03 Jojo not really I am an automotive tech but this is my first time doing a swap like this so done some research ang bought what I needed and just went at it I love this truck now
Thanks for all the great Q&A. I inherited my dad's 78 longbed c10. I built a 350 for it and I struggled on the idea LS swap. I've learned alot watching videos such as yours and I'm going LS swap. I'm keeping dad's C10 old school sbc but I'm getting another shortbed to LS. Thanks
2 people myself and a friend ripping out his motor\trans from a 80's Firebird, rebuilding a junkyard motor, dropping the motor\trans in, wiring, fueling, fabricating air intake system, troubleshooting, install AC/PS/Alternator/accessories, and troubleshooting it took us about a month(not total time) from beginning to finish working sometimes 1-4 hours during the week and 4-12 hours on weekend. Tuning was done with a friend of mine on his dyno.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS now I just need to find a home for the LS3 collecting dust wrapped in plastic in my garage. My first truck was an 85 Chevy short bed that I bought and did not run. Ripped the motor and trans then replaced it with a crate 502 I got with birthday money and saving. Stupidest thing I ever did was sell that truck. Now they are nearly impossible to find unless you want to spend what a new truck cost.
If you're mechanically inclined, it certainly helps! So does having some buddies willing to sacrifice to the greater cause! LOL thanks for the input and the clear shot of TTR's Crocs & Socks!!!!
I get this question at every show and cruise. I shouldn't have done this, but I did it for record keeping "if" I ever sell my truck. I kept a detailed log of a every part, big or small, on my build and what it cost. It's scary how fast it adds up. In hindsight, I could skip some of the new parts and work I did, but I wasn't sure of condition at the time with the engine and trans. I didn't get to see either run and drive so I error-ed on the side of caution and rebuilt. My OCD also got the best of me and I spiraled down that wormhole a few times. All in all, I wouldn't change it for the world. Fortunately, these trucks are at least holding their value so I won't get hurt if I sell. It's all in what you want out of it. I was brought up on fuel injection and computers, so that is what I wanted. I know how a carb works, but it is still a bit like sorcery to me. You can most definitely do it on the cheap, or you can spend a fortune. At the end of the day, do what you are comfortable with.
So very well said! I kept up with the same on Teddy but have honestly yet to tally it up. Ron has the same but we didn't tally it up completely. We decided to work with round numbers that were easier to digest and tack them on to the engine/trans cost as well as tuning. I'm sure it's not the exact answer some want, but it's the best we could do and feel like it gives us garage builders a good frame of reference.
Rusty Wrenches my ocd is the same. I just wanted it right. If it took longer so be it. That said the other half of me just didn’t want to see the numbers so I never really kept up with it.
Just a bit of information for who it may help I did a LS swap on on a 85 c10 and I modified the sending unit by relocating the float and putting it on the return tube it has a spot for rivets the float is accurate the pump I had to cut the tube for the pump to fit so it can sit as low as possible for when the fuel is low this was a way for me to not spend the money on the correct tank for this swap it works and been working of course I purchase a stack tank for the 85 and the sending unit for the 86 and I used the pump from a 2004 Chevy Tahoe that was from the diner vehicle as far as connections it’s simple everything was easy it took me about 15 minutes to assemble everything after getting new tank sending unit and pump the truck runs great and it’s a daily driver .
I got the motor into my truck! It should be done soon and on the road! Keep an eye out for a video of it! I want to thank you guys for the motivation to finish my truck!
You made a great point when you said someone might say "I can do in one hour what it takes you 10 hours to do..." To them I would say that may be so, but my ten hour time is spent taking my time, meticulously paying attention to every detail, checking and double-checking so that it is done right the FIRST and only time. Not that your job wouldn't be done right, but I don't do this for a living...that is, I don't do it every day all day long so much that I could do it with my eyes closed like you might, so please take that into consideration when blowing your own horn about how awesome you are, or how slow I am! My proverbial 10 hours is spent taking my time, not rushing or getting in a hurry, and having fun! I don't care if you can do the same thing in one hour..you know, good for you, what do you want, a parade? I'm not made of money so I have to make sure that what I do is done right because I cannot afford to have something break, and have to re-buy (is that a word?) parts just because i got in a hurry and f'd something up. I literally cannot even watch these shows anymore where they say "we have 6 hours to do a complete frame off restoration..." (slight exaggeration, but not by much!) because I know that corners are inevitably going to be cut, and unimaginable and more than likely, unfixable problems are going to surface probably as soon as the project rolls out the door! Anyway..great show! Have a great day and keep up the good work!
I was able to do it for around $3-3.5k including the motor and trans. I bought a wrecked van for $1300. took the 6.0, 4l80, stock exhaust, drive shaft, brake booster and stock wiring harness and sold the van body for 800. Then I bought: -small block to LS adapter motor mounts -sent the computer and harness to 150 tunes for wire cut down and reprogramming -like 500 in hoses and external fuel pump -bought an after market shaft for around 700 -aluminum 3 core radiator -aftermarket floor shifter - then about $6-700 in odds and ends.
@@Pontiac6878 you can sometimes find totalled vehicles for fairly cheap. Trucks and Van's that get t-boned, rear ended or rolled often go for super cheap. You might be able to find one on craigslist or at auctions. If you have patience and part out a decent vehicle, you can sometimes make all of your money back.
@@zososldier this is totally my plan I'm keeping an eye out, idc if it's a 4.8 5.3 or 6.0 if the price is right, but I do want the whole set up so just gotta wait I guess...
@@Pontiac6878 keep an eye out for SS trailblazers(and I think some tahoes). They came with aluminum block truck 5.3 liter engines. Save yourself like 110lbs by going aluminum. Not to mention mid 00 Pontiacs came with aluminum LS engines.
