1985 k5 4x4 5.3l vortec swap

[spider_0072]

I just picked up a clean 85 k5 blazer 4x4 and already starting to gather parts for my 5.3l ls swap. Currently running a 350 with a 700r4 and getting about 10 mpg's. I'm running 33's with 3.73 gears. My hopes are to get 16 to 18 mpg's and turn this into my daily driver. I will be posting pics and parts along the way to hopefully help someone else considering this swap. I have spent months planning this out, so here it goes.

 

[spider_0072]

Picked up complete dropout from Bow auto. 5.3l vortec out of a 2000 silverado with 125,000 miles. I'm going to be keeping the 700r4 behind it as it was rebuilt a short time ago. Will post more about how to run with the ls engine later.

 

[350runner]

Awesome Dude! Looking forward to hearing the progress

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[spider_0072]

Got the harness taken off and have decided to send it off to be rewired and to also have the ecm reflashed. Need to have emissions and vats removed to work as a stand alone unit. I have shipped it out to BP Automotive for the rewire. They seem to do good work from reviews and after I spoke with Bill I decided on using his services. I elected for the premium service which he wires in all necessary relays and fuses for your application. I will be running dual electric fans and a/c so he will add in wiring for both. I should have it back in about 3 or 4 weeks, gives me time to grt everything else ordered and engine ready to drop in. I started pulling off the accessories, water pump, starter, manifolds, ect. To clean up the engine and get ready for paint.

 

[Silversamps85]

New to the forum, I have an 85 k20 that I am swapping a 5.3 into. Going to be watching closely, I still have a few questions...can't wait and good luck!


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[350runner]

If you don't mind please provide the cost of items out services used in this build. Thanks it will help a lot when deciding on staying carbed or going full ls.

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[kleedus]

I am interested in how you hook up the tv cable from the 700r4

I have a low mile 5.3 less than 60,000 and a rebuilt 4l80 just trying to decide what I want to put it in. I have a couple c10's I could put it in

I will follow your build

 

[MrMarty51]

 

[Edhard_Stark]

Nice, I'm looking to pick up an LS engine and work it over winter for my K10. Please let us know what you'll be doing with the exhaust manifolds, engine mounts and fuel system. So far from what I've seen, fbody manifolds and dirty dingo engine mounts are the way to go for that. As for fuel system, people seem to have different routes to take.

 

[flyboy1100]

subscribed

 

[MadOgre]

Hoping to see lots more pictures

 

[spider_0072]

I will be posting my parts list soon with pricing and will be posting pictures during the swap. I'm planning on starting the swap in early October. Stayed tuned!

 

[spider_0072]

I am interested in how you hook up the tv cable from the 700r4

I have a low mile 5.3 less than 60,000 and a rebuilt 4l80 just trying to decide what I want to put it in. I have a couple c10's I could put it in

I will follow your build

I bought a kit from bowtie overdrives specifically for the vortec engine. The kit comes with a new tv cable, bracket, mounting hardware, and instructions.

 

[spider_0072]

prepped and ready for paint

Finally got around to wire brushing and cleaning the engine today. I also sand blasted the accessory bracket today. I will be hitting it with paint next and will get that done next Thursday.

 

[spider_0072]

Engine is painted

Got around to painting the engine yesterday. I decided to go with Chevy orange for an old school touch. It's still all masked up but turned really good. I spent about 6 hours or so prepping it before I shot it with paint.