see the other topic - cant delete

[GP4U2NV]

1983 Buick Regal Limited Orginaly a 4.1 Fuel injection, 2.23 posi rear end

Now has a 5.7 1979 350 cid bottom with a 90’s TBI upper from a truck (heads, intake etc). 700r4

Thinking of putting in a LM7 / L33 engine from a 05-07 GM truck. I have searched and I can not find anyone that has a build tread. This maybe b/c I can not use the right search term.

I have access to drop outs, including top to bottom, computer etc. Throttle body with cable.

Concerns:
1) fuel system what needs done (tank, pump, lines, etc)
2) What needs done to the harness?
3) What spacer / bell housing / flywheel do I need to use the 700r4?
4) What exhaust manifolds, etc do I need?
5) What do I need to do to mate it to the vehicle (radio, key etc)
6) What needs done for the computer?
7) What did I forget?
8) Can I keep cruise?


Plan is to have 315hp and 20 mpg highway or more. Is there anything I should do prior to install (cam etc). I’d like to keep the reliability of the engine.

Please help!!!!!

 

[m6speed]

Re: 5.3L swap, concerns and questions - searched - lm7 / l33

look up ls1 swap, most of the ls1 swaps are junkyard truck motors(lm7, lq4, lq9) just check ls1tech for build threads in the conversion/hybrid section

 

[lsx80monte]

Re: 5.3L swap, concerns and questions - searched - lm7 / l33

If you wanna see all sorts of swaps with details and even agbody swap thread, go ls1tech.com. I have an lm7 in my monte but originally swapped in an lm4 (aluminum block version). I prefer the weight savings so I would go with the l33 over the lm7. Plus I think its got slightly more power. It will probably cost more though unless whoever you get it from doesnt know the difference.
I would get a complete drop out with wiring harness/ecu exhaust manifolds/ o2 sensors, if dbw, make sure you get the pedal and its wiring/ module. Now you could opt not to mess with wiring and just buy a custom wiring harness which is what I did for the first swap I did. After that its pretty much mimicking the custom harness.
1.You will need a baffled fuel tank, unless you dont plan on ever driving with less than half a tank. Ahigh pressure efi fuel pump. I got an airtex form a early 90's gmc cyclone/typhoon in my car from autozone but will be switching to a walbro. An efi sending unit. I used hight pressure fuel rated hose for my feed line and used the stock fuel hard line as my return. Fitting were push lock from local hose supply store.
2. The harnes does need to be modified or just buy a custom made one. They range in price. The stock needs to jhave all the wires taken off that wont be used and some extended and some shortened unless you dont mind the layout of the stock trcuk harness. Its not very pleasing to eye. There is a small series of videos of some guys modifying a harness that gives you the basics. YOu should take a look at them. I think its called " ls1 4 wire hookup" and i believe there are four parts to it.
3. You can run whatever transmission that you want that originally bolted up to a sbc. But I would definitely use the 4l60e/4l65e that comes with these engines. They are computer controlled so allyou do is bolt it up, put the plugs in from the harness, connect your shifter and you are good to go. you will need an electronic speedometer or you have to change the tail housing to an older one to work with you speedometer. I havent gotten around to doing either on mine. If you decide to use an older non comp controlled transmission you will need a spacer that goes between the flywheel and torque convertor and im guessing have that part programmed ouit of the ecu.
4. Exhaust manifolds can be used or headers. YOu can use camaro manifolds and some combination of the truck and envoy/ trailblazer. I used mac mid length camaro headers but had to totally redo them. Wouldnt recommend unless you are good at reworking headers. But many will tell you that it is best to but mounts and headers from the same manufacturer so as to avoid fitment issues.
5. The harness is a stand alone unit so you dont have to worry about the radio and other body related components.
6. YOu will need to get the computer reflashed to delete the vats (vehicle anti theft system) and all the other stuff you wont need like the emissions if you live in a non emissions state.
7. YOu will needto get the truck oil pan and its pickup tube shortened because its will sit too low and you will break it if/when you it. Its cast aluminum. Im sure there are a few more minor details but Im on my way to the yard so ifm u need any other info lmk orjust go on ls1tech. lt1swap is the site to go to if you are palnning on modifying your own harness.

The lm7 will give you that much hp stock and the l33 has 330hp stock The gas milage will be there. It also depends on transmission/ rear end gears/ total weight of the car and other factors but I have been to texas and back in my car was easily doing 25-27 mpgs
A cam install would be easier before dropping the engine but its not hard to doit when its in either so. I ported my heads but you dont have to. Reliablility is these engines middle name especially in stock/near stock form.

 

[GP4U2NV]

Re: 5.3L swap, concerns and questions - (EFI!!!!!) - lm7 / l

Ok, I am a IDIOT.

I want to go with EFI. I am listening to the idea of making this car a CARB'D vehicle. But, it never has been and Id hate to go backwards.

Anyone help with finding a build tread on a 5.3 EFI?

 

[lsx80monte]

Re: 5.3L swap, concerns and questions - (EFI!!!!!) - lm7 / l

I wouldnt go backwards....but thats just my opinion..That carb'd setup could actually be as much or more thatn going efi. The ls swap that I am going on a maverick:
2001 4.8l complete with harness/ecu o2 sensors- $300 plus $40 gas to fill up brother's girlfriend's truck
2002 4L65E LKQ score. $170 cause I had no core.
MSD external fuel pump $100 High pressure fuel hoses and fitting $150
Reflash computer $100
Total is around Edelbrock Performer RPM LS1 Intake Manifold Kit $675.95
If you go carb'd you wont need the computer,efi fuel pump, efi hoses/fitting saving $350
$910-$350=$560+ $675=$1235
Thats of course in my situation, if i chose to go carb'd over efi.

 

[Tony_SS]

Re: 5.3L swap, concerns and questions - (EFI!!!!!) - lm7 / l

My plan was to go LSx and put a carb on top. That way, I could drive it for a while, then when I was ready, just add the FI stuff down the road...

From what I read, even the carb'd LSx are getting 20mpg on the hwy.

 

[GP4U2NV]

Re: 5.3L swap, concerns and questions - (EFI!!!!!) - lm7 / l

MPG - is not king. I am getting 19/20 mpg right now.

But, with a 2.23 rear end and a 700r4.
Please, note that with the 5.3 chances are that ill score 20+ and 20 hp.