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Well after some research I have decided to do an "LS1" Engine Swap/Build. This was the thread that convinced me to do this swap... Click HERE
and I started to wonder if anyone has done this swap in a C4. It turns out that corvette fever has done this swap in a C4 and its called Project C4orce. Once I saw that I knew that, that was the engine swap I wanted to do. The reason I'm not doing an actual LSx swap is because it is too much money for a high school kid.
So today I managed to get down to the junkyard and pick up an LM7 327 (5.3L) engine from a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500. It has 52k miles on it and cost me $600. It seems to be in good condition and everything but I have 30 days to return it so I am going to be doing compression test and a leak down test first. Once its good I will be swapping the truck intake for an LS1 intake, fuel rails, and injectors that I bought used for $130 (still waiting for it to come in the mail). All I need to get the motor running is a LS1 harness and ECM then it will be good to go for the swap.
Here are some pics of the motor the way it is now (how it came from the junkyard)
It came with everything besides an alternator and belt.
Awesome!! I did my first engine swap at 16 and it was the best feeling in the world when it was done. Take a lot of pictures.. we would love to see them. Good luck
I'm mid swap on an LS1/T56 into my 84. Mine was a running swap at one time, but I purchased it as a basket case. It should really be done by now but life has kind of gotten in the way...
I'm mid swap on an LS1/T56 into my 84. Mine was a running swap at one time, but I purchased it as a basket case. It should really be done by now but life has kind of gotten in the way...
What kind of power can be expected out of this particular 5.3 LS variant with the LS1 intake? Looks like a very cool project! The closest junkyard I know of doesn't carry cool stuff like that.
The stock 5.3L has 285-295 hp and torque is 325 lb·ft to 335 lb·ft. But with the LS conversion it will make more than that. I have heard ranges from 325-360 HP and 370-390 lb·ft. I am not sure about these numbers since some guys did more to their engine than just swapping intakes but once mine is done and I get it on a dyno I will give you exact numbers
The stock 5.3L has 285-295 hp and torque is 325 lb·ft to 335 lb·ft. But with the LS conversion it will make more than that. I have heard ranges from 325-360 HP and 370-390 lb·ft. I am not sure about these numbers since some guys did more to their engine than just swapping intakes but once mine is done and I get it on a dyno I will give you exact numbers
Sounds like a good start! I was also wondering because it's a smaller in displacement, would it be able to rev higher? That'd be mighty sweet to have an LT4/LS3 redline capability.
Sounds like a good start! I was also wondering because it's a smaller in displacement, would it be able to rev higher? That'd be mighty sweet to have an LT4/LS3 redline capability.
Well finally got some free time to get a little work done on the engine. I spun it upside down and took off the oil pan to check out the bottom end and look at the cylinder walls. It looks great. You can still see a slight bit of cross-hatch pattern on the walls.
And heres the difference between the truck oil pan and the Firebird pan.
Now im back on hold untill the new windage tray arrives. Also in the market for an LS1 harness and ECM. Might start disassembling the car to get ready to pull the crossfire