1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

[Qwk]

This is going to be Cool when you are done!! Actually, a K5 Blazer is already cool, but a K5 Blazer with an LS is A LOT cooler!

Keep the updates coming!

 

[spider_0072]

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 (2000 Silverado). I'm also going to be using 6an stainless braided fuel lines for the supply and return lines.

 

[spider_0072]

Headers

What headers are you using?

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 spot on the drivers side header as it was hitting the rear shackle bolt, picture below. The passenger side I had to weld in a new o2 bung as the sensor was going to hit the drive shaft.

 

[spider_0072]

4x4 torque bars and radiator

Looking really good.

I like the Chevy Orange!

What are you gonna do for the transmission 4x4 torque bars? Can they be bolted in with the cups on top of the adapter plate?

Did you change rads with the swap for extra cooling? or was that just your old rad?

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 mount on the cover in order to use the torque bars. It looks like neither side will work mounting to the factory location on the cover. I will post pics later once I figure that out.

I did upgrade my radiator as mine was all funked up and wanted to go with a bigger one as I will be adding air conditioning later on down the road. I went with a spectra CU1730, which is the heavy duty 454 aluminum radiator which drops right in but also requires the 454 radiator top mounting plate and rubber mounts. I also bought the shroud for that setup as well.

 

[spider_0072]

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.

 

[spider_0072]

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 had to be grinded down.

 

[spider_0072]

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 duty waterproof commercial switch and made a mount for it and attached it to the firewall. The lever on the switch hits the gear selector lever on the column when in park. Also a photo below of the Dakota digital vss generator attached to the transfer case in line the the mechanical speedo cable.

 

[350runner]

Dude you rock! Thank you for posting the mods that you have done to make this work.

Sent from the dust in front of you!
Bump for rep points as they are well deserved.

 

[djtlaz123]

You have me on craigslist now looking for a 5.3l. Thanks for posting and documenting. People like you give people like me the courage to tackle these projects. I will be following closely.

 

[kleedus]

where did you get the an adapters on the sending unit?

I might do the same for my fuel lines in my crew cab

 

[MadOgre]

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 had to be grinded down.

Are those the 2010 Camaro headers ?

 

[MadOgre]

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 mount on the cover in order to use the torque bars. It looks like neither side will work mounting to the factory location on the cover. I will post pics later once I figure that out.

I did upgrade my radiator as mine was all funked up and wanted to go with a bigger one as I will be adding air conditioning later on down the road. I went with a spectra CU1730, which is the heavy duty 454 aluminum radiator which drops right in but also requires the 454 radiator top mounting plate and rubber mounts. I also bought the shroud for that setup as well.

I guess if a person used a 4l60 or 4l80 the cover would fit? like factory

 

[spider_0072]

where did you get the an adapters on the sending unit?

I might do the same for my fuel lines in my crew cab

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

 

[spider_0072]

Are those the 2010 Camaro headers ?

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

 

[spider_0072]

I guess if a person used a 4l60 or 4l80 the cover would fit? like factory

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.