L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Picked up a near new Gen 5 with a 8spd auto. It is a drop out so I don't have access to any of the vehicle stuff. How much of a pain in the rear is this swap? I was thinking of putting in the Motor Home. Should I take it on or chuck it for a 6.0? I have the harness ECM, TCM is in the mail. Do not know about the fuel module if it is there. Going to do the 4.8 swap into the Blazer first to get the hang of it.


Thoughts? Advice?

Smitty

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

It is nothing like a typical 6.0 swap.

You will need everything the LS needs and some, either use an electric power steering or you will have to change the front accessory mounts. Also, headers are about $1k and you will need them. Vacuum pump will likely need removed, there is a sensor on the DS of the intake next to the TB, drill and tap it.
So you know...on e85, these l83’s have 410hp and 400 tq. They can be awesome but swapping is not easy.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Thanks Clyde,

Got a great deal on this, but it could consume more than it is worth.

Smitty

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

There are more and more parts coming out everyday for a gen5 swap. Might cost a bit more than a LS swap but you would have something unique for a while. My LT4 conversion is just about complete and I haven't ran into anything particularly tough yet to sort out.
I'd suggest tracking down the fuel module and a pump any you will be well on your way.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Who did your harness and PCM flash? I'd probably have to find a module, pump wouldn't be that tough. Did you have to put on a new pan?

Smitty

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I went the easy way and purchased a GM connect and cruise motor. It has the harness and fuel module in the kit. The stock manifolds and the deep pan fit no problem into my 71. The oil cooler on the side of the pan did have to come off.There are lots of guys who could remote tune it for you.I could put you in touch with a few names.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Smitty

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

On the time. The VATs has two spots that need deleted out. I sent my pcm back twice and still had to get a local guy to fix it.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I have down quite a few gen v swaps. They can be wonderful or a nightmare. First you need to fit the engine and adapt a power steering pump. Next you need to find a harness or get yours modded. I do mod them if interested. Once it is all in you need a fuel system. A standard fuel ls system will work fine. After that you need it programmed. Deleting the security sytem will get it running but not always driveable. Only certain computer os will work on a swap. 8 speeds are much harder to get working than a 6speed. I have only had about 3 successful 8 speed swaps. If you have the orginal tcm for The 8 speed it should work. I can test both computers at my work before hand. If you get everything working together you can get performance like this...

https://youtu.be/uj078sfLnhs

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

One thing I found out is, be sure you get the same year trans as the pcm/motor. My motor and pcm is 2015, the trans I found out is a 2013 and has a different OS, so I need the TCM flashed with proper OS.

Your right Vannatta20, these can be a real cool setup( definitely hoping for this!) or a real nightmare.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I have a company doing my harness and reflashing the ECM and TCM. I do have both CPU's. What is your experience with the fuel system? Do you need to use the higher fuel pressure pumps?

Smitty

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Stupid question here, what does the vacuum pump do? And could it be used?

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

The vacuum pump is give a constant supply of vacuum to the booster. When DOD is activated you lose some vacuum that will affect pedal feel. If not using DOD (4 cylinder mode) then you can delete the pump with some block of plugs.part number 11546665.

Also if you are not using a oil cooler block it off with this part number

12630766 oil cover
12623359 oil cover gasket

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Great info.
Keep posting more as it will only help me out. I found a company that possibly can do my Cruise Control, just got to find out what pedal to use. Also have to figure out the fuel source. I picked up the new Dakota Digital so that will run the dash. I have an original TCM.

Smitty

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

For cruise use a rostra unit.

https://www.amazon.com/Rostra-250-96.../dp/B01G7QRB5C

Thats what i do.

What did you guys do for the power steering? I know dirty dingo sells a bracket where you can add a corvette power steering pump.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Have you seen this? Saw this at Goodguys. Looks really nice.
http://www.hotwireauto.com/?page=sales-cruise


I am using the Dingo Mounts with the pump that I can run a Hydroboost off of.

Smitty

What pump are you using if you dont mind me asking, I’m planning on running hydroboost as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Just got a new L83 with 6 speed and I think my local shop is going to need your help. Can I get a contact number for your business?

