First gen 5.3 swap.

AmericanMuscle · 04-29-2008, 10:21 AM

how does it sit different? do you have any pics of your axle swap intalled without it being shortend. this is the rear end I'm planning on swapping in and I want to see what it will take

horsepwraddict · 04-29-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by s10-den

hmmm,wonder why they are rubbing?Thats not a good thing to hear....

ya i dont like it either, my motor is all the way back too, if it was further forward it would be even worse. I already trimmed the control arms too. Not to happy about it only because its going to further hold up the project but what can ya do.

horsepwraddict · 04-29-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by AmericanMuscle

how does it sit different? do you have any pics of your axle swap intalled without it being shortend. this is the rear end I'm planning on swapping in and I want to see what it will take

This is how the spring perches line up. This pic was taken with the driver side bolted up so all the difference is shown on the passenger side of the vehicle. Lots of people have run it like this but the more i look at it everyday the more it bothers me. Im going to pick up a set of spring perches from currie and just weld them in about 1/4" on ech side.

s10-den · 04-29-2008, 08:54 PM

addict, I suppose you set the motor as low as it would go too?....

AmericanMuscle · 04-30-2008, 01:55 AM

thanks for the info, you didn't shorten the rear did you? how much do the tires stick out on the sides with stock rims?(if you have stock or close to stock rims still)

horsepwraddict · 04-30-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by s10-den

addict, I suppose you set the motor as low as it would go too?....

i guess but their really aren't and height adjustments. Just bolted the mounts on, dropped it in and slid it back. Its offset to the passenger side a little to and it JUST clears the booster with the coil packs.

s10-den · 04-30-2008, 07:09 PM

that just throws a monkey wrench into my game!!......

horsepwraddict · 05-01-2008, 11:03 PM

core support in, radiator in, bumper on, fan installed and wired. Going to get a small 1" carb spacer so i can get the timing controller mounted the right way. Right now the carb fits under the hood, dont think it will with the spacer though...might have to do some trimming on the hood. Hows this for efficient use of space.

lilsonoma · 05-01-2008, 11:14 PM

Just 1 fan without a shroud?

I'm just keeping a watchful eye on this because a carbureted 5.3L is project number next.

brakenit · 05-01-2008, 11:20 PM

What kind of fan is that and what's the CFM?

horsepwraddict · 05-01-2008, 11:29 PM

Its a 16" hayden. It pulls ALOT of air, although i dont really expect it to keep it cool, it kept my 355 cool with a stock 4.3 radiator so it may work. If its not enough....i'll add another.

lilsonoma · 05-01-2008, 11:46 PM

Good replacement 16" fan with a shroud if yours doesn't pull it's weight.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MUSTA...QQcmdZViewItem

s10-den · 05-02-2008, 07:38 AM

you will have to drill a small hole in the hood Addict for the breather stud...lol,just messin with ya....did you get it running yet?Hows it sound with the cam and manifolds?

horsepwraddict · 05-02-2008, 09:21 AM

it hasn't been running since the radiator is in so its only been started for a few seconds. Their will be video soon once it rolls out of the garage.

horsepwraddict · 05-02-2008, 03:38 PM

these came in today.

comgtsom · 05-03-2008, 02:17 PM

how much did they run ya?

horsepwraddict · 05-03-2008, 02:27 PM

about $50 a piece from speedway motors.

horsepwraddict · 05-03-2008, 05:17 PM

no more rubbing. They fit real nice, called speedway and they said torque the cross shaft bolts to 55 ft. pounds. incase anyone wanted to know.

s10-den · 05-04-2008, 04:14 PM

now thats good to see!!

horsepwraddict · 05-04-2008, 05:47 PM

sure is, made me happy. They were an easy install too, got to do upper balljoints at the same time, so i killed a few birds with one stone.

sockjock · 05-04-2008, 07:01 PM

Hey horsepoweraddict, I've been readin thru your thread. Pretty cool project and seems to be comin along great. I got a couple questions for ya. I saw the intake from one of your pics. It appears to be a dual plane intake..I was unaware that a dualplane was available for the 5.3. What intake is it and what rpms is it supposed to operate in? Another question I had was about your diff. What is that extra gear on the outside of the ring gear? some kind of sensor ring and if so for what? I've really been wanting to do a V8 swap and would love to do a 5.3 swap but from my research it'll be pretty expensive. I'd love to be able to go carbed and keep it streetable/daily driver/trail worthy. That's why the questions about the intake and your 8.8 diff. Sorry to be longwinded

horsepwraddict · 05-04-2008, 07:17 PM

not a problem man. Its an edelbrock performer RPM intake, it is in fact a dual plane and its good for 1500-6500 RPMS. The ring next to the ring gear is a reluctor wheel for the factory ABS sensor on explorers, im using it for my electronic speedometer.

sockjock · 05-04-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by horsepwraddict

not a problem man. Its an edelbrock performer RPM intake, it is in fact a dual plane and its good for 1500-6500 RPMS. The ring next to the ring gear is a reluctor wheel for the factory ABS sensor on explorers, im using it for my electronic speedometer.