Buddies just did a swap in a older c10 I believe they used a factory Jeep electric fan setup and it fit perfectly even controlled the whole thing with hp tuners
I got my donor truck with my LS for free, just had to go pick it up & bring it home...haven't swapped it yet though, I'm just starting my chassis, so can't say how much exactly I'll have in the engine once I get it in the other truck...I'll be using the transmission & differential from the donor truck as well, so cost for acquiring the entire drive train for my build was some gas money...won't know how much the engine will cost to build for a little while yet...but if you apply yourself, you can pick up an engine super cheap...
I prefer to pick up a low miles 5.3 with direct injection...easier fuel system, cam swap (DoD delete anyway so may as well up the power a bit) alone gets the motor to around 450 hp...but you cant beat free if its low miles and don't have to rwbuild it
Price of the harness, PCM, radiator with a union for the steam port from the LS, and then tuning it. That's the swap done. Hard parts are bell housing, flywheel, flexplate, brake booster (or delete) options, clutch master etc. Then you can figure if you want to run OEM GM VSS sending unit on your trans tailhousing for the PCM to use cruise as well as better for economy. The electric fans or just jerry rigging it to the old clutch fan. If you're going 4x4, you better start thinking np205 and $190 to have the VSS reflector ring adapted to your transfer case tailhousing for quick and painless option. Speedo fix is driving by mobile until you swap out your gauge or adapt it over from the VSS. If you're running an LS1, you have to adapt the crank with a specific flywheel and if you're going manual trans, prepare to grab your knees... It'll sting to get your NV4500 mounted. So many variations on that unit that you had best visit Advanced Adapters to view their tech for using that trans. It'll be worth it for a beast of a 4x4 and that's where I'm headed with my K5. If you don't move, you'll lose! Best to just bite down and get it done... Don't camp on it because it's a terrible waste of your time and a part of your life that you'll never get back. Bright side, your truck will be worth a whole lot more money if you do it right by the time you finish it and you'll have a sense of accomplishment!
I have a 90 suburban 2wd 3/4 ton with a 350. I also bought a part truck with a 4.8 ls. The flex plate is cracked on 350 and 0 oil pressure when warmed up. Now the 4.8 has been sitting a few years so it will need work. My plans are to change flex plate and try changing oil with better oil to get my winter ride through winter... Then do ls swap next spring.
"You're already there" . Man I am the world's worst at "while I'm here I might as well..." to the point that it delays my projects endlessly. I really need to learn the "it's good enough" lesson.
Love the truck. I'm presently looking for a short bed 2w.d. I have a 5.3 in my garage that came out of a wrecked 2013 4w.d. with 32 k miles on the clock.
I hate this question / discussion . I'm north of 20 grand in my 87c10. If I had to do it all over I would have put aluminum heads on a rebuild 350 and fitech fuel injection
@@therealchucktaylor3392 just remember .....you get what you pay for , these guys that are rebuilding their old wire harness are the ones posting question,a about why their truck isn't idling or throwing codes . ....i bought the best .... I saved my money until I could , I'm broke also
North of $20k on your swap? Easy to do but I hope you started with a crate LS3/7 etc and all new components. Nothing wrong with an EFI small block. I'd look at Holley Sniper over FiTech though.
Great video I got a 64 c10 from my dad and i have a 5.3 with transmission and a bunch of parts including wiring harness with computer, radiator with electric fan,kwikwire harness and dakota gauges What i don't have is the skills to put all that together but im all hands on.I hope i could get some help to put it together that truck means a lot to me i just have to get it running. It will be a great candidate for your next video! 😁😁😁
I totlally agree it took me 6 sat at 8 hours each sat. Thats about 48 hours. I didnt do the rockers and springs cam so yeah. The fuel system alone took a whole day. The wiring was about 2 sat.
I bought a complete 2002 Silverado 2500 2WD with a 6.0/4L80E that has 72k miles on it for 7k. I paid that because of the low miles, and it's complete. Plus, it's a bare-bones truck with no AC, no power windows. I have the entire truck with all wiring sensors, etc, to grab when I need them. I'm trying to pass california smog with it, so we'll see how that goes. Lot's more money to spend.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS thanks bro I just love the ole school look and sound. I mean ls is nice but rite now it's just the best thing for me money wise. But down tha road o yea! UBT 4 LIFE!
I work at a hot rod shop and have done my fair share of LS swaps, that being said you guys should try the BP harness they are cleaner, way better looking, and way easier to install. I did a PSI harness and ECU on a custom square body quad cab a few months ago and the ECU was un tunable and took more time to install.
I have an 77 c10 and what I did for fuel is an 87 tank, 87 sender , Corvette fuel filter, and use an compression fittings to hook up my ptfe hoses to my factory hardlines. Works perfectly
you know the type of square body is hard to find is the extended cab type that is a rare to me type. just helped a friend rebuild his 350 and fix some of the common rust fix issues on the corner of the cab. but to be honest the extended cab looks amazing but a rare type
I have a 1986 Silverado short bed dual tank it was my fathers who passed , but it don’t run should I LS swap and what would it cost DIY to get it back on road ? It’s been sitting for 15 yrs but never wrecked that’s what I want daily driver ! Need to get fire under me would be sweat ! Seeing how nice y’all trucks are!
I'm a new subscriber I've enjoyed and learned a lot I'm going to LS swap my 2018 Chevy ZR2 Colorado as soon as the warranty is over I'm building the engine now it's a 4.8 that's plenty with trick heads and cam and headers plus a tune can't wait
Just finished up my first ls swap by myself, i did a bunch of unnecessary modifications, but my harness cost me 400, and i had 200 in motor mounts, 200 in a trans, and could have done the rest for free. Probably have 30 hours of real work by myself making it run, not including exhaust. Very realistic, but ive also done several engine swaps by myself, just not ls swaps.
