3rd Gen / L98 Engine Tech 1982 - 1992 Engine Related

Chevy 5.3L in 3rd gen. Has it been done?

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Old 02-22-2007, 06:42 PM
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Chevy 5.3L in 3rd gen. Has it been done?

I was looking at purchasing a 5.3L Vortech engine from a 01 Chevrolet truck and putting it in my car. I would pull the intake completely off and install the Stealth ram in it's place. Is this possible? What engine harness would I use and would it work? is this completely ill-logical and would be easier to go another route?
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Old 02-22-2007, 07:05 PM
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Stealth Ram fits Gen I/SBC engines. The 5.3 is a Gen III/LSx engine and they are completely different designs. Many people have put LSx engines into 3rd gens.
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Old 02-22-2007, 07:08 PM
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you need the camaro style intake....probly want to do some research, would be a nice swap....Go for it
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Old 02-22-2007, 08:29 PM
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yea, the 5.3 is like an ls1 block so you can do the swap but you need an lsx type intake manifold
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Old 02-22-2007, 11:25 PM
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They make a Stealth Ram Vortech base plate that should bolt up huh? Vortec heads are Vortec heads right?
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Old 02-23-2007, 06:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Rage
They make a Stealth Ram Vortech base plate that should bolt up huh? Vortec heads are Vortec heads right?


Vortec is just a name chevy uses on its truck engines. "Vortec" heads are different, describing a particlular SBC/Gen I tall intake port style cylinder head. I guess it can be confusing when they use that name for a few different things. The 5.3 truck engine you are talking about is a Gen III/LSx engine. It uses composite intake manifolds. The Vortec Stealth Ram is an aluminum manifold with taller ports made to bolt up to the tall intake ports on the "Vortec" SBC/Gen I cylinder head. It will bolt onto a Gen III engine.
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Old 02-23-2007, 05:49 PM
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A 5.3 truck engine is basically an LS1 with less cubes and a slightly different plastic intake. Replacing it with a LS1 or LS6 intake would make it fit your thirdgen. Do searches for LS1 swaps and that's what you'll need.

It's definately worthwhile considering how cheap you can get a donor engine. I imagine headers, LS6 intake, an aggressive Futral cam, a good tune, etc. Should be close to 400rwhp.
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Old 02-24-2007, 06:15 PM
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Didn't Car Craft get around 400 crank horse on a 5.3 with just a cam and header swap?
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Old 02-25-2007, 04:57 PM
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You could use