engine swap

[skip64]

Hello,

New member and glad I finally took the time to find this forum.

I have a '64 C/10 Stepside. It has a '65 283 with a 3-speed on the column. Although I like the "old school" thought of the 283, I'm really looking for reliability. I have the opportunity to get an '05 GM 5.3L with the tranny. Everything (computer, wire harness, etc.) comes with it. Has anyone ever done this swap before? If so, is it worth it?

I have some pics, but nothing really to look at yet.

Thanks and again, glad I've found this.

[LittleStar]

This is indeed a worthwhile swap. The motor and trans fit like the truck was born with them. The only clearance problem I encountered was the large header pipe flanges on the stock cast iron exhaust manifolds would not clear the frame but there are alternatives such as headers, etc. I'm using a pair of manifolds from a '98-'99 Camaro/Firebird LS-1. These are fabed from sheetmetal so the big flanges are easy to replace with smaller ones. Unless you're an electronics wizard and are able to modify the stock engine harness yourself you will need to buy an aftermarket harness. In either case you'll have to have the computer reprogrammed to remove all the bells and whistles that the late truck has and the early one doesn't.

[Dave Young]

I'm considering putting an '07 4.3L in mine, so I'll be in the same boat.

[skip64]

lilstar,

Thanks so much for the reply ;D ;D ;D! You have made my choice for me and I appreciate it. I'm sure I'll have many questions along the way and hope you're able to assist.

First question I have, where did you get your computer reprogrammed?

[clem]

ok try this one i am building a 1965 c20 on a 71 4x4 frame with a d44 and a 14 bolt 6 inch lift with a 6.5 turbo diesel .power mpg and dependabilty .th350 and 208 t-case .

[rgaqrickp]

I'm going to put in an '04 5.3 with a 4l60 tranny. has anyone done this that might have a few pics and/or experiences to share?

[skip64]

Well, it has begun. About eight hours worth of work and I'm just about ready to remove and replace the engine and transmission. Next thing is hood and inner fender well removal then engine/tranny. I found the paint was covering up a little more rust than I had originally thought was there, but that's why they make patch panels.

Comments, both negative and positive, are welcome...

P.S. I've got plenty of pictures, but not sure how to upload them. I've tried Photobucket, but this site won't let me paste the URL. I can't directly upload pictures either as this site asks for a key. If anyone knows the secret, do tell.