The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > Engine & Drivetrain > LSx Swaps

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-13-2019, 07:25 PM   #1
old51sedan
Senior Member
 
old51sedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Williamston, Mi
Posts: 869
5.3 engine

I just acquired a 04 Trail blazer with the 5.3 engine. Has 151,000 miles, runs decent, 4 wheel drive. Has a blown right hand exhaust gasket. Thinking of maybe putting drivetrain in my 69 stepwise. Does anyone know what horsepower this thing has? I like the idea of the fuel injection and maybe gas mileage of the overdrive. It may have a 700-R4, but not sure. It's almost to nice of a car to part out, it's loaded up, but I have no use for it. What do you think, what do I need besides drivetrain and computer?
old51sedan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2019, 07:50 PM   #2
joebasqueo
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Elko Nevada
Posts: 2
Re: 5.3 engine

Im going through the process of putting an 04 5.3 from a tahoe and a 4l80e into a 69 right now. There is a ton of good info on this site on fuel systems, motor mounts, ways to make gauges work with ls, etc. Here is a good link:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456787

The 04 5.3 is rated to 295 fwhp stock I believe. Have read on a bunch of guys getting to around 380 with just a cam and headers though.
joebasqueo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2019, 08:21 PM   #3
clay68c10
Senior Member
 
clay68c10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,882
Re: 5.3 engine

It should have a 4x4 4L60E. You’ll need to swap to a 2wd tailshaft.
I don’t know the stock ratings, but the 5.3 in my Tahoe does ok and it’s a heavy vehicle.
You’ll want to get the engine harness, the gas pedal, the TAC module, all the accessories and the hoses too.
The only hard thing to get working is your mechanical speedometer. I think someone makes a tail housing with both a VSS and a cable drive.
I’m starting a 6.0/TKO swap into my 68 now, so I’ve been looking for the same info. It’s out there. The LS1 tech message board has some good info too.
__________________
ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602
93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday...
05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed
02 E320 the insurance total “free car”
13 Tahoe LTZ
clay68c10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2019, 08:40 PM   #4
jocko
Senior Member
 
jocko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,922
Re: 5.3 engine

My '01 5.3 has towed a 65 Impala across the country multiple times. The transmission eventually couldn't hack it, but the engine has never been apart - 280k mi and counting.
jocko is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2019, 11:14 PM   #5
mongocanfly
Post Whore

 
mongocanfly's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,557
Re: 5.3 engine

blown exhaust gasket may be from exhaust manifold bolts...for several yrs they were prone to having broken bolts..i had 4 broke on my LQ9..
2004 5.3 will be around 295hp
it wont be a 700r4...like stated above..tailshaft swap or another trans
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg

RIP Dad
RIP Jesse

1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598
Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334
Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563
2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver
mongocanfly is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2019, 12:43 PM   #6
skyphix
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Hampden, ME
Posts: 406
Re: 5.3 engine

Engine mounts
Modified Harness (modify it yourself, send it out, or pick up a pre-made one... your choice)
the PCM will need to be flashed to get rid of anti-theft and a couple of O2 sensors
Your exhaust manifolds, I believe, will fit between the frame rails so you're good to go there (vs. truck ones, which don't fit without trimming)
Grab some of the exhaust - specifically the Y pipe so you can customize it to your needs
As others have said, the gas pedal, TAC module, and all associated wiring
There's someone here on the forum that makes an adapter bracket to bolt the DBW pedal in to your truck
Your driveshaft will have to be modified or replaced, most likely
Yes - a 2WD trans or convert your 4WD 4L60E to 2WD
You may have to make some modifications to your in-cab fuel tank - not sure exactly what people are doing with the 67-72's. On my 80 I am replacing the entire fuel system with a tank and sender from an FI Squarebody, using the pump from a later model Silverado, a corvette fuel regulator/filter, and either braided or nylon quick connect lines (haven't committed yet)
A speedometer can be tricky - I work in IT so I'm doing an OBDII driven digital dash (cheap android tablet and an app, plus customization to make it do what I want)
__________________
Eric
1980 C10 SWB
2003 Chevy Suburban 2500 LT
skyphix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2019, 01:44 PM   #7
webfoot
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hermiston, OR
Posts: 947
Re: 5.3 engine

Pretty sure stock is 345 hp.

