believe, a 4L60E is a 700R4 that is electronically controlled.

[84Silverado4x4]

I hope to pick the engine up tomorrow.  Any suggestions for fuel lines to use the makes the most sense bang for the buck?  How about power steering lines....do they match up or do I need to make custom ones?  Which radiator out of the truck do you mean? 84 or 2006?  If the 2006 does it fit?  As far as cams go I would be looking for some power and torque gains but nothing radical.  My goal is to make the most power and torque without losing gas mileage over stock and still be running on pump gas...87 or 89 octane.  I have too many vehicles that need to run premium and just want this one to be a good daily driver but if I can improve it's output with a few little tweaks that would be great.