Last question: So you went with a 5.3 for Pecos. I'm am contemplating a 5.3 vs a 6.0 (looking at a few donor vehicles between 2005-2007 with both engines). I spoke to a fellow at Summit who tells me to go 5.3 because they tend to be less problematic/last longer than the 6.0. (i.e. 6.0 has issues with oil pressure, etc) While I don't have to have a "drag truck", the 6.0 sounds sexy and it will come out of the donor vehicle 400hp-ready which is my HP goal. Hate to ask such a long winded/involved question, but what do u guys think...? (each vehicle has between 100-120k miles on them)
Can't go wrong with either. Never heard of any oil pressure issues with a 6.0 specifically, though I'm no expert. That said, if I had a choice and your goals, I'd go with the 6.0. We'll be putting a 6.0 in the new project TTR just landed for the UBT audience.
Second time around watching this build. Great to see the friendship between you guys. Great build. Although I have a 53 truck with i think is the third motor in it. It was long after I put in this 350 that I'd. Started thinking about ls swapping. Maybe next year I take the time to do it. My last work truck had a 4.8 but my new '17 has a 5.3. I love the power of it so ill be looking for that up hear in PA. The only thing about the trucks up hear is they rust out. Plenty of good running motors though. Thanks for all the detai) information.
Gdmorning or gdnight this might be a old question. But new to the chevy game I bought my first 91 chevy silverado 4.3 v6 EF1. I understand I can go LS I know i need a LS motor cpu harness maybe trans. But witch motor mounts do i have to look up to buy. So I am able to run the LS.
We have a 1986 GMC Sierra Classic 2wd lwb my father father bought new. Body is solid GA truck. Trying to figure out what to do with it. It is running driving with a GM target 350. Truck is still in GA about 50 miles north of ATL. Just found you guys and look forward to following your channel.
You can certainly spend any amount of money. I’ve seen crate engine 7 liter ls with twin turbos listed over 25 grand for just the engine assembly. But HP per dollar is on a steep decline after a few thousand. As in stock 350 making 200 hp I buy an $800 6 liter a cam spend 2200 on motor and install make 450 ish hp.. that’s $12 dollars ls per hp. I could spend 30 grand and consistently make 1000. That’s $30 per hp. But that’s 37.50 per hp but it’s $49 per hp from the original 3000 dollar upgrade. Nothing wrong with that if you need 1000 plus, but for most of us the 450 is more than enough and a bargain, past that I can’t justify it in my 85 k5 that I just like to drive back and forth to work and wherever else I go and want it to be dependable, strong, fun to drive and more economical than the carbed 350 that’s in it now. I’m actually looking at a stock 6.0 with a 4l80 and transfer that will run me about 5 by the time it’s all done. Only because I haven’t found a 5.3 with a 4wd 4l80 anywhere and I want the strong trans. And I’m guessing a stock 6l will be cheaper and cheaper on gas and more dependable than a 5.3 tuned and cammed to equal it for low end torque honestly though a stock 5.3 with the 80 would be fine with me and plenty strong for what I need with maybe just a little tuning.
Man you guys are awesome I know I’m late to the party. But man so much info on LS swapping. I want to do my 86 Sierra here soon. Great job on the small details and for sharing the knowledge. 💪🏽😤💯
hello friend beautiful truck, can you please tell me the measurements of the rims and tires, I live in Germany, but I have it in Venezuela. It is the same color and my father gave it to me when he died.
I’ve got a 1964 Impala. I’m wanting to do an LS swap but have no clue where to start. What LS motor should I go with and what’s gonna be the total cost when finished? Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Man, that's a super hard question to answer. We like Gen 3 and 4 5.3s and typically end up with about $2500 in one aside from the cost of the motor and performance adders. Good luck!
really is no simple way to cam it.. it requires custom chips... upgraded fuel pump/regulator... and should get the cam kit you must replace lifters, springs should also be done... the exhaust cross over y pipe and factory cat dont flow at all... and if you get all that right the factory tb and manifold can only support 260hp stock fuel pump cant maintain the factory 200hp at 13psi... ive cammed two of them and am still deciding what to do with my current 1990... go here and read this site... very informative... harristuning.com/Tbi/
I have a gmc 1997 sierra, i like it but it hhas high rpm, it goes pretty fast but something w the cylinder was wrong so its in the shop, it has a 4.3L vortec and im considering ls swapping it but i really dont know how much it is even after watching these videos
Outside of the obvious being motor/trans/wiring/PCM/pedal(DBW), any advice on what to grab from the donor vehicle... I'm about to send the 05 suburban to the junkyard, but would love to grab all I can. Thanks!
It is, the only thing I think you might need some help with is tying the truck wiring harness into the LS engine and trans harness. Most everything else is nuts and bolts.
We've run the Speed Engineering shorties with success but I recently began running the Hooker Blackheart manifolds from Holley and love what they do from a sound and performance perspective. Plus they look CLEAN.
I have a 78 with dual tanks, glad to know I can use both. Been wanting to put either a 5.3 or a 6.0 vortec in it. Is that something yall would recommend? If so, should I do a full pullout and get the original trans with it or convert my current trans? Thanks guys
Jorden Mason id use the donor trans 100x over. It’s nice to have that overdrive and know if you want anything changed it’s a quick change on the laptop away. 👍🏻
nice work guys........you could of also saved money buy using the factory harrness that came on the 5.3......watch gear heads for life on youtube he show which 4 wire to hook up .....just so u know in the future....
I have about 3500 total in my swap. But I did some weird things on mine lol. Sloppy things...things you dont tell your mom about lmao
Sloppy Mechanics slumming and seeping into all RUclips channels.....
