The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Vortec engine swap?

Instead of going the old school route, you know 350, carb. How about a modern 5.3 Vortec swap? Maybe buy a wrecked truck and take the engine, tranny and wireing and just swap it all? Has anyone done this and how much trouble is it? Going in a 1953.

I think the only issues with the newer engines is that you need to have all the electronics, computers, sensors, etc. etc. that match the engine & trans. to make them run right.

You will also have the issues of just converting to a V8 setup with engine mounts, steering box clearance ect...

Indeed, if you are going V8, go for the modern engine! This has been done numerous times already.
Try LS1tech.com, a very good forum specializing in these new LS engines, they have a section on mounting these engines in vehicles that never had them new, a lot of knowledge available. And a lot of sources for parts...
Once you have your computer reprogramed and your harness reworked, the electronics are not a problem at all, but it still scares a lot of "old-style rodders"!

Thanks, I will check them out. I'm just thinking the amount of money tied up in a rebuild of the smallblock I have plus buying a tranny, etc. I'm 50 years old and somewhat old school but these days it's also about being able to drive this truck on a daily basis if I want to when it's done. I figure I could pick up a wrecked truck, take what I need and part out the rest. Have decent HP plus good gas mileage.

I have a copy of Classic Trucks that someone had put an LS motor in an AD truck. If I remember right, the inner fenders and firewall had to be massaged for clearance.

Termite53, a very good friend of mine recently pulled a Gen 1 350 sbc from his '32 Ford roadster and replaced it with an LS1. The engine itself was a bolt in with some simple plates from Speedway Motors to adapt the side engine mount locations. The time, effort and money went into the electronics and wire harness.

The LS1 bolted right up to a TH400 and he used a "switch pitch" convertor for some reason I've forgotten.

If you like, I could put you in touch with him. He'd tell you whether or not he'd do it all again or stay old school, given a choice. My email is rwaldbaum@aol.com.

Check here http://www.hotrodlane.cc/
I installed a 6.0 with 4L80 in my 1953 3100.
http://s897.photobucket.com/albums/ac176/webstershotrods/

If I may ask? So how much did the swap cost compared to building a old school 350? Did you go to junk yard? I was thinking of looking to buy an entire truck, take what I need and sell parts off then scrap whats left. If I finish this truck I want to be able to get in it and go any day of the week rain or shine. I want power but don't want to stop at every gas station. That's why I thought modern motor. I'll check out your photos. Thanks!!

Called one of the local yards and they said about $2100 would get me a complete engine with harness and a tranny. What do you guys think? Sounds like a plan?

Go for it, you will never look back!
My first engine swap ever was, a few years ago, to put a 6.0 liter into my '70 Impala, here are some ideas from my experience:
You will have to modify your fuel system, with high pressure electric fuel pump, return line; this means mainly modify your fuel tank with return line. You can use an outside, frame mounted aftermarket pump, mounted as low as the bottom of the tank, it will be easier. Do not forget to use high-pressure rubber hoses/fuel filter...
The new engine is metric hardware, you may have to pull some hairs to connect for instance power steering pump to your old power steering box...
Use a reputable company to have your computer reprogramed and harness modified: I have used a place called Speartech, the owner John was VERY helpful, even with stuff like fuel line... And when I turned the key, the car started first time!
http://speartech.com/
The engine/trans harness is easy to install, it can be kept completely separated from the old harness of your truck: no need to worry if your old harness can supply enouhg for the EFI. You just need a few battery plus, ignition plus and grounds...
I have read a lot on LS1tech and asked a lot of questions. Even reading about different swaps, you will learn stuff and be able to use the knowledge you gain.
In the case of my car that came with a 350, I just bought a pair of engine mounts adapters, and I just had to move the trans crossmember a few inches back.
These engines being quite efficient are easy to keep cool, so no need for a giant rad.
Make sure you get your engine with all the accessories on it, accessories from Camaro, Corvette, truck mount differently and you cannot really mix.
Lokar company makes some cool adapters to connect column shifter to trans.
Have fun!

I think that the swap is great thing,in fact I am putting a 5.3 in my Hudson Hornet. I think that 2100 for a takeout package is a little high. How many miles does the package have on it and what year? Depending on the engine and or features it could be worth that. I only paid 600.00 for my setup and it was complete, however that was a steal. For that price you could be in the 6.0 range if you do some shopping around.

Thanks for all the info! Not sure what I'm going to do yet. Money will decide too as to what I do.I had a bunch of my parts for sale on Craigs list but then changed my mind. I've had this truck since 1992 and just can't seem to part with it. I know it's going to take some time but I'm sure it will be worth it. I may just go old school and put the old faithful 350 carb version in. Who knows we'll see. Looking for advice on front suspention too. Look for post.

I have been working out the details myself for my 1950 1/2 ton. I just purchased a 5.3 complete with 4l60 tranny and drive shaft yoke, with 70K for $1,600 from local salvage yard. I also have ordered a complete wiring harness and computer from painless wiring, item 60017 $1,000.
Painless system is complete, replaces factory harness, and requires a hot and ground to operate. Only extra will be a high pressure fuel pump.

Not sure what it cost and really don't want to know? It was much more than using a 350.But in the long run I have a low mileage and very dependable engine and trans .Bought them both from Schrams http://stores.ebay.com/Schram-Auto-Parts
Harness, headers ,fuel pump,drive by wire accelerator pedal and all brackets from street and performance.Engine and trans mount from Progressive automotive.

Anyone can stick in a crate motor with a carb. Dare to be bold! Keep us posted!

A few thoughts on these engines. First, most parts interchange between the LS1 and LS6 Corvette engines. A fly-by-wire pedal was mentioned further up, but it isn't required. A throttle body from and 'older' engine and it's a typical cable throttle. When using a 5.3L, a cam and intake change from a LS6 will put you around 400HP. Gen III and Gen IV engines (4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L and 6.0L) and reasonably simple to work with. There are a few HP books dedicated to these engines, and specifically show what is a straight swap and things to watch out for (lining up the oil pan with the front and rear covers).

Have fun with the swap!

Could you direct me to a few of these books if you are thinking of a few in particular?

1) How to Build Hi-Performance Chevy LS1 & LS6 V8's

2) Dyno Proven LS1 to LS7 Performance Parts

3) Chevy LS1/LS6 Performance

These all include information on all LSx engines including those in trucks.

Thank you Sir!

Oh, one other thing. Speedway Motors (and probably others) sell motor mount plates the put an LSx engine in the same position as a SBC. The bosses on the block would normally shift the block rearward. These plates bring the block forward.