And it begins...

[black2002ls]

Well I finally bit the bullet and started collecting parts for my swap. Went and picked up my block (iron 5.3) and heads (stock LS1). I've got my injectors and LS6 oil pump. Front, rear, and valley cover are on their way, as well as a stock cam shaft and fuel rails. I plan to punch the 5.3 block out to LS1 bore and use stock LS1 internals. I felt with some of the deals on parts I was seeing on local forums that it would be less expensive to build from scratch than try and find a good deal on a pull out, I may be thinking differently when all is said and done, but I will have the iron block for the TT set up once the rest of the truck is done. I plan to drive it stock for a while, replace the rear-end and learn to drive it, then add the boost.





The picture of the heads is really dark, when I get the block inside I will post some better pictures.

[BUCKET]

the truck "swift" logo is kinda funny....

[black2002ls]

Quote: Originally Posted by 99 BUCKET

the truck "swift" logo is kinda funny....

never really payed much attention before, it is kinda funny no that you point that out

[BUCKET]

you know I was reading over at ls1 tech and a 4" crank would make a nice addition to that block. I have been considering this myself.

[black2002ls]

got a link? I'm going for budget to begin with...

[black2002ls]

Any word on which pans fit the best? I know the H3 Alpha pan fits without notching the cross member, but I'm unsure just how far I'm going to drop the truck. Its getting C6 or C6 Z06 wheels I won't really know how far it will get dropped until I get the wheels. It wont be slammed, I'm sure it will have to only be a moderate drop to clear the wheels/tires

[black2002ls]

More parts arrived today, my fuel rail and all of the covers...

[XtremeRacer11]

AWWW...i remember those days of ordering all my parts while i was over seas in afghanistan...it was funny when i would call home my mom was like "another package came today"...the only thing i would recommend, is make sure you have everything ready to go in before u actually start the swap...besides that bro, it looks good...can't wait to see another LSx S10...

[v8power]

I would check local salvage yards to see if they have any core motors. You can usually pick one up for 100 or so bucks and rob bolts, sensors and covers off of it. Plus,parts you don't use sell on ebay.

[black2002ls]

We don't have many pick and pulls around here. I'm finding some pretty good deals over on LS1 tech. The bolts and sensors are what will kill the budget I'm finding.

Can anyone comment on the following things, as xtreme mentioned, I'm trying to make sure I have all parts gathered up before I begin. I'm running the 2.2L right now, Should I go to V6 springs since I'm using the iron block? I'm planning on upgrading to the AFX Spindles and bigger brakes, I believe that offers a 1" drop correct? I'm not sure what drop I can run with the C6 wheels. Also any comments on the oil pan. I first thought the H3 Alpha pan, however, with a drop, I don't want to risk ripping the pan out, or even bottoming out with a custom skidplate. I feel it might be safer to notch the crossmember, as much as I hate to do so.

[SoLowXtreme]

pm me what you need LSX stuff wise, my work prob has it

[s10-den]

I think the ls2 pan fits the best as far as cutting the crossmember

[guhman2002]

SWIFT drivers cant drive which is why I say S-W-I-F-T (Sure Wish I Finished Training)

[Zerocool350]

I am using the ls2 pan with a notch K member. fits purty good.

[BUCKET]

yep, afx 7/8 drop. I want some but I have been told the hats on the c5 rotors will push the calipers into my 17" centerlines. And I really dont feel like doing rims again!

And what is the link for the junk yard parts. I have been looking for it for an hour!

[Bdydrp02s10]

Quote: Originally Posted by 99 BUCKET

yep, afx 7/8 drop. I want some but I have been told the hats on the c5 rotors will push the calipers into my 17" centerlines. And I really dont feel like doing rims again!

And what is the link for the junk yard parts. I have been looking for it for an hour!

Is this the one you want? http://car-part.com/

[BUCKET]

yes, thanks. hell, I was trying to call people to get that.....

[Bdydrp02s10]

Quote: Originally Posted by 99 BUCKET

yes, thanks. hell, I was trying to call people to get that.....

Glad I could help.

[black2002ls]

pictures of the block and goodies.

[wlsmoku]

you know ls1 heads on a 5.3 block lowers compression, right?

[black2002ls]

I would assume that if it were punched out to a 5.7 Like I intend to do and use an LS1 crank, rods and pistons it would all be the same?