Haha that's about where I am on Teddy, too.
@@aaronmaclean4464 likely cause blue collar poor folk can relate to it lol. Before it was sloppy it was country
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS we do what we gotta do man lol.
@@kikkinasphalt haha true story!
I spent $2000 overall and my free labor but I love it best thing a could have ever done to my truck
There you go!
Was it hard to build?
03 Jojo not really I am an automotive tech but this is my first time doing a swap like this so done some research ang bought what I needed and just went at it I love this truck now
Juan Garza I really wanna build a c10 I love the truck could you tell me what you used ?
@@juangarza3204 will it work on an 83? I'm looking at one with a good 350 in it but this is the end goal.
Thanks for all the great Q&A. I inherited my dad's 78 longbed c10. I built a 350 for it and I struggled on the idea LS swap. I've learned alot watching videos such as yours and I'm going LS swap. I'm keeping dad's C10 old school sbc but I'm getting another shortbed to LS. Thanks
Heck yeah!
Carb is way better.
I want to swap but the price is double
@@SOLDOZER All my vehicles are carbs but fuel injection is the 21st-century way to go but I’m old-school I haven’t crossed that line yet
I can’t get enough of the square body c10’s 💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥
2 people myself and a friend ripping out his motor\trans from a 80's Firebird, rebuilding a junkyard motor, dropping the motor\trans in, wiring, fueling, fabricating air intake system, troubleshooting, install AC/PS/Alternator/accessories, and troubleshooting it took us about a month(not total time) from beginning to finish working sometimes 1-4 hours during the week and 4-12 hours on weekend. Tuning was done with a friend of mine on his dyno.
Sweet! That's how to get it done there.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS now I just need to find a home for the LS3 collecting dust wrapped in plastic in my garage. My first truck was an 85 Chevy short bed that I bought and did not run. Ripped the motor and trans then replaced it with a crate 502 I got with birthday money and saving. Stupidest thing I ever did was sell that truck. Now they are nearly impossible to find unless you want to spend what a new truck cost.
I got 6k in mine so far,but probably gonna spending 15k before I'm done.The love is real
It's the best
If you're mechanically inclined, it certainly helps! So does having some buddies willing to sacrifice to the greater cause! LOL thanks for the input and the clear shot of TTR's Crocs & Socks!!!!
haha thanks, Jason! And yep, gotta love the diversity of the UBT fashion team hahahaha
I am mechanically inclined small shade tree mechanic at home thank you for the video it’s awesome
I get this question at every show and cruise. I shouldn't have done this, but I did it for record keeping "if" I ever sell my truck. I kept a detailed log of a every part, big or small, on my build and what it cost. It's scary how fast it adds up. In hindsight, I could skip some of the new parts and work I did, but I wasn't sure of condition at the time with the engine and trans. I didn't get to see either run and drive so I error-ed on the side of caution and rebuilt. My OCD also got the best of me and I spiraled down that wormhole a few times. All in all, I wouldn't change it for the world. Fortunately, these trucks are at least holding their value so I won't get hurt if I sell. It's all in what you want out of it. I was brought up on fuel injection and computers, so that is what I wanted. I know how a carb works, but it is still a bit like sorcery to me. You can most definitely do it on the cheap, or you can spend a fortune. At the end of the day, do what you are comfortable with.
So very well said! I kept up with the same on Teddy but have honestly yet to tally it up. Ron has the same but we didn't tally it up completely. We decided to work with round numbers that were easier to digest and tack them on to the engine/trans cost as well as tuning. I'm sure it's not the exact answer some want, but it's the best we could do and feel like it gives us garage builders a good frame of reference.
Rusty Wrenches my ocd is the same. I just wanted it right. If it took longer so be it. That said the other half of me just didn’t want to see the numbers so I never really kept up with it.
🙂While everyone’s ls swapping, I want to built a big block 454 (:
Yes sir! Ain't nothin wrong with that!
Oscar Tamez whats that
Tell ya 2 miles a gallon
Nothing like a big block
@@andy347495 yeah you're right but I couldn't see a big block as a daily driver
Just a bit of information for who it may help I did a LS swap on on a 85 c10 and I modified the sending unit by relocating the float and putting it on the return tube it has a spot for rivets the float is accurate the pump I had to cut the tube for the pump to fit so it can sit as low as possible for when the fuel is low this was a way for me to not spend the money on the correct tank for this swap it works and been working of course I purchase a stack tank for the 85 and the sending unit for the 86 and I used the pump from a 2004 Chevy Tahoe that was from the diner vehicle as far as connections it’s simple everything was easy it took me about 15 minutes to assemble everything after getting new tank sending unit and pump the truck runs great and it’s a daily driver .
I got the motor into my truck! It should be done soon and on the road! Keep an eye out for a video of it! I want to thank you guys for the motivation to finish my truck!
Heck yea, man! Can't wait to see the video. Congrats!
You made a great point when you said someone might say "I can do in one hour what it takes you 10 hours to do..." To them I would say that may be so, but my ten hour time is spent taking my time, meticulously paying attention to every detail, checking and double-checking so that it is done right the FIRST and only time. Not that your job wouldn't be done right, but I don't do this for a living...that is, I don't do it every day all day long so much that I could do it with my eyes closed like you might, so please take that into consideration when blowing your own horn about how awesome you are, or how slow I am! My proverbial 10 hours is spent taking my time, not rushing or getting in a hurry, and having fun! I don't care if you can do the same thing in one hour..you know, good for you, what do you want, a parade? I'm not made of money so I have to make sure that what I do is done right because I cannot afford to have something break, and have to re-buy (is that a word?) parts just because i got in a hurry and f'd something up. I literally cannot even watch these shows anymore where they say "we have 6 hours to do a complete frame off restoration..." (slight exaggeration, but not by much!) because I know that corners are inevitably going to be cut, and unimaginable and more than likely, unfixable problems are going to surface probably as soon as the project rolls out the door! Anyway..great show! Have a great day and keep up the good work!
