I'm new to the forum and thought I'd share some of the experiences I'm having with my project. I have a 91 base truck that I've had since new. It's been in my son's garage since the motor failed for the second time back in 2006. The truck is in very good shape body-wise with a very clean interior. Anyway, in late November 2020, I decided to pull the old engine and build a project LS swap truck. I'd read a ton of posts and spoken (chatted via text mostly) with a couple of folks who had done this with a couple of trucks. So, although I thought I'd stay with a manual transmission, T56 or the like, but decided on a 4L60e after speaking with a number of rod builders and seeing, at least from posts, that it'd fit with minimal to no tunnel "hammer mods."
So far I have a 5.3 that's been built for me. I just didn't have the space or machine tools. The builder ensures that it'll be putting out 375-400 hp, more than enough for the little truck. The motor has been sitting in my shop (son's garage) for several weeks now while I have been sorting out fuel system mods and some bushing replacements. The transmission is being built, but it's in queue. I tried a first fit try and see that the stock frame pads are going to need mods (I knew that). I was loaned an aluminum LS bare block for a fit try, but it just doesn't give me all the dimensions I need to make sure things fit.
First fit showed me that I had the motor setting too low as the front of the oil pan was resting on the steering center link. After checking with some other successful swappers, I was assured that all I'd need to do is space the motor up in the mounts. Other than that, the motor looks like it'll fit, although it's going to be tight (I've already read that several times too).
I need some help in many ways still. Headers seem to be the only way I'll be able to go. Recommendations? Also, exhaust routing will be a concern. Has anyone gone with a dual exhaust? How about single? Pros, cons?
AC and heater plumbing. Thoughts? Initially it looks like the heater inlet and outlet is blocked at the firewall. Ideas?
One more thing, I used the original fuel tank with some mods. I'm using the original 5/16 fuel feed as a return and have modified the aft vent fixture (top of tank) with a new fuel draw (6AN) to a pre-filter and then to a Walbro 255 LPH external fuel pump.
Lots for now. Here're some photos of the truck and, yes, we did cut the top of the front radiator frame. Comments and recommendations are welcome.
So far I have a 5.3 that's been built for me. I just didn't have the space or machine tools. The builder ensures that it'll be putting out 375-400 hp, more than enough for the little truck. The motor has been sitting in my shop (son's garage) for several weeks now while I have been sorting out fuel system mods and some bushing replacements. The transmission is being built, but it's in queue. I tried a first fit try and see that the stock frame pads are going to need mods (I knew that). I was loaned an aluminum LS bare block for a fit try, but it just doesn't give me all the dimensions I need to make sure things fit.
First fit showed me that I had the motor setting too low as the front of the oil pan was resting on the steering center link. After checking with some other successful swappers, I was assured that all I'd need to do is space the motor up in the mounts. Other than that, the motor looks like it'll fit, although it's going to be tight (I've already read that several times too).
I need some help in many ways still. Headers seem to be the only way I'll be able to go. Recommendations? Also, exhaust routing will be a concern. Has anyone gone with a dual exhaust? How about single? Pros, cons?
AC and heater plumbing. Thoughts? Initially it looks like the heater inlet and outlet is blocked at the firewall. Ideas?
One more thing, I used the original fuel tank with some mods. I'm using the original 5/16 fuel feed as a return and have modified the aft vent fixture (top of tank) with a new fuel draw (6AN) to a pre-filter and then to a Walbro 255 LPH external fuel pump.
Lots for now. Here're some photos of the truck and, yes, we did cut the top of the front radiator frame. Comments and recommendations are welcome.