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  1. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Update- on the road I just wanted to post an update as I've had it on the road for about a month now. It is now my daily driver and I'm loving every minute behind the wheel. I've put over a 1,000 miles on it since the swap with no issues to speak of. I know a lot of people are probably...
  2. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    It isn't necessary but sure helps getting coolant in with minimal air. You can't just fill the radiator to get coolant in the block, have to remove the top rad hose and start filling from the hose.
  3. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    trick way to get coolant back in the block My dad came up with a contraption to push coolant back into the block. Being that he is a retired pipefitter, this was right down his alley. He took a 4" pipe and placed a air hose fitting on one end and a valve on the other. I put a T into the heater...
  4. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    photos of the cracked head and tear down Sorry, forgot to post the pics of it when I tore it down and where the head was cracked.
  5. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    It's put back together Bow auto sent me another head. Took both good heads to the machine shop and had them checked out along with a valve job since they were out. Went with ARP head bolts and GM head,intake, and manifold gaskets.
  6. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Glad the engine comes with a warranty I called bow auto parts, where I purchased the complete dropout from. The reason I bought from is that they have a 6 month warranty on their parts and I knew it would take a few months before I got it in and running. I explained the issue with them and they...
  7. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Some good news and some bad news The good news is that I got all the wiring done and was able to here it run for the first time. It started on the first crank and idled out nicely at around 700 rpm, oil pressure was at 45 psi, and the fuel gauge appeared to reading correctly. Ran for about 5 to...
  8. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Most likely as those were mated up from the factory. Not sure how you would be able to reuse the torque bars but then again that setup didn't use them.
  9. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Yep, these are the 2010 camaro eBay headers. Not a perfect fit but not bad for under $300 for some long tube headers.
  10. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    I got them from jegs, a couple bucks a piece.
  11. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    vss and PNP switch This is a photo of a switch I put in for the PNP signal wire (sorry the photo is upside down). This was tricky but I wanted to run it so the ecm at least knows I'm in either park or drive. I'm not worried about neutral as I will never be starting it in neutral. I got a heavy...
  12. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Harness is in place I also got the harness plugged in along with the coil packs and spark plug wires. Still need to tie in a few of the wires before I'm ready to fire it for the first time. I also have posted below a few photos of the bowtie TV cable setup and headers showing where the frame...
  13. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Fuel system is in I got the fuel system completed today and tested for leaks, luckily there aren't any. I also cut out an access panel in the back in order to get to the fuel pump easier in case of any issues down the road.
  14. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    4x4 torque bars and radiator Well I'm using the factory cup style engine mounts with intention of using the torque bars. The factory aluminum flywheel cover needs to be cut down as it doesn't fit against the lm7 block. Once that is done I'm probably going to have to make a custom bracket to...
  15. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Headers I bought a set of eBay headers for a 2010 camaro after seeing a guy had fairly good luck with fitment. I did have to do some work to both frame rails, removed a 1/4 or so right by the bump stops and also the top of the frame on the passenger side. I also had to heat and hammer in a...
  16. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Fuel system upgrade Got the fuel tank dropped out. Bought a new 31 gallon tank for a '87-'91 k5 as it's baffled and dropped in a new fuel sender for the '87-'91 k5 and an AC Delco ep381 In tank electric fuel pump. Also got the fuel filter mounted to the frame rail, OEM filter for my engine...
  17. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Yes, but I'm going to wait to tackle that next spring. Looking to get it on the road for now, won't need the air until next summer anyways.
  18. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    I dropped in the 5.3l today! Well, it is officially bolted in. Now on to cooling system, wiring, and fuel system.
  19. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Out with the old.... Finally got around to yanking out the 350 this week. Here are a few pics.
  20. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Today I got most of the accessories put on. I bought a new water pump, 160 degree stat, idler pulley, tensioner, and I'm reusing the power steering pump and alternator (waiting to mount) that came on my engine. I also put on the 1" setback engine mount plates. I think I have my fuel system...
  21. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    It's ready to start putting the accessories back on and she will be ready to drop in. Still need to buy fuel lines and fittings, so once I do I will post my parts list with cost.
  22. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Wiring harness arrived from BP Automotive I had a package waiting on my door step when I got home today. I got my harness and ecm back from BP Automotive and i'm beyond impressed. I got the premium build that has a fuse block and relays. Everything is nicely labeled and comes with instructions...
  23. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    Engine is painted Got around to painting the engine yesterday. I decided to go with Chevy orange for an old school touch. It's still all masked up but turned really good. I spent about 6 hours or so prepping it before I shot it with paint.
  24. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    prepped and ready for paint Finally got around to wire brushing and cleaning the engine today. I also sand blasted the accessory bracket today. I will be hitting it with paint next and will get that done next Thursday.
  25. S

    1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

    I bought a kit from bowtie overdrives specifically for the vortec engine. The kit comes with a new tv cable, bracket, mounting hardware, and instructions.

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