Thanks for the reply. That intake might work for my intents too. Maybe a little high in the RPM's but not by much. Pretty cool use of the reluctor wheel too.

AmericanMuscle · 05-05-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by horsepwraddict

about $50 a piece from speedway motors.

link? do they have lowers?

horsepwraddict · 05-07-2008, 03:41 PM

made a battery tray today. Took a universal parts store one and made it fit the truck.

sockjock · 05-07-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by horsepwraddict

made a battery tray today. Took a universal parts store one and made it fit the truck.

Where was the original battery mount location? I'm kinda surprised you didn't opt for a bed mounted battery setup if you planned to race your truck. Sorry for the dumb questions, I'm only familiar with my second gen. Blazers. ps. the battery tray looks great

horsepwraddict · 05-07-2008, 04:10 PM

thats the original location, i just didn't have one so i made one. I thought about putting it in the bed, but enough cable to put it all the way back their would have cost close to $100, plus a cut off switch. Maybe later, this was just cheaper for now.

sockjock · 05-07-2008, 05:48 PM

I can understand that. Money talks. How close are you to having it on the road?

horsepwraddict · 05-07-2008, 11:30 PM

its running, hasn't been out of the garage yet though. I dont want to say because if i do i know i wont make it in time. Its down to stuff like getting all the lights back in and working, tuning and just making sure nothing is wrong. Not to long, it will be ready before i can afford to get it registered though.

sockjock · 05-07-2008, 11:42 PM

Cool. I'll be watching to see how it turns out. It's looking more and more like there will be a V8 swap in my near future. I'd love to go the 5.3L route but the more I research, it looks like a TBI 5.7L will be alot cheaper. My 95 Blazer is having more and more small problems(none of which are cheap) and I can't see spending all that money on bandaiding my anemic 4.3L back together just to wait for the next problem especially since it already has 117k plus miles on it. Guess I'll just drool over your 5.3L swap.

horsepwraddict · 05-09-2008, 04:14 PM

sockjock · 05-09-2008, 04:58 PM

Wow! It sounds like it has a pretty smooth streetable idle. So how much money do you think you have in this swap so far?

SoLowXtreme · 05-09-2008, 07:01 PM

sounds good man

04-29-2008, 10:21 AM	#151
AmericanMuscle its just greg Age: 22 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,068 Location: az User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. how does it sit different? do you have any pics of your axle swap intalled without it being shortend. this is the rear end I'm planning on swapping in and I want to see what it will take
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-29-2008, 10:47 AM	#152
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by s10-den hmmm,wonder why they are rubbing?Thats not a good thing to hear.... ya i dont like it either, my motor is all the way back too, if it was further forward it would be even worse. I already trimmed the control arms too. Not to happy about it only because its going to further hold up the project but what can ya do.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-29-2008, 10:49 AM	#153
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by AmericanMuscle how does it sit different? do you have any pics of your axle swap intalled without it being shortend. this is the rear end I'm planning on swapping in and I want to see what it will take This is how the spring perches line up. This pic was taken with the driver side bolted up so all the difference is shown on the passenger side of the vehicle. Lots of people have run it like this but the more i look at it everyday the more it bothers me. Im going to pick up a set of spring perches from currie and just weld them in about 1/4" on ech side.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-29-2008, 08:54 PM	#154
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 36 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,284 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. addict, I suppose you set the motor as low as it would go too?....
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-30-2008, 01:55 AM	#155
AmericanMuscle its just greg Age: 22 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,068 Location: az User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. thanks for the info, you didn't shorten the rear did you? how much do the tires stick out on the sides with stock rims?(if you have stock or close to stock rims still)
	[Reply w/Quote]


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04-30-2008, 09:41 AM	#156
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by s10-den addict, I suppose you set the motor as low as it would go too?.... i guess but their really aren't and height adjustments. Just bolted the mounts on, dropped it in and slid it back. Its offset to the passenger side a little to and it JUST clears the booster with the coil packs.
	[Reply w/Quote]