Rick Shaw completely agree! Thanks for the feedback.
I was able to do it for around $3-3.5k including the motor and trans. I bought a wrecked van for $1300. took the 6.0, 4l80, stock exhaust, drive shaft, brake booster and stock wiring harness and sold the van body for 800.
Then I bought:
-small block to LS adapter motor mounts
-sent the computer and harness to 150 tunes for wire cut down and reprogramming
-like 500 in hoses and external fuel pump
-bought an after market shaft for around 700
-aluminum 3 core radiator
-aftermarket floor shifter
- then about $6-700 in odds and ends.
Nailed it, man!
Hey thanks for an accurate cost from purchasing a vehicle for total set up
@@Pontiac6878 you can sometimes find totalled vehicles for fairly cheap.
Trucks and Van's that get t-boned, rear ended or rolled often go for super cheap.
You might be able to find one on craigslist or at auctions.
If you have patience and part out a decent vehicle, you can sometimes make all of your money back.
@@zososldier this is totally my plan I'm keeping an eye out, idc if it's a 4.8 5.3 or 6.0 if the price is right, but I do want the whole set up so just gotta wait I guess...
@@Pontiac6878 keep an eye out for SS trailblazers(and I think some tahoes).
They came with aluminum block truck 5.3 liter engines.
Save yourself like 110lbs by going aluminum.
Not to mention mid 00 Pontiacs came with aluminum LS engines.
When I watch you guys I learn
Buddies just did a swap in a older c10 I believe they used a factory Jeep electric fan setup and it fit perfectly even controlled the whole thing with hp tuners
Yup, there's so many solid ways to do it!
I have been debating about doing this to my 76 Chevy Nova,. But I love my Chevy 350 So much
Nothing wrong with a Gen 1.
My 5.3/4L60 in my 79' is right at $4500. That's also the $1800 labor to have it installed.
How did you go about finding someone to do it
I got my donor truck with my LS for free, just had to go pick it up & bring it home...haven't swapped it yet though, I'm just starting my chassis, so can't say how much exactly I'll have in the engine once I get it in the other truck...I'll be using the transmission & differential from the donor truck as well, so cost for acquiring the entire drive train for my build was some gas money...won't know how much the engine will cost to build for a little while yet...but if you apply yourself, you can pick up an engine super cheap...
I prefer to pick up a low miles 5.3 with direct injection...easier fuel system, cam swap (DoD delete anyway so may as well up the power a bit) alone gets the motor to around 450 hp...but you cant beat free if its low miles and don't have to rwbuild it
Price of the harness, PCM, radiator with a union for the steam port from the LS, and then tuning it. That's the swap done.
Hard parts are bell housing, flywheel, flexplate, brake booster (or delete) options, clutch master etc.
Then you can figure if you want to run OEM GM VSS sending unit on your trans tailhousing for the PCM to use cruise as well as better for economy. The electric fans or just jerry rigging it to the old clutch fan.
If you're going 4x4, you better start thinking np205 and $190 to have the VSS reflector ring adapted to your transfer case tailhousing for quick and painless option.
Speedo fix is driving by mobile until you swap out your gauge or adapt it over from the VSS.
If you're running an LS1, you have to adapt the crank with a specific flywheel and if you're going manual trans, prepare to grab your knees... It'll sting to get your NV4500 mounted. So many variations on that unit that you had best visit Advanced Adapters to view their tech for using that trans. It'll be worth it for a beast of a 4x4 and that's where I'm headed with my K5.
If you don't move, you'll lose! Best to just bite down and get it done... Don't camp on it because it's a terrible waste of your time and a part of your life that you'll never get back.
Bright side, your truck will be worth a whole lot more money if you do it right by the time you finish it and you'll have a sense of accomplishment!
I have a 90 suburban 2wd 3/4 ton with a 350. I also bought a part truck with a 4.8 ls. The flex plate is cracked on 350 and 0 oil pressure when warmed up. Now the 4.8 has been sitting a few years so it will need work. My plans are to change flex plate and try changing oil with better oil to get my winter ride through winter... Then do ls swap next spring.
Sweet! Sounds like a killer plan.
I bought a speedo for mine that works off of GPS
Power ground and mount your antenna and your done
"You're already there" . Man I am the world's worst at "while I'm here I might as well..." to the point that it delays my projects endlessly. I really need to learn the "it's good enough" lesson.
That's more my speed. lol
Love the truck. I'm presently looking for a short bed 2w.d. I have a 5.3 in my garage that came out of a wrecked 2013 4w.d. with 32 k miles on the clock.
Whoa! That's super low mileage. Good luck!
You want one that’s already fixed up ? I have a 1985 square body for 10k
Gen 4 5.3 little bit more work for a swap but hope it’s been well!
I hate this question / discussion . I'm north of 20 grand in my 87c10.
If I had to do it all over I would have put aluminum heads on a rebuild 350 and fitech fuel injection
I'm going to do the same thing to my 87. I've been quoted around $7,000 to $8,000 by 4 different shops.
@@therealchucktaylor3392 just remember .....you get what you pay for , these guys that are rebuilding their old wire harness are the ones posting question,a about why their truck isn't idling or throwing codes . ....i bought the best .... I saved my money until I could , I'm broke also
North of $20k on your swap? Easy to do but I hope you started with a crate LS3/7 etc and all new components. Nothing wrong with an EFI small block. I'd look at Holley Sniper over FiTech though.
