99 5.3 Into 79 El Camino

chrisfrost · October 19, 2009

Hello people, I'm in the middle of a 5.3 into older non comp car swap. I need to know if I'm correct in assuming the engine will run correctly without the vss, the tranny wiring( I can't afford an electronic tranny yet ), body control module, electric brake control module,suspension control module, brake switch (until I put in electric tranny).

Also, I'm thinking that if I can find out the different resistances or better yet find out the resistance of the key that went with the computer I have, I could wire in a resistor to the proper ign wires to the computer. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

Nytemare · October 19, 2009

Should run fine w/o everything you listed, except the VSS...I am not sure on this one.

Only one way to find out right.

I'm not sure if key resistance will have anything to do with you starting this engine off the older ignition switch either. I believe that has to do with the Passlock, and that's a BCM program.

redvett · October 19, 2009

You will need the VSS for the PCM for vehicle speed data. You will need a custom tune to take care of all the other issues. The engine & PCM must have VSS,MAF,MAP,O2, CTS,RPM,oil psi and probably something i forgot to run and you will need a SES light and ALDL port to diagnose problems.

Nytemare · October 20, 2009

Oh yeah, this is an older 5.3L engine...it has the program on the ECU to run the trans too, I don't know how it will react w/o a trans.

I would wager that if it does run the best you will get is Limp mode.

alwcurlz · October 22, 2009

Hello people, I'm in the middle of a 5.3 into older non comp car swap. I need to know if I'm correct in assuming the engine will run correctly without the vss, the tranny wiring( I can't afford an electronic tranny yet ), body control module, electric brake control module,suspension control module, brake switch (until I put in electric tranny).
Also, I'm thinking that if I can find out the different resistances or better yet find out the resistance of the key that went with the computer I have, I could wire in a resistor to the proper ign wires to the computer. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

I was doing some checking on this kind of idea and found this forum, www.LS1Tech.com and this posting that may be helpful. Good luck!

kchasse · October 24, 2009

If your interested in a different route. I was watching powerblock this weekend where they turned a new style motor like the 5.3 from EFI to carburetor. They basically changed the intake and then changed the cam, with a gear on the end to run a distributor which goes into the new timing cover that comes with the kit. I'm not sure who made it but just to let you know that the option is out there.

WilliamBos · October 24, 2009

If your interested in a different route. I was watching powerblock this weekend where they turned a new style motor like the 5.3 from EFI to carburetor. They basically changed the intake and then changed the cam, with a gear on the end to run a distributor which goes into the new timing cover that comes with the kit. I'm not sure who made it but just to let you know that the option is out there.

I saw that episode. They should have done a dyno run with the stock cam. I am really interested in seeing if there was a power loss going to the carb? The swap seemed pretty straight forward. That was a 302 Ford distributor they used, Mallory oe something. Not sure how much that kit cost, but it is nice to see it does exist, as it really opens the door up for the hot rodders to say the least.

Spurshot · November 4, 2009

If you were going to use a carb, there's no point in using the 5.3, just stick with the early smallblock. The beauty of the LS engine lineup is the EFI itself.

gmcsierra93 · November 4, 2009

Why not just use a carbureted 350? I'm not trying to be a dick or anything but what kind of benefits are you looking for with using this 5.3? It would be so much easier just to put an old small block in. But whatever you wanna do. Good Luck to ya. Id like to know how it turns out.

Spurshot · November 4, 2009

I really think this is what you need to controll the LS 5.3 or other LS engines in your car.

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/Parts/LS...troller_Kit.jsp

WilliamBos · November 5, 2009

Why not just use a carbureted 350? I'm not trying to be a dick or anything but what kind of benefits are you looking for with using this 5.3? It would be so much easier just to put an old small block in. But whatever you wanna do. Good Luck to ya. Id like to know how it turns out.

Well, everyone and their mother has a carbureted 350, and how many have a carbureted 5.3?? I say go for it.

Mattallica · November 5, 2009

I really think this is what you need to controll the LS 5.3 or other LS engines in your car.

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/Parts/LS...troller_Kit.jsp

Damn thats an exspensive retro fit!!!

Spurshot · November 5, 2009

I really think this is what you need to controll the LS 5.3 or other LS engines in your car.

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/Parts/LS...troller_Kit.jsp

Damn thats an exspensive retro fit!!!

Yeah, GM has some good deals and some not so good deals. I'm sure there's a work-around with stock parts.

Mattallica · November 6, 2009

would the suggestion of an LT-1 powerplant work here.....you could probably get a complete donor 9c1 for $500...and the performance stuff is abundant.

easily end up with fuel injection and 400 hp for relatively cheap.