LS swap into an LT car

[citationdoc]

Anyone done this yet? I'm getting the driveline from a '99 GMC (5.3L) to turn my basketcase Z28 into a bracket car. I am thinking it will be an easy swap with the only major issue being the K-member. If anyone else has swapped in an LS engine, please chime in with any hurdles you faced!
Thanks

[Shon Herron]

Mine breathed Sunday!

[citationdoc]

Which LS motor did you use? I am curious, because the 5.3L intake manifold rises high above the valve covers. I imagine a standard LS1 manifold will cure this. Also, did you use an aftermarket k-member? I'm trying to do a budget bracket racer and can't decide wether to go junkyard k-member or not. Thanks, Tom

[Shon Herron]

I have a 5.7 LS1 from an Fbody. I used a stock LS1 k for now, but will go to a tubular unit sometime. You can use the LT1 K-member and buy some plates, I can get some or they are on ebay.

I would go with the LS1/6/FAST intake b/c the others will not fit well, but you will need the f-body belt set up and maybe the water pump or else nothing fits right. You will also want an F-body oil pan, pick up, dip stick. Also need LS1 fuel rails and injectors.

Side Note: We just put a 5.3 into my brother's Rock Crawlin' jeep. and he wanted to use an LS1 intake and after getting almost everything needed but the accessory bracketry he went back to the 5.3 intake.

I really would look for a LS1, more displacement, lighter due to aluminum block, and everything is there.....

[citationdoc]

Since I'm getting a firesale deal on the 5.3, I'm hoping to make it work. The A/C and power steering will be gone, So I hope to use the waterpump and alternator with a shorter belt. My only concerns are clearance top and bottom. I may go with a BMR k-member, hopefully the pan will clear that one. I'd like to keep the manifold, but I don't think it will fit under the cowl. The weight is not a big concern since I'm removing everything that is not needed from the car. I know a straight swap would be easier, but thats not how I usually do things! I like the idea of a challenge and doing something unique. That 5.3 must be real nice in a jeep!

[Shon Herron]

I can save you some more coin by getting you a UMI or Spohn K-member for the LS motors.
And when you see the oil pan, you will realize you will need the F-body pan, the pan hangs lower than the flexplate. In the jeep it was not a big deal b/c there were other things lower than that on it and he can build a skid plate for it.

Intake is 3" or more taller than the LS1/6, will not fit without cutting.

Since I'm getting a firesale deal on the 5.3, I'm hoping to make it work. The A/C and power steering will be gone, So I hope to use the waterpump and alternator with a shorter belt. My only concerns are clearance top and bottom. I may go with a BMR k-member, hopefully the pan will clear that one. I'd like to keep the manifold, but I don't think it will fit under the cowl. The weight is not a big concern since I'm removing everything that is not needed from the car. I know a straight swap would be easier, but thats not how I usually do things! I like the idea of a challenge and doing something unique. That 5.3 must be real nice in a jeep!

[UMI Performance]

I can save you some more coin by getting you a UMI or Spohn K-member for the LS motors.

If you have you any questions regarding our K-member set-up please contact Shon or myself.

Thank you!
Ryan