5.3L '84 Berlinetta swap
5.3L '84 Berlinetta swap
This is going to be a slow moving project, but I'll start this thread anyway to document my progress. Right now I'm in the process of tearing the motor down to see what kind of foundation I'm working with.
The motor was advertised as having 100,000 miles on it. Immediately after I pulled the intake, I noticed quite a bit of oil and residue inside of it. I know Gen III's are notorious of this because of their PCV system, so hopefully it's normal due to the mileage.
When I got the drivers side head removed, each of the pistons had a pretty thick coat of carbon on top of them. The cylinder walls however, are still perfectly cross hatched and clean as can be! Is this common with over 100k on the clock? Cylinder Leak down is at 210-220 in all cylinders. Are the rings still in good shape?
The cam lobes look good from what I can see with the lifters removed.
I haven't rebuilt or torn down an engine in about 10 years, last one was a Gen I 327 for my '63 Chevy II. It's been awhile.
The motor was advertised as having 100,000 miles on it. Immediately after I pulled the intake, I noticed quite a bit of oil and residue inside of it. I know Gen III's are notorious of this because of their PCV system, so hopefully it's normal due to the mileage.
When I got the drivers side head removed, each of the pistons had a pretty thick coat of carbon on top of them. The cylinder walls however, are still perfectly cross hatched and clean as can be! Is this common with over 100k on the clock? Cylinder Leak down is at 210-220 in all cylinders. Are the rings still in good shape?
The cam lobes look good from what I can see with the lifters removed.
I haven't rebuilt or torn down an engine in about 10 years, last one was a Gen I 327 for my '63 Chevy II. It's been awhile.
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From: Orland Park, IL
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: SLOW carbed ls
Transmission: TH400 with brake, 8" PTC converter
Axle/Gears: moser 9" 4.11
Re: 5.3L '84 Berlinetta swap
modern motors don't have cold start fuel wash issues on the bores like old motors. That's why a 100k motor can still look "new" and make similar compression.
Re: 5.3L '84 Berlinetta swap
My harness arrived today via eBay, and it's very clean and in great shape! It looks a little intimidating, and I think that I am going to have a few issues.
First, are there differences between any of the connectors or plugs between years? For instance, I have a 2001 engine and I believe a 2005 green/blue ECM engine harness.
I was told it was a DBW harness and I assumed I'd be able to retain my DBW throttle body by going this route, but I may have caused myself more headaches.
Is there anywhere I can find out exactly what connector is for what? Nothing on the harness is labeled. I know a few of the obvious ones just from looking such as injectors and coil packs. But the rest... it's going to be a project.
Also, where can I find pin-outs for my year computer/harness to help me identify and put everything back together correctly?
First, are there differences between any of the connectors or plugs between years? For instance, I have a 2001 engine and I believe a 2005 green/blue ECM engine harness.
I was told it was a DBW harness and I assumed I'd be able to retain my DBW throttle body by going this route, but I may have caused myself more headaches.
Is there anywhere I can find out exactly what connector is for what? Nothing on the harness is labeled. I know a few of the obvious ones just from looking such as injectors and coil packs. But the rest... it's going to be a project.

Also, where can I find pin-outs for my year computer/harness to help me identify and put everything back together correctly?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,079
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From: Pepperell, MA
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: LQ9/L92
Transmission: 4L60E
Re: 5.3L '84 Berlinetta swap
end all, be all best place for wiring is here:
http://lt1swap.com/
I know, it says lT1, but its the place to go. Unless you've got Pocket on-call
http://lt1swap.com/
I know, it says lT1, but its the place to go. Unless you've got Pocket on-call
Re: 5.3L '84 Berlinetta swap
Save all of the LS1 and truck wiring schematics to your PC. They will be invaluable when crossing the truck to LS1 thresh hold in regards to wring
The O2 sensor/fuse block page is also bookmark quality
The O2 sensor/fuse block page is also bookmark quality
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