LTX and LSX Putting LT1s, LS1s, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.

Questions about 5.3 Swap?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2019 | 08:06 PM
  #1  
JonJon5.0's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 141
Likes: 2
Questions about 5.3 Swap?

I’m getting a 5.3 Vortec engine for a good deal I want to delete the AC Compressor my car doesn’t have AC don’t need it I want to delete any emissions crap on the engine I don’t need to make it fit I want to use the correct mounts I need the exhaust headers and the accessories belt drive just water pump alternator crank pulley and that’s it with a LS1 Oil pan and LS3 Manifold
So with that being said what do I need to do to remove all this stuff
Reply
Old May 27, 2019 | 12:37 PM
  #2  
sofakingdom's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Community Builder
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 27,918
Likes: 2,448
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Questions about 5.3 Swap?

Rotate the hardware fully counterclockwise
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2019 | 11:44 AM
  #3  
five7kid's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Re: Questions about 5.3 Swap?

To remove what you don't want/need, you take off the bolts that hold it on and pull it away from the engine. In the case of a couple of emissions solenoids, you need to plug the port you opened up. Doesn't sound like you want power steering (the only thing that is run with the alternator/water pump), so after you remove it, cut the belt that was on the engine, have someone hold the tensioner at the mark, run the belt around the remaining pulleys, then cut the belt again to the proper length. Take that belt to the parts store and get a new belt that length.

An LS3 intake manifold won't fit 5.3 heads.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2019 | 12:56 PM
  #4  
Aviator857's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 46
From: North East GA
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 5.7 LS1
Transmission: T56
Re: Questions about 5.3 Swap?

The AC compressor runs its own belt so you can just remove it. Power steering is more complicated but fits without an issue so I would keep it personally.

Emissions are easy enough to delete, you will need to either run an after market computer or have the rear o2 sensors deleted from the tune in the PCM. If you can find a LS6 intake it doesn't have the EGR, or use a FAST intake. You can also just get a block off plate for the EGR. You will need block off plates for the A.I.R injection or run headers without the A.I.R ports. If running the factory PCM you will need to have the tune set up to delete the emission monitors.

As pointed out the LS3 and most (if not all) 5.3's don't have the same ports on the heads so if you want an LS3 intake you will need heads or adapters. There is a good chart on this page of which ones have Cathedral Port vs Rectangle Port
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/late...gm-v8-engines/

There are several videos on youtube of people shaving the truck intakes to make them look better.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2019 | 02:34 PM
  #5  
five7kid's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Re: Questions about 5.3 Swap?

Originally Posted by Aviator857
There is a good chart on this page of which ones have Cathedral Port vs Rectangle Port
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/late...gm-v8-engines/
The head castings chart is incorrect. LQ4 & LQ9 had cathedral port heads.

Rectangular port heads have bigger intake valves, which don't play well with bore size less than 4".
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
shanep1991
Transmissions and Drivetrain
2
Mar 22, 2010 11:57 PM
shrop
V6
9
Apr 11, 2005 08:59 PM
Xenodrgn
Tech / General Engine
8
Jul 4, 2002 03:00 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:46 PM.