04-30-2008, 07:09 PM	#157
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 36 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,284 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. that just throws a monkey wrench into my game!!......
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-01-2008, 11:03 PM	#158
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. core support in, radiator in, bumper on, fan installed and wired. Going to get a small 1" carb spacer so i can get the timing controller mounted the right way. Right now the carb fits under the hood, dont think it will with the spacer though...might have to do some trimming on the hood. Hows this for efficient use of space.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-01-2008, 11:14 PM	#159
lilsonoma S-series Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 371 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Just 1 fan without a shroud? I'm just keeping a watchful eye on this because a carbureted 5.3L is project number next.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-01-2008, 11:20 PM	#160
brakenit Registered User Age: 26 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,237 Location: Fum Buck, IN User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. What kind of fan is that and what's the CFM?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-01-2008, 11:29 PM	#161
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Its a 16" hayden. It pulls ALOT of air, although i dont really expect it to keep it cool, it kept my 355 cool with a stock 4.3 radiator so it may work. If its not enough....i'll add another.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-01-2008, 11:46 PM	#162
lilsonoma S-series Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 371 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Good replacement 16" fan with a shroud if yours doesn't pull it's weight. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MUSTA...QQcmdZViewItem
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-02-2008, 07:38 AM	#163
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 36 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,284 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. you will have to drill a small hole in the hood Addict for the breather stud...lol,just messin with ya....did you get it running yet?Hows it sound with the cam and manifolds?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-02-2008, 09:21 AM	#164
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. it hasn't been running since the radiator is in so its only been started for a few seconds. Their will be video soon once it rolls out of the garage.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-02-2008, 03:38 PM	#165
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. these came in today.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-03-2008, 02:17 PM	#166
comgtsom Registered User Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 329 Location: richmond,va User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. how much did they run ya?
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05-03-2008, 02:27 PM	#167
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. about $50 a piece from speedway motors.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-03-2008, 05:17 PM	#168
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. no more rubbing. They fit real nice, called speedway and they said torque the cross shaft bolts to 55 ft. pounds. incase anyone wanted to know.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2008, 04:14 PM	#169
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 36 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,284 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. now thats good to see!!
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2008, 05:47 PM	#170
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. sure is, made me happy. They were an easy install too, got to do upper balljoints at the same time, so i killed a few birds with one stone.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2008, 07:01 PM	#171
sockjock NEED4SPEED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 695 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Hey horsepoweraddict, I've been readin thru your thread. Pretty cool project and seems to be comin along great. I got a couple questions for ya. I saw the intake from one of your pics. It appears to be a dual plane intake..I was unaware that a dualplane was available for the 5.3. What intake is it and what rpms is it supposed to operate in? Another question I had was about your diff. What is that extra gear on the outside of the ring gear? some kind of sensor ring and if so for what? I've really been wanting to do a V8 swap and would love to do a 5.3 swap but from my research it'll be pretty expensive. I'd love to be able to go carbed and keep it streetable/daily driver/trail worthy. That's why the questions about the intake and your 8.8 diff. Sorry to be longwinded
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2008, 07:17 PM	#172
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. not a problem man. Its an edelbrock performer RPM intake, it is in fact a dual plane and its good for 1500-6500 RPMS. The ring next to the ring gear is a reluctor wheel for the factory ABS sensor on explorers, im using it for my electronic speedometer.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2008, 08:15 PM	#173
sockjock NEED4SPEED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 695 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by horsepwraddict not a problem man. Its an edelbrock performer RPM intake, it is in fact a dual plane and its good for 1500-6500 RPMS. The ring next to the ring gear is a reluctor wheel for the factory ABS sensor on explorers, im using it for my electronic speedometer. Thanks for the reply. That intake might work for my intents too. Maybe a little high in the RPM's but not by much. Pretty cool use of the reluctor wheel too.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-05-2008, 08:25 PM	#174
AmericanMuscle its just greg Age: 22 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,068 Location: az User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by horsepwraddict about $50 a piece from speedway motors. link? do they have lowers?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 03:41 PM	#175
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. made a battery tray today. Took a universal parts store one and made it fit the truck.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 03:55 PM	#176
sockjock NEED4SPEED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 695 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by horsepwraddict made a battery tray today. Took a universal parts store one and made it fit the truck. Where was the original battery mount location? I'm kinda surprised you didn't opt for a bed mounted battery setup if you planned to race your truck. Sorry for the dumb questions, I'm only familiar with my second gen. Blazers. ps. the battery tray looks great
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 04:10 PM	#177
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. thats the original location, i just didn't have one so i made one. I thought about putting it in the bed, but enough cable to put it all the way back their would have cost close to $100, plus a cut off switch. Maybe later, this was just cheaper for now.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 05:48 PM	#178
sockjock NEED4SPEED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 695 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. I can understand that. Money talks. How close are you to having it on the road?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 11:30 PM	#179
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. its running, hasn't been out of the garage yet though. I dont want to say because if i do i know i wont make it in time. Its down to stuff like getting all the lights back in and working, tuning and just making sure nothing is wrong. Not to long, it will be ready before i can afford to get it registered though.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 11:42 PM	#180
sockjock NEED4SPEED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 695 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Cool. I'll be watching to see how it turns out. It's looking more and more like there will be a V8 swap in my near future. I'd love to go the 5.3L route but the more I research, it looks like a TBI 5.7L will be alot cheaper. My 95 Blazer is having more and more small problems(none of which are cheap) and I can't see spending all that money on bandaiding my anemic 4.3L back together just to wait for the next problem especially since it already has 117k plus miles on it. Guess I'll just drool over your 5.3L swap.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-09-2008, 04:14 PM	#181
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-09-2008, 04:58 PM	#182
sockjock NEED4SPEED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 695 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Wow! It sounds like it has a pretty smooth streetable idle. So how much money do you think you have in this swap so far?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-09-2008, 07:01 PM	#183
SoLowXtreme JJ's Automotive Age: 27 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,314 Location: PITTSBURGH,PA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. sounds good man
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