If that $7-8k includes engine and trans, labor, hard part, etc, I can see how it makes sense.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS I'm way past that point , but you get what I'm saying
Great video I got a 64 c10 from my dad and i have a 5.3 with transmission and a bunch of parts including wiring harness with computer, radiator with electric fan,kwikwire harness and dakota gauges
What i don't have is the skills to put all that together but im all hands on.I hope i could get some help to put it together that truck means a lot to me i just have to get it running.
It will be a great candidate for your next video! 😁😁😁
That sounds like the right parts! Good luck getting your project together.
I got a 69 c10 on a 87 suburban fram
I totlally agree it took me 6 sat at 8 hours each sat. Thats about 48 hours. I didnt do the rockers and springs cam so yeah. The fuel system alone took a whole day. The wiring was about 2 sat.
Yup! It’s no small task but it’s one worth doing.
If you take a 2002 Silverado dash and cut the corners just right. You can use the gauges to from that Silverado and have a speedometer and everything
You can use a 91/92 suburban cluster and have everything hook up and work. That’s what I did on mine and it’s now in Texas running around.
Cool! He wants aftermarket gauges.
UNITED BY TRUCKS don’t blame him they’re nice.
I bought a complete 2002 Silverado 2500 2WD with a 6.0/4L80E that has 72k miles on it for 7k. I paid that because of the low miles, and it's complete. Plus, it's a bare-bones truck with no AC, no power windows. I have the entire truck with all wiring sensors, etc, to grab when I need them. I'm trying to pass california smog with it, so we'll see how that goes. Lot's more money to spend.
This is really interesting. And I think after this I'm going to stay with my 355. And add Aluminum heads cam and fuel injection. UBT 4 life!
Excellent choice!
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS thanks bro I just love the ole school look and sound. I mean ls is nice but rite now it's just the best thing for me money wise. But down tha road o yea! UBT 4 LIFE!
I work at a hot rod shop and have done my fair share of LS swaps, that being said you guys should try the BP harness they are cleaner, way better looking, and way easier to install. I did a PSI harness and ECU on a custom square body quad cab a few months ago and the ECU was un tunable and took more time to install.
Thanks for the feedback!
You on the East coast VLM?
Lloyd Hardy Texas here.
why not use the donar vehicle pcm and harness? I'm getting ready for LS swap, but I think I'm going to use the 4l60e in my K5 4x4
Old harness and too much work to re-work. We used factory pcm on this one
Can't wait to ls swap mine, aiming for next year
Sweet! You'll love it.
.Thanks again for taking time to answer all questions, As always, much appreciated 👍🏻
Thanks for tuning in!
How can I get in touch with you, I live just north of Atlanta
UNITED BY TRUCKS i got a good question two locals sellers got same truck like y’all’s one with a 454 other with 5.3 which one you think i should get
thanks fellas i bought a short bed 69 chevrolet over the weekend just a body
Sweet! Blank canvas.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS yes sir going too ls it and slam it to the ground it has sweet patina
@@jeremystrickland7767 my favorite kind :)
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS yes sir robbie mine to bro damn i can't wait to meet you guys
What did you pay for it if you don’t mind me asking
What ac system (details) 🙏 🙏 🙏 like the part next to the radiator please sir
Stock LS AC with custom made lines to adapt to the LS compressor
in my truck, I will be going with the 383 stroker.
Sweet!
I have an 77 c10 and what I did for fuel is an 87 tank, 87 sender , Corvette fuel filter, and use an compression fittings to hook up my ptfe hoses to my factory hardlines. Works perfectly
Sweet!
you know the type of square body is hard to find is the extended cab type that is a rare to me type. just helped a friend rebuild his 350 and fix some of the common rust fix issues on the corner of the cab. but to be honest the extended cab looks amazing but a rare type
Yup They are. Somebody actually tagged us in one the other day. Not a factory option but the third party guys did it well.
Love the truck TTR GREAT JOB by everyone involved!! Thank you for all of the information that’s involved.
Thanks for tuning in!
I have a 1986 Silverado short bed dual tank it was my fathers who passed , but it don’t run should I LS swap and what would it cost DIY to get it back on road ? It’s been sitting for 15 yrs but never wrecked that’s what I want daily driver ! Need to get fire under me would be sweat ! Seeing how nice y’all trucks are!
I made my own electronic speedo from a 1990 G20 van modifie to fit C10 cluster for $25...can wait to see if it work! :D
Sweet! Let us know how it turns out.
What did you use for your suspension & Shocks?
It's a simple spindle/springs set-up in front and a flip kit in the rear. Think they are Belltech shocks.
I'm a new subscriber I've enjoyed and learned a lot I'm going to LS swap my 2018 Chevy ZR2 Colorado as soon as the warranty is over I'm building the engine now it's a 4.8 that's plenty with trick heads and cam and headers plus a tune can't wait
Sweet! That sounds like a super cool project. Keep us posted on it!
Just finished up my first ls swap by myself, i did a bunch of unnecessary modifications, but my harness cost me 400, and i had 200 in motor mounts, 200 in a trans, and could have done the rest for free. Probably have 30 hours of real work by myself making it run, not including exhaust. Very realistic, but ive also done several engine swaps by myself, just not ls swaps.
Ls swaps are expensive. I may do it but it's pricey
@@jamesjones4309 they can be for sure. I've done 3 now, all under 1000
Last question: So you went with a 5.3 for Pecos. I'm am contemplating a 5.3 vs a 6.0 (looking at a few donor vehicles between 2005-2007 with both engines). I spoke to a fellow at Summit who tells me to go 5.3 because they tend to be less problematic/last longer than the 6.0. (i.e. 6.0 has issues with oil pressure, etc) While I don't have to have a "drag truck", the 6.0 sounds sexy and it will come out of the donor vehicle 400hp-ready which is my HP goal. Hate to ask such a long winded/involved question, but what do u guys think...? (each vehicle has between 100-120k miles on them)
Can't go wrong with either. Never heard of any oil pressure issues with a 6.0 specifically, though I'm no expert. That said, if I had a choice and your goals, I'd go with the 6.0. We'll be putting a 6.0 in the new project TTR just landed for the UBT audience.
