77 K10 LS Swap

[Madhorn]

I am currently in the midst of a 5.3 swap into my 77 K10. The 5.3 is mated to a NV4500 trans and NP205 transfer case using Advance Adapters along with a manual clutch linkage/pedal. Here is the problem, the stock 5.3 drivers side exhaust manifold points directly at the clutch Zbar/linkage. Does anyone know what exhaust manifold will work in the application? Thanks

 

[Madhorn]

You must be registered for see images attach

This is where I am today, a year into this project.
Once it was torn down and cab gutted, it needed floor pans and many patches in the fire wall and a lot of cleaning. All new wiring harness from American Auto Wire, dash and heater/AC boxes refurbished. There have been so many little things that have been replaced, fixed or modified to make this swap work I can't even begin to list them all. I am glad I took a lot of pics. When I started this I thought I would be posting daily pics and updates, but as anyone with kids will tell you, life happens.

 

[Camar068]

lol my truck was where your at about 3 months ago. I've got an auto trans, sorry I can't help. A suggestion, make sure you get all your grounds and your O2 sensors in the right bank (purple and purple/white) is the only difference between the two lol.

 

[Madhorn]

After some internet research I think I have found 3 possibilities. Two from Patriot (H8076 and H8014), then one from Schoenfeld (1302LS1). Both Patriot headers are shorties and the Schoenfeld is a long tube header. At this point I think the Schoenfeld is the best option, I did see one post last night where someone had used this header in roughly the same application and claimed he had no clearance issues.

 

[Crispy]

I just ordered Speed Engineering's long tube swap headers. They also offer shorties and neither of them specify automatic transmission only. They do say that a little clearancing of a 4L80E or TH350/400 will be required if used. I'd say contact them and see what they have to say.

https://www.speed-engineering.com/ls-conversions-swaps/exhaust/ls-conversions-swap-headers.html

 

[Madhorn]

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Made some modifications to the trans tunnel today. Also had to make a couple mods to the transfer case shift handle.

 

[Madhorn]

Crispy, Just looked at the Speed Engineering headers. They look like they will work. I will call them Monday and ask, two sets I looked at 25-1025 and 25-1026 both had a note that said will not fit 4x4. Thanks for the info.

 

[dvdswan]

Did you have to notch the 4wd shifter hole to have it shift into 4HI?

 

[Madhorn]

dvdswan: I ended up putting a couple bends in the handle. Also had to relocate the eyelet on the bottom down 1 inch and in towards the trans 1/2 inch.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Madhorn]

As far as exhaust goes. I think I will end up using the Schoenfeld long tube header 1302ls1 since I have seen where they worked for others doing the same project. The Speed ENG header 25-1025 looks like it will work but no one can say that it will.

 

[Crispy]

Crispy, Just looked at the Speed Engineering headers. They look like they will work. I will call them Monday and ask, two sets I looked at 25-1025 and 25-1026 both had a note that said will not fit 4x4. Thanks for the info.

They all say that for some reason but in this thread there is verification of fitment.
http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/1979-k20-5-3-swap.21002/page-10#post-423620

 

[Madhorn]

Crispy: Thanks for the link. In that application they are using a 4L80 trans. I am trying to use an NV4500 with manual clutch linkage. The clutch linkage is my clearance problem. The drivers side rear exhaust tube must exit the head an turn straight down for at least 15 inches to clear the clutch linkage. I am not saying the Speed ENG header will not work, but just I have not seen where anyone has tried it. Believe me, I would love use a set of stainless headers. BTW. I e-mailed Speed ENG, have not heard back from them.

 

[dvdswan]

Have you looked at the stock Camaro or Corvette LS manifolds?

 

[Madhorn]

A 97 to 2000 Corvette should work. Not sure about the Camaro, have heard they work fine with auto trans and standards with hydraulic clutch. Here are some pics of the stock drivers side 5.3 manifold.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[dvdswan]

When I did my exhaust on my toy I had to modify the manifold to fit the exhaust.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You need to preheat the manifold when you actually go to weld it. Certainly not the best way IMO but it was my best option for fitment. Not very pretty either. After it was all welded I did heat wrap it.