G-body specialists in the DFW area

[Texas82GP]

If you select the suspension parts with help/advice on here, any competent shop can install that stuff. On the LS swap, if you have the budget, look at the Holley system (mounts, headers, oil pan, accessory drive, crossmember) as it is an engineered solution. Again, any competent shop can bolt all of that in. You can go with the stock PCM and a stand alone harness like one from PSI Conversion that will simplyfy the wiring aspect. You will still need some tuning (to remove VATS, etc.) but that could be done locally or even mail order through someone like Black Bear.

You can find someone else to do the interior. If you don't have the time to do the work, which I totally understand, then I think you would be best served to be the project manager. Decide on the parts combination and find a 'vendor' to do the installation work. You will stand a much better chance of being happy with the outcome if you bird dog it.

Don't be shy on asking questions. There's a lot of friendly, knowledgeable guys on here who can help.

For inspiration, here is a pic of the 6.0 swap my brother and I did on his 78 Z28.....

 

[lucky 1985]

Thanks Texas82GP. I have looked at the Holley products, and as with most other suppliers there are a lot of choices. For example, as for exhaust, I am inclined to stay with the stock cast manifolds, but will they fit the EC? If I must go with headers, which is the better fit: Stacked? Mid-length? Full-length? I am not a horsepower junkie, I have zero interest in racing, etc, I am looking to build a comfortable cruiser.

 

[Texas82GP]

I would use the Holley headers if you use the rest of the Holley stuff because you will know it will fit. On exhaust I would look at the Pypes header back system or the Flowmaster header back system.

 

[Texas82GP]

Here are a few links....

Swap kit...
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker+Header...7&cadevice=m&gclid=CIGB-NK13c8CFQIRaQodgqEJ2A
Exhaust....
http://www.jegs.com/i/PYPES/958/SGG12S/10002/-1
Accessory drive.....
http://www.jegs.com/i/Holley/510/20-138/10002/-1
Harness.....this might not be the one you want. Depends on the year of your engine and what intake you want to run......
https://www.psiconversion.com/produ...esses/ls-car-24x/ls-4l60e-4l80e/HAR-1012.html

 

[lucky 1985]

I would agree that if I were to go with the Holley kit I would want their headers because as you stated earlier it's all engineered together.

Thanks for the links.

It's a 2000 5.3 EFI Vortec. The wiring harness from PSI states "harnesses are for non-emissions equipped vehicles and do not include air pump or EGR provisions. All harnesses require PCM VATs removal, available through PSI. Please contact PSI for more information". Does this mean I can't use it with a 1985 vehicle, which definitely has some emission controls?

PSI also says "ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED: RED/BLUE PCM (SERVICE NUMBER 411 OR 896), PSI P/N PCM-1003. '97 - '98 Engines will require '99 - Newer PCM available through PSI.". $200 for a PCM doesn't sound too high, but are there better sources for a compatible PCM?

 

[Texas82GP]

Your PCM from the truck should work with that harness. They have a different harness if you are going to run the truck intake, injectors and accessories.

It will be difficult to do the swap and keep the car 100% emissions legal. Here in Harris County cars older than 24 years are emissions exempt.

 

[lucky 1985]

Good to know the current truck PCM will play nice with the new harness.

I plan on using the truck intake, injectors, etc, so do I need a different harness? This is the niggly detaiIs that will trip me up without the guidance from this site.

Thanks.

 

[Texas82GP]

Here is the harness if you are going to use all of the truck stuff.
https://www.psiconversion.com/produ...ec-truck-24x/vortec-4l60e-4l80e/HAR-1018.html
You can also have someone like Speartech pare down the stock harness from the truck.
http://www.speartech.com/LSX_Wiring_Harness_Rework_s/1833.htm

 

[UNGN]

All G-bodies are emissions exempt in all counties in DFW. Inspection is $7 and is Horn, lights and brakes. I use a $3 off coupon at Mustang car wash in grapevine so inspections are $4.

EGR/airpump deletion won't be an issue.

 

[lucky 1985]

I didn't even know there were services that modified your existing harness, good to know Jared. Gives me another choice.

That's good news UNGN.