Upgraded cam and valvesprings is good for another 40 or so, the heads are definitely not a limiting factor.
__________________
Running in place gets you nowhere fast.
-me
1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible

1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.
webfoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2019, 09:52 PM   #8
95 S_Trucker
Registered User
 
95 S_Trucker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: .
Posts: 2,178
Re: 5.3 engine

You will definitely need to swap the oil pan. The trailblazer oil pan has the front axle going through it.
95 S_Trucker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2019, 11:03 PM   #9
First c10
Senior Member
 
First c10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Los Banos CA
Posts: 2,705
Re: 5.3 engine

5.3L is a LM4 has 4L60E trans

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm) 290 / 216 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) 325 / 441 @ 4000
__________________
1956 Chevy Bel Air 2 door
1956 Chevy 210 4 Door
1970 K20 LWB project the Hulk build w/Supercharged 4.8L-ly2/4L60E HULK BUILD
1970 C10 Yellow/White Deluxe LWB w/ 5.3L-LC9/6L80E
1968 K10 LWB Dark green my son calls it "THE HULK Jr"HULK JR *SOLD*
GO GO!!!
First c10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2019, 08:35 AM   #10
Mains52
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Knoxville, Illinois
Posts: 328
Re: 5.3 engine

This is the list I'm using for finding a cheap replacement cam in my 5.3.

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/ls-cam-test-comparison/
Mains52 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2019, 10:11 AM   #11
MDPotter
Senior Member
 
MDPotter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 1,165
Re: 5.3 engine

As long as you didn't pay more than $3500 and the powertrain is in decent condition, I would keep it and use the vehicle as a donor. If you paid more than that, you'll have to do a bunch of parting out to get a good value because you can get a 5.3/4L60E dropout with that mileage or less for $3000 on from a few places.

From a convenience standpoint, it's a great vehicle to use as a donor. You have all of the parts you need and it's a complete vehicle. You could take out the engine and trans, change out the tailshaft, give the engine a tuneup, clean it up, or do any bolt on mods. You'll need the engine, trans, PCM, engine harness, air box and plenum, gas pedal, TAC module, TAC module harness, and battery cables.

While it's out of the vehicle, it's best to do the following:
-Clean everything
-Spark plugs
-Plug wires
-Replace knock sensors and harness
-Replace intake manifold gaskets
-Bolt on headers or camaro manifolds with new gaskets (and remove any broken manifold bolts)
-New water pump
-New power steering pump
-New idler pulley
-New tensioner pulley
-New serp belt
__________________
1964 Chevy C10 - Gen IV 5.3 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=768632
1968 GMC C15 - Gen III 6.0 Restomod http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=772047
1969 Chevy C10 - Restoration http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809184
1978 Chevy Scottsdale K20
1993 Chevy C1500 - 5.3/T56 swapped
2008 Silverado Duramax
MDPotter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2019, 09:54 PM   #12
Madkidd007
Senior Member
 
Madkidd007's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Locust grove, Ga
Posts: 2,236
Re: 5.3 engine

I own a V8 trailblazer platform and let me add my input. I’m unsure if 04 has a TAC module, I know for a fact 05 and up doesn’t use a tac but a different throttle pedal than Fullsize trucks so if you can’t find a tac module then that’s why. The exhaust manifolds like stated are direct swap for our trucks. You’ll save about 80 lbs because the trailblazer has an LM4 which is an all aluminum version of the LM7. As mentioned the oil pan is a front sump so will need to be swapped but the kicker is the ac compressor bracket bolts to the oil pan also. So you’ll need this adapter or keep in mind LS3 Camaro accessories have the same spacing so maybe something to look into. Engine mounts/isolators on the trailblazer can be used if you make custom frame stands which will also help to keep the compressor in the stock lower position. The catalytic converters are in the Y-pipe so either plan on cutting the flanges off and building exhaust. LS plug wires rarely go bad and used originals are typically better than new aftermarkets. No reason to touch knock sensors or intake gaskets which are actually molded seals. And as easy as all the accessories are to get to if they’re not bad don’t spend the money. LS parts last a long time and a lot easier to replace in truck than SBC items
Attached Images
 
__________________
70 C10 highschool truck now C20 cummins powered
72 Crew Denali, Bigger, Stronger, Faster, well you get the point.....
the ole 65 continental
Syclone killer AWD T56 LS

Paypal please pay as Goods&Services Madkidd00000007@yahoo.com

Last edited by Madkidd007; 08-07-2019 at 10:01 PM.
Madkidd007 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:58 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com