Well here I am in the build Project Journal. Phil and Peggy thought this would interest some readers. I'm going to pick up where I left off.
When I purchased the 5.3 engine and tranny it didn't come with the "computers", wiring harness, throttle controller, accelerator pedal, or fuse block. While in Washington UT visiting daughters families I found all these things at a salvage yard. All the electronics must exactly match the engine. ie year of manufacture. Did a lot of research on a LS1 forum. Decided on a DYI harness using the OEM salvage one. Sent the computers off to a fellow in the midwest. He removed, deleted, or whatever all unnecessary programs for a swap. that meant door locks, security/antitheft, any smog management, rear two O2 sensors in the exhaust, ABS, and not sure what else. Anyway, also downloaded detailed instructions for removing all the corresponding wires from the harness. Pictured is the harness stripped and laid out on a table. Then the harness installed (pic of frame and engine only). Wish I had taken a picture of the ball of wire that was removed!
Must admit this was one of the tasks I was really dreading. With more research and reading I got spooked about using that original harness. There could be broken wires inside the looms, bad connectors, and the fact that I didn't have a fuse block. I did get an OEM block from a salvage truck but it was looking more and more like an added nightmare. Long story short, after the many hours spent prepping that harness, I bought a harness from PSI. Everything there. Fuse block, fan, fuel, start relays etc. Saved myself so much time and grief. Only downside, that I didn't realize, was it was made for the computers to be mounted on passenger side. With the A/C and glovebox over there that wasn't going to work. Required some extra work and wiring. Thinking maybe I would have been happier with a Painless harness.
Some pictures of the under dash and my "work station" on the seat pedestal.
Wish the wiring looked like you see on the cable "builder" shows! I tried to keep things organized, just not loomed, hidden, etc. Hey, it's from a farm shop. Also a couple of pics of the installed PSI wiring to cab and front lights.
A side note... ignition switch, brake sender, headlight dimmer switch checked good. Did buy new light switch. Also original wiper motor no bueno. Bought electric wiper, arms, blades. Also installed dome light switches on cab doors and pass side rear cargo door.
| 1953 Chevy pickup restored-sold to purchase Toy Hauler trailer | 1964 GMC long bed Pickup 305 big block V/6 bought to restore with son and his 14 yr old son
