LQ4 Swap into my '76

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

SquarebodyFarmer

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2020
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Kansas
First Name
Andrew
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
292
I have a '76 K20 GMC Sierra Grande. It has a 292 in it, but it has blown up for the second time and now I am thinking it's time for a change. I have been looking at LS swaps and that got me thinking about putting in a 6.0 Vortec and the 5 speed manual transmission. Is this something that is possible? I know I could put in the 4L80, but my truck is currently a manual, and thought it would be neat to have a modern manual.
 

eskimomann209

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2019
Posts
1,849
Reaction score
1,998
Location
Modesto
First Name
Marcus
Truck Year
1973
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
5.3
It’s possible. what 5 speed?
Probably only thing that will survive that’s not an expensive TKO or similar is the NV4500.
but there is a TON of info on these builds.
 

SquarebodyFarmer

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2020
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Kansas
First Name
Andrew
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
292
Ya that's what I was thinking, I've just never done anything on that new of stuff. I'm guessing it is similar to the LS swap stuff, and besides the electronics it doesn't look that bad.
 

Blackbeard44

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2020
Posts
280
Reaction score
256
Location
Washington State
First Name
andy
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
6.0 LS
It is really not that hard to do, it just takes time.
I swapped a K20, it can be tricky finding a T-case with a VSS, but even if you cannot there is parts that will make a cable driven speedo electric.

walboro makes a good fuel pump that can mount on the frame, factory corvette fuel filter has a regulator.

motor mounts convert easily.

you dont need a special radiator, LS motors cool very efficiently

there is all the info you need on this site, if you get stuck just ask.

Swapping my truck has been the best thing I have ever done, plenty of power, good mileage, and very reliable
 

Madhorn

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2017
Posts
618
Reaction score
1,311
Location
AR-Arkansas
First Name
Ken
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
5.3/NV4500/NP205/4:56 gear/35in tires
I did a similar swap in my 77 K10. 5.3 and NV4500. Over all it was not that difficult, just time consuming. There is a ton of info on the net and in multiple post here. In the end I am thrilled with how mine turned out.
You must be registered for see images attach
 

RoryH19

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2015
Posts
1,668
Reaction score
1,081
Location
Texas
First Name
Rory
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R10 Silverado SWB
Engine Size
350 TBI
It is really not that hard to do, it just takes time.
I swapped a K20, it can be tricky finding a T-case with a VSS, but even if you cannot there is parts that will make a cable driven speedo electric.

walboro makes a good fuel pump that can mount on the frame, factory corvette fuel filter has a regulator.

motor mounts convert easily.

you dont need a special radiator, LS motors cool very efficiently

there is all the info you need on this site, if you get stuck just ask.

Swapping my truck has been the best thing I have ever done, plenty of power, good mileage, and very reliable

Do you need the VSS if he goes 5 speed. When I swapped my k5 I used a NP241c from a 90 burb but I have a 4L65e trans.
 

RoryH19

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2015
Posts
1,668
Reaction score
1,081
Location
Texas
First Name
Rory
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R10 Silverado SWB
Engine Size
350 TBI
I did a similar swap in my 77 K10. 5.3 and NV4500. Over all it was not that difficult, just time consuming. There is a ton of info on the net and in multiple post here. In the end I am thrilled with how mine turned out.
You must be registered for see images attach
You reminded me I need to finalize my AC setup. I think I asked before but what did you use for the compressor, bracket and AC lines? I have a LS 6.0 (LQ9).
I could go with the R4 setup (would only need a bracket) but really want a Sanden.
 

Blackbeard44

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2020
Posts
280
Reaction score
256
Location
Washington State
First Name
andy
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
6.0 LS
I used a 241C from a surburban as well, but they are getting difficult to find these days at a reasonable price, If I was to do again I would just used a dakota digital adapter
 

Madhorn

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2017
Posts
618
Reaction score
1,311
Location
AR-Arkansas
First Name
Ken
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
5.3/NV4500/NP205/4:56 gear/35in tires
You reminded me I need to finalize my AC setup. I think I asked before but what did you use for the compressor, bracket and AC lines? I have a LS 6.0 (LQ9).
I could go with the R4 setup (would only need a bracket) but really want a Sanden.
As far as the AC part of this project goes, here are some details. When I had the dash apart with the heater box and evaporator removed the heater core and evaporator were replaced when it went back together. This means everything in the AC will be new. Here is rest of the part list. All parts with exception of the belt were ordered from Summit. Belt came from Autozone.
AC bracket ICT 551494x-3
Belt tensioner Continental 49296
Belt 114.3" Duralast 1143k6
AC condenser kit VA 021573
AC hose kit VA 547001
AC compressor VA 047007
AC presser switch VA 11086-vus
 

RoryH19

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2015
Posts
1,668
Reaction score
1,081
Location
Texas
First Name
Rory
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R10 Silverado SWB
Engine Size
350 TBI
As far as the AC part of this project goes, here are some details. When I had the dash apart with the heater box and evaporator removed the heater core and evaporator were replaced when it went back together. This means everything in the AC will be new. Here is rest of the part list. All parts with exception of the belt were ordered from Summit. Belt came from Autozone.
AC bracket ICT 551494x-3
Belt tensioner Continental 49296
Belt 114.3" Duralast 1143k6
AC condenser kit VA 021573
AC hose kit VA 547001
AC compressor VA 047007
AC presser switch VA 11086-vus
Thanks.
Right, all parts will be new when I'm finished too.
Ok, I see for the AC hose you bought a kit with multiple ends/tubes and the compressor is a 709.
 

Craig Nedrow

NADAR UNDER THE RADAR
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2018
Posts
823
Reaction score
1,459
Location
Washington State
First Name
Craig
Truck Year
1973 (have two), 1985
Truck Model
K10, K20, C20
Engine Size
350, 454, 6.2 Detroit
Have an LQ4 with a 4l80e, going in the 64 nova. Great motor if you want to turbo as lower compression. Stage two cam some tuning and fast to. Richard Holdener is a prolific producer of LS videos, a respected and hard workin' man. Go here, just one of many vids on LS related stuff.
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
I will be doing a LS swap into a 54 3600 pickup but T56, Texas Speed stage two cam, already did the trunnion upgrade, everything else stock.....for now have a new BW 475 just waitin'...
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
41,857
Posts
903,627
Members
33,370
Latest member
mitchell1128
Top