TKX

Mel Rich

Message meant for "Vannatta20"

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

7023535037

Mitch

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Doing the same. Just bought a 2018 L83 with 6 speed auto with 2 miles on it. Have tons of contacts so far as to who to do harness, fuel tank, motor mounts, trans mount and best way to add p/s. Bummer, I can't use the AC unit with Vintage Air.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I am using the factory gen v compressor on my swap problem free. It is a variable displacement but I wire it up do disable that. 10000 miles with cold ac in my Tahoe.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I was told that you are "The Man" for L83 and as soon as I get my engine I will be taking harness off and sending it to you as per our conversation this week.
Statement about AC was conversation I had with Vintage Air.

This is going to be a "Learning Curve" for me!

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Got engine today and will be calling you Friday to discuss wiring harness and computer.

TKX

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Called both Chevy and GMC dealers and neither will take harness off engine. Have a couple shops that do LS swaps that will do it for me.

Understand you have an electric power steering unit on your vehicle. If not using DOD on 2018 L83 engine, could eliminating vacuum pump and build a bracket that blocks off block and would hold a power steering pump be a possibility?

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Dirty Dingo makes an accessory drive

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Just picked up a 2018 L83 with 6sp auto. Stricker auto picked up a bunch of 2018 Silverado trucks that fell off rail cars. They have all the parts. 800 543-2748 Thanks for your putting me on the Dirty Dingo!

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

BRP has long tube headers also. Not cheap but are things of beauty!!

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I’m doing this same swap on a 72 SWB. I have custom made motor mounts that I will weld to the crossmember. I placed the cab back on the frame to verify that I would have enough clearance from the firewall. Turns out I can slide the whole setup back possibly another 2.5 -3 inches. I’m wanting to know if there are any other reasons not to do this. I’m going to mock it up with the brake booster to verify clearance there as well. What would help me is to know how much room is actually needed in front of the harmonic balancer, so all of the needed components will fit nicely. If anyone can share the distance between their front most crossmember to the harmonic balancer it would speed up my build. Otherwise to be certain I would have to mock up the rest of the front clip as well as fans and radiator. By the way I will have to order a custom driveshaft anyways, so that’s not a problem...

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Subbed. What should these combinations motor/trans harness and everything needed cost if you don’t mind me asking.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I picked up a 2018 L83 with 6 sp. auto for under $5K and this yard has more. Mine has 2 miles on it. Rail car dumped a load of new Silverado trucks back East. Harness will cost $500-$600. Gas tank with OEM pump and ecu costs me $450. Motor mounts anywhere from $70 to $150 depending which way you go. Then there is the problem of power steering. Cost depends if I can put one where the vacunm pump is now. No one has come up with a bracket to do this yet. My shop says he can install in three days at $99.00 per hour. Then there is the costs of guages that sink with the engine computer. I will still need a radiator and fans and I'm sure I will have missed something. Oh, Ac will cost me either $800 or $1400 depending if I can use existing ac pump, which I'm told I can. With a pair of headers this engine will be around 375hp and a little more than that in torgue. Probably need a new driveshaft.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

There is a front pulley system that allows you to put a Camaro or Vette PS pump on the drivers side.

BRP has headers

Speed Hut has the Can Bus guages.


https://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/mobi...ID=33&CDpath=3

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

I'd try Texas Speed headers for a 6th gen Camaro. 99% chance they will fit perfect.
600 bucks.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Speed Engineering Headers fit really well (with the automatic) and only 300 shipped.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

What are you doing about power steering and AC?

TKX

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

We put a L86 in a 1956 Chevy. Used a Vintage Air frontrunner serpintine drive system. Had to machine adapter/spacers to mount the LS water pump to the LT block. Worked really well for A/C and power steering.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

What year is your L86? The Ls water pump is reverse the LT pump?

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

The L86 is a 2015 or 16. Was a test engine with one hour on it. I’ll check the rotation of the stock water pump vs a ls2 pump this weekend. The wp we used was from a Ls7. Dirty Dingo sells a kit that puts a Corvette Ls2 wp on a L83/86 engine. 541 HP at the crank and 23 mpg on highway. Fun car.

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

My engine is a 2018 L83 (2 miles on it) and the only product I have found is KWiK Performance item number K10438 that takes care of AC, PS pump and alternator. Costs is $496.00, which does include the PS pump. Dirty Dingo and others that I have called say they may have something by the first of the year. If you go on KWik's site, you can see this unit mounted to the engine I have. 2017 and 2018 L83's were different in that they didn't have PS pumps, they used electrical.
541HP is about 200 more than I could handle at my age!

Re: L83 GEN 5 Swap
 

Dirty Dingo has them already. I used one on my dad’s l83 install.

https://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/mobi...php?cPath=1951