5.3L Vortec V8 Conversion

[highstumpr]

Frank, You might look into a surge tank. You need an opening pressure tank higher than your steam ports. Early XJ style. Look here,http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Cooling/ .

 

[Keithmania]

Just read through the whole thread and wowsers! What an awesome build! Its been a few months since there have been any new posts so I was wondering the current outcomes? conditions? crankiness? conundrums? quirks? kinks? and capers you have had to deal with. Any new updates on your rig would be awesome. -Keith

 

[Frank Z]

Coming up on 5k miles since the swap.

Nothing negative to report. The engine is running beautifully and the sound still turns heads from time to time.

 

[Keithmania]

I was wondering what your final cooling solution was. I know there had been some banter as to whether or not go with the fancy schmancy aluminum radiator... What'd you finally end up with? BTW, this write up is saved as a favorite for when I do my own 5.3 swap. Hopefully, I can get my hands on the L33 version. All aluminum sounds smexy.

 

[Frank Z]

Still using my aluminum ebay radiator. I'll see how it does when the weather warms up.

 

[Jeremyxj]

I'm glad I found this thread because I plan on doing this swap. I already have the 5.3 out of a 2006 Chevy truck but I bought it with no harness so I was wondering what you experts would recommend for wiring. I live in AK so chasing down a harness may be hard and expensive. But is that the route I should take or is there a place where I can get a simple harness conversion. All imput is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Frank Z]

Try Howell or Painless. Both offer stand alone harnesses.

 

[John D]

I haven't looked lately, but I think the Painless and others are pricey.

I see them on ebay alot; car-part too.

Also check with your local JY., unless they sell the motor as a drop-out the chances are they would have a harness available.

 

[Jeremyxj]

Wow checked the painless and its just over a thousand and the Howell at 650 I think my best bet is going to he the JY. Also am i not going to be able to put the engine and clear the exhaust without cutting off the stock upper control arm mount ? I'll be running the novac headers

 

[Frank Z]

That's why rewoked the harness that came with my engine.

The headers from Novak (made by Sanderson) are the ony headers that fit without any modification to the vehicle. The collector is above the UCA mount (frame). I cut mine just for a little added clearnce and room to work.

 

[Jeremyxj]

Ok good I'm hoping to do the swap with my current situation of a 4 inch short arm then upgrade my suspension once the engine is all swapped and working right

 

[collkid]

So, heard this thing start up and run a week or two ago. Man its a beast!

Makes me want something V8 powered.

 

[crazy hickmon]

so have you run the ac yet. i read that you were using the ac in the stock location with only a little bit of trimming on the motor mounts. kind of curious what has turned out with it. i got a 5.3l on the way with the 4l65 and i'm wanting to run ac. it would be awesome to see a pic of the mod for the ac.

john d talked me out of swapping the intake and running a cowl hood like yours.

 

[Frank Z]

I have the A/C bolted in but that's it. No mods needed to get it to fit.

 

[John D]

X2, I intend to use mine for OBA but it bolted right on without issues.

 

[Gigantor]

Excellent read and quite humorous at times - had to have been some rectal pain involved, but your perseverance paid great dividends. You may disclaim "Legend," but you'll have to submit that you are a "Pioneer." Great job and congratulations!

You've definitely inspired me to do this and it appears after a spell of research that I'll go with a Novak Conversion Package to conserve aspirin...

 

[1991Jeep_Man]

Would a 2003 5.3L still follow most of the work done here? I ask because the engines I'm looking for/at all have a cable driven throttle rather than a DBW system. I personally like fewer electronic hassles to deal with, and would also prefer to have a direct connection between my foot and the throttle.

 

[John D]

Would a 2003 5.3L still follow most of the work done here? I ask because the engines I'm looking for/at all have a cable driven throttle rather than a DBW system. I personally like fewer electronic hassles to deal with, and would also prefer to have a direct connection between my foot and the throttle.

Why? There is no value added in a cable connected from your pedal and your TB. I love my DBW and wouldn't consider ever changing to a cable.

But to answer your question, a cable operated TB will work just fine if it is an older 5.3 or LS1.

 

[1991Jeep_Man]

Why? There is no value added in a cable connected from your pedal and your TB. I love my DBW and wouldn't consider ever changing to a cable.

But to answer your question, a cable operated TB will work just fine if it is an older 5.3 or LS1.

Personally, I just don't like adding another variable to an otherwise simple equation. But again, I am not for sure exactly the benefit of a DBW system or how realiable they are. But in the event of a short or something, what happens? Are you stuck trying to find an electrical gremlin while your XJ just sits?

Edit: Actually, I guess DBW it is. Appariently everything GM made in 2003 and up used DBW, including all 5.3L's. From what I read, the harness can be modified, but you have to splice and pin in sensors and an IAC. And then the computer has to have something done to it to control the IAC.

 

[John D]

Yes, in the event of a short or something you will be stuck looking for an answer. It's no different than any other connector/switch/sensor. It is pretty straight forward and easy to find info though.

I have a friend who did a conversion back to a cable and it did add a lot of hurdles to the project. All the things you mentioned and more.