Had a 6.0, never had an issue. 5.3 is also a great engine.
Another sweet video, Kinda makes me want to LS swap my 69'.
Thank you! That would be cool but I bet it has a cool motor in it right now.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS Yeah it has 425hp 355c1 with fi-tech and aluminum heads - she goes
what do you mean, that he used donor drive shaft!!! from what vehicle fits c10,
Driveshaft from the suburban
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS does it have to be shortened or it fits perfect? I have a 03 donor suburban
to fit a lab c10 79'
Great content Robbie keep Pumpimg out them videos bro 👍
Thanks, John!
Second time around watching this build. Great to see the friendship between you guys. Great build. Although I have a 53 truck with i think is the third motor in it. It was long after I put in this 350 that I'd. Started thinking about ls swapping. Maybe next year I take the time to do it. My last work truck had a 4.8 but my new '17 has a 5.3. I love the power of it so ill be looking for that up hear in PA. The only thing about the trucks up hear is they rust out. Plenty of good running motors though. Thanks for all the detai) information.
could u have used the original oil pan
Yes, with Tejas mounts you can
Cool video man. I LS swapped my 66 Tempest with a LQ4 on my channel they pretty good motors. I’ve put a ton of smiles per gallon on that car.
Heck yeah! That sounds like a bad ride.
Gdmorning or gdnight this might be a old question. But new to the chevy game I bought my first 91 chevy silverado 4.3 v6 EF1. I understand I can go LS I know i need a LS motor cpu harness maybe trans. But witch motor mounts do i have to look up to buy. So I am able to run the LS.
You know, Omar, we've never swapped an OBS. I would start with Dirty Dingo and see if they have anything to LS swap an OBS truck (88-98).
What kind of wire harness do u use for a sqr body?
PSI Conversion
Love Pecos! Congrats!!!
My dad wants a already done swap what should we look for to know if it’s a good swap
I love the content brother! Much love man !
Thanks, man!
Niners whooped that ass!
We have a 1986 GMC Sierra Classic 2wd lwb my father father bought new. Body is solid GA truck. Trying to figure out what to do with it. It is running driving with a GM target 350. Truck is still in GA about 50 miles north of ATL. Just found you guys and look forward to following your channel.
Truck is not for sale. Just would like to make it a good daily cruiser.
i have an 78 3/4 ton crew cab i want to swap my tiered 350 to a 6.0 ls
You can certainly spend any amount of money. I’ve seen crate engine 7 liter ls with twin turbos listed over 25 grand for just the engine assembly. But HP per dollar is on a steep decline after a few thousand. As in stock 350 making 200 hp I buy an $800 6 liter a cam spend 2200 on motor and install make 450 ish hp.. that’s $12 dollars ls per hp. I could spend 30 grand and consistently make 1000. That’s $30 per hp. But that’s 37.50 per hp but it’s $49 per hp from the original 3000 dollar upgrade. Nothing wrong with that if you need 1000 plus, but for most of us the 450 is more than enough and a bargain, past that I can’t justify it in my 85 k5 that I just like to drive back and forth to work and wherever else I go and want it to be dependable, strong, fun to drive and more economical than the carbed 350 that’s in it now. I’m actually looking at a stock 6.0 with a 4l80 and transfer that will run me about 5 by the time it’s all done. Only because I haven’t found a 5.3 with a 4wd 4l80 anywhere and I want the strong trans. And I’m guessing a stock 6l will be cheaper and cheaper on gas and more dependable than a 5.3 tuned and cammed to equal it for low end torque honestly though a stock 5.3 with the 80 would be fine with me and plenty strong for what I need with maybe just a little tuning.
Man you guys are awesome I know I’m late to the party. But man so much info on LS swapping. I want to do my 86 Sierra here soon. Great job on the small details and for sharing the knowledge. 💪🏽😤💯
Appreciate it!!
hello friend beautiful truck, can you please tell me the measurements of the rims and tires, I live in Germany, but I have it in Venezuela. It is the same color and my father gave it to me when he died.
Who makes the kit for the dual tanks? Was hard to understand thanks
hmmmm let me get with TTR and get back to you. Likely tanks inc.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS awesome thanks
I’ve got a 1964 Impala. I’m wanting to do an LS swap but have no clue where to start. What LS motor should I go with and what’s gonna be the total cost when finished? Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Man, that's a super hard question to answer. We like Gen 3 and 4 5.3s and typically end up with about $2500 in one aside from the cost of the motor and performance adders. Good luck!
I will be over hauling a 1983 3/4 ton Chev Truck CK-20 like your site.
Thanks much!
Can you elaborate on the dual tank thing you mentioned at around the 2 min mark?
Where did you all buy those mounts from that’s on the engine
Tejas Steelworks. That’s all we use for squarebodies
How much and where can I by them
so what did it cost all in total?
Great info as always.
Thanks, brother!
Ok I got a 91 Chevy with a 5.7 an I just want to cam it what the best cam to go with
No idea on that truck since it's TBI. Quick google search would likely point you in the right direction.
really is no simple way to cam it.. it requires custom chips... upgraded fuel pump/regulator... and should get the cam kit you must replace lifters, springs should also be done... the exhaust cross over y pipe and factory cat dont flow at all... and if you get all that right the factory tb and manifold can only support 260hp stock fuel pump cant maintain the factory 200hp at 13psi... ive cammed two of them and am still deciding what to do with my current 1990...
go here and read this site... very informative... harristuning.com/Tbi/
I have a gmc 1997 sierra, i like it but it hhas high rpm, it goes pretty fast but something w the cylinder was wrong so its in the shop, it has a 4.3L vortec and im considering ls swapping it but i really dont know how much it is even after watching these videos
Outside of the obvious being motor/trans/wiring/PCM/pedal(DBW), any advice on what to grab from the donor vehicle... I'm about to send the 05 suburban to the junkyard, but would love to grab all I can. Thanks!
