1981 1500 5.3 LM7 Swap?

[Chris Paul]

Howdy Fellas

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!

I am completely new to working on cars. My pops was never really into working on them growing up and I never took the initiative. I drove my 1981 1500 in highschool for a few years before the engine overheated and died on me. I am finally getting back to swapping it now. It will be my first time really doing any big mechanical work outside of changing brake fluid and normal maintenance. I am thinking about doing a 5.3 mainly because of cost and I figured it was a popular, easy swap that a bunch of guys have done before.

Any advice from guys who have done the swap or any better engines to swap would be wicked. Any recommendations or advice is appreciated.

 

[Craig 85]

 

[1973c10]

Welcome

 

[Babs]

 

[Shorty81]

I would swap with a 292 or any small block or big block Chevy, not a LS. JMO

 

[77 K20]

http://tildenmotorsports.com/products/take-out-engines.html

Might be up your alley. They sell used LS engines along with a wiring harness and the computer. Haven't used them, but seen them used a lot on different car shows. As much "hate" as the LS swaps get, something to be said about just having a modern reliable engine in something.

 

[WFO]

Welcome from up in the Panhandle.

 

[eskimomann209]

First and foremost important part of getting this swap done right. Search and read. Read and search. When you think you understand one section, research that section more.
For example
Fuel delivery
Mounts
Fuel tank
Wiring
Ecu
Intake
Throttle body
Gauges
Drivelines
O2 sensors
Headers
List goes on. But the info is here. Take notes review your notes.
Start the swap, stumped on a spot?
Research it... stumped? Ask.
Take pictures... post pictures...
People will see your progress and point out pit falls.
Asking the same dead tired question will probably get ignored.
Just shy of the welcome to the site.

On that note. Nice truck, welcome to the site.
Please use the search function.

 

[Corvette Ed]

Welcome aboard.

 

[86 SCOTTSDALE]

Welcome from Mass.

 

[R Carnella]

You haven’t mentioned your budget because that’s probably the most important the thing to consider when starting a project like this. It can be done a few different ways depending

 

[Camar068]

Grounds are your friend.....but can be your enemy....don't forget any of them, they'll love you or bite you

Welcome