So I’m looking into swapping a 5.3l with a t5 into my 3rd gen. I know it’s probably not the most wise decision seeing the t5 doesn’t old up to much power but I just need to get it mowing and for cheap and I can always granny it till I can get a t56. But I’m stuck on what crossmember to use, is there a way to use the stock one? Or one I can use that can transfer over to a t56 swap. Also I’d have to use a 621 bellhousing that rotated the trans that’s why I’d need a new one. Thx

 

I would try to use the stock one first and see what you have to work with. You may have to create a custom plate or something to make the holes line up.

As for the trans, just don't power shift it or dump the clutch and you'll be fine. Mine's been living it's best life behind an SBC for over a year now with no complaints.

 

I'm a little late to the party on this. I'm using a T5 behind my 5.3 build as well.

I modified a lakewood bell housing to deal with the rotated pattern. Using a SFI LS flywheel and clutch, and just extra shims for the hydraulic TOB.

These lakewood steel bell housings can be found used all over. This is actually the second one I've drilled and welded in the past 10 years or so.




Using the dirty dingo engine mounts. This located the engine so the bell housing is exactly where it was with the SBC.

-- Joe

 

There's also the longer "adapter" pilot bushing you can get, that makes up the .400" or so crank position difference. With that it should just all bolt up. So yeah, acoupla different choices out there.

 

The pilot bushing with the .400 extension is required either way when you use a SBC bell housing (LS bell housing is .400 more shallow), but you still need to either shim the hydraulic TOB or run a thicker flywheel.

I chose to use shims for the TOB because I had them and the special thick flywheel is $200 more.

-- Joe