Driveshaft if you don't have one is all that comes to mind right now.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS Already snagged it! Thanks for documenting the pecos build... I'm mirroring that whole build
@@ThatGuy-ps7ui Sweet! Thanks for tuning in.
Great job guys!!!!
Thank you so much!
Question my dad just recently passed me his 82 c10 that was sitting in the garage for 11 years i want to 5.3 ls swap it how much would it cost
Exavier Barrera about $3000 once you have the engine and trans. You can do it cheaper. Did you watch the video? They literally answered this question.
Exavier Barrera shop in Texas quotes me 5k for everything
i am doing the same thing in a chevy truck right now and was wondering if 342 rear gear will work ok with 4i60e trans.
Yes, it will!
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS Thanks
I have a 95 c 1500 with a 5.7 liter in it...can I drop a ls 5.3 motor in it...would it bolt
Sure! Just need right motor mounts and other supporting parts
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS like what other supporting parts I will need for it... The trans I have in it is a 4l60e
i got two local people that got trucks like yalls one have Ls 5.3 other got 454 which one do yall think i should get opinions from both of you
Depends on your goals, but if the swap was done right and you want longevity and reliability for long drives, go LS.
Does a 1985 c 10 front suspension work on a 1974 c10 rdrive
Because I have a problem with the previous owner put a lowering kit that makes my truck handle horrible
Yes, it does!
Do you happen to have a front suspension front for 1974 for my project
The beer you guys are drinking is made 20 minutes from my house. We call it Pottsville Piss Water
Can you swap an LS engine into a 66'?
I got a quick question I have a truck like that TBI how much do you think I was being to rebuild the 700r4 transmission
A rebuilt 700r4 is legit. Usually around $750 to have one rebuilt to stock and it goes way up from there.
I have no mechanic experience at all and was wondering if it's possible for a average Joe to tackle a ls swap
It is, the only thing I think you might need some help with is tying the truck wiring harness into the LS engine and trans harness. Most everything else is nuts and bolts.
What headers do you recommend ? I have the same Tejas mounts in my 77
We've run the Speed Engineering shorties with success but I recently began running the Hooker Blackheart manifolds from Holley and love what they do from a sound and performance perspective. Plus they look CLEAN.
I have a 78 with dual tanks, glad to know I can use both. Been wanting to put either a 5.3 or a 6.0 vortec in it. Is that something yall would recommend? If so, should I do a full pullout and get the original trans with it or convert my current trans? Thanks guys
Definitely recommend if that's the route you want to go.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS would you recommend keeping the vortec's original trans or convert my 350 trans to fit it? Thanks for the reply!
Jorden Mason id use the donor trans 100x over. It’s nice to have that overdrive and know if you want anything changed it’s a quick change on the laptop away. 👍🏻
@@twotrucksron4116 thanks man! Love your setup! Y'all guys did killer.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS do you think a 5.3 or 6.0 with 220k miles is too many? Is there a cut off millage y'all would recommend?
Hey man what drop does this truck have ?
4.5/6 at the time
I want to build a 427 for my c10 but ls7 is way out of my price range. Is it possible to stroke a lq4 to 427??
Now that I'm unsure of. I think a pretty common bore/stroke is to 416 but unsure if 427 is attainable.
Keep it up! Keyboard warriors will be keyboard warriors 😉
Thanks, man! So discouraging to see people like that. smh
Cant please everyone bud! true subscribers would watch you talk about a prius lol
What happened to the good ole 4 Bolt main 350 chopped up
Still there and happening in garages all across the country
Hi guys, I've heard that a 4.3 vortex engine is equivalent to a 350 engine less to cylinders. Is this true?
@Carlos p Yes it's true, the 4.3 has the same bore size as a 350, same oil pump, same water pump, same piston and rings, just has 2 less cylinders.
just answered a question i had from another video. hahah. great content
Sweet! Glad to help.
Should I go with 6.0 or 5.3 ?
I'm around 10k in mine thats without having to buy a motor and trans! I did a lot of performance upgrades.
I have 3500 in swap on my 86 with a stage 2 cam
Sweet!
What's yhe name of that kit that runs both tanks on tanksinc I can't find it
When you do the instrument swap would you be video it for the channel?
We will certainly try.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS thank you I'm trying to figure out how hard it will be to put one in
@@travisburch6970 i don't think it's a very easy swap. Extensive electrical knowledge is required from what I understand.
2 trucks "could" look into a 91 suburban cluster. As they are all electric and would retain the stock look
The Norse One i could but there other advantages to the Dakota digitals that the subuarban gauges don’t offer
Why leave the front bumper guards in that front bumper
Because they look awesome!
I’m assuming he’ll do Spal 2044’s with the Tejas shroud.
I believe so, yep.
Those little Bastards move a ton of air.
How solid the truck get its name pecos?
nice work guys........you could of also saved money buy using the factory harrness that came on the 5.3......watch gear heads for life on youtube he show which 4 wire to hook up .....just so u know in the future....
Yup, you definitely can, but a ton of work (days to rework a harness) so we opt to use new. PSI makes it too easy.
@@UNITEDBYTRUCKS thats cool that youtube channel i sent u he does the same to a square body.....plus check out this web site...LT1 SWAP.COM
Did you use stock a/c condencor