[THEKING]

Quote: Originally Posted by black2002ls

I would assume that if it were punched out to a 5.7 Like I intend to do and use an LS1 crank, rods and pistons it would all be the same?

why would you not just get an aluminum 5.7 block?

[lilsonoma]

Quote: Originally Posted by THEKING

why would you not just get an aluminum 5.7 block?

More expensive, harder to find, damn near impossible to bore over any more than .010" while keeping costs down, will not last as long as an iron block and can't handle nitrous or boost as well. Only benefits of an aluminum block would be less weight and slightly better cooling, though if the builder is smart (s)he'd already have cooling issues sorted out and relocated enough weight rearward to make up the difference.

[black2002ls]

Quote: Originally Posted by lilsonoma

will not last as long as an iron block and can't handle nitrous or boost as well.

You sir hit the nail on the head There are intentions of boost down the road. What kind of cooling issues need to be addressed? Or more directly, what measures should be taken?

As for weight distribution, the battery will be moved out back, and eventually the fuel tank will make it rearward behind the axle.

[lilsonoma]

Quote: Originally Posted by black2002ls

You sir hit the nail on the head There are intentions of boost down the road. What kind of cooling issues need to be addressed? Or more directly, what measures should be taken?

Move the engine as far back as possible. Don't be afraid to get the hammer out and message the firewall/tranny tunnel. If the mounts don't let you push the motor back any further, modify the holes in the mounts. Moving the motor back also improves weight distribution and handling. Do everything you can to move the motor back. This will allow you to run the 4.3L radiator and use the proper cooling fans. Unfortunately the clutch fan doesn't fit, so use LS1 Camaro 98-2002 E-fans.

Use this 4.3L radiator. It's a stock replacement radiator, just thicker allowing for increased fluid capacity and more thorough cooling.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PLI%2D431405&N=70 0+115&autoview=sku

Use this variable speed controller by Flex-a-lite to wire the fans.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

And check eBaymotors for "Camaro electric", and it'll come up with plenty of fan auctions. 98-2002 fans are what you're looking for.

You will have no cooling issues after the above modifications. Later on if you go lower in truck's height, look into a cowl hood of some sort for heat dissipation and improved under-hood airflow.

[lilsonoma]

Damn no edit button...that's supposed to read "massage the firewall".

Also, the 5.3 injectors wont work with the LS1 intake and fuel rail, have you addressed this yet? Sorry if the answer lies somewhere in the above posts, I skimmed this post very quickly.

The stock rear end will last for awhile but to invite breakage by not swapping axles is like sleeping with a fat chick, fun at first until she breaks ya. Ford 8.8 all the way.

[black2002ls]

Quote: Originally Posted by lilsonoma

Damn no edit button...that's supposed to read "massage the firewall".

Also, the 5.3 injectors wont work with the LS1 intake and fuel rail, have you addressed this yet? Sorry if the answer lies somewhere in the above posts, I skimmed this post very quickly.

The stock rear end will last for awhile but to invite breakage by not swapping axles is like sleeping with a fat chick, fun at first until she breaks ya. Ford 8.8 all the way.

That last comment put me in the floor. I am approaching this as a stock LS1 build as far as the engine goes. All components are corvette/F-body LS1 parts minus the block to this point.

[black2002ls]

Well it took me a little longer than expected. Here are some pictures of the block. It will need a little cleaning before its assembled, the cylinder walls have some dirt and debris build up. It will also need some new cam bearings. Other than that I believe it is in good shape. It has 10K miles on it since the rebuild with fresh rings, bearings, and ARP Rod bolts. I believe all I need to finish the motor assembly is the oil pan and all of the miscellaneous bolts. If someone knows anyone who has bolts for the covers and such for an LSx I'm willing to pay for them!

I also found on LS1 tech, a couple of 10 bolt posi units. I plan to pick one of them up and find an empty S-10 rear end housing to beef up a tad to swap in along with the motor for some added insurance.

[black2002ls]

I am beginning to look for my brackets and such. Will c5 corvette brackets work>?

[Kampz69]

yes, they are the best option fit-wise. use a LS2 vette water pump if you go that route, its pulley is shallower. the truck accessories also work, but youll have to trim the hood (since they are higher), depending on your mounts.

[GeorgesBlazah]

Looks good so far. Good info in the thread too, I cant wait to start mine.

[black2002ls]

It is amazing the difference in weight between the iron block, and the aluminum short block. I think the short block weighs in a tad lighter. At least that is how it felt in the difference between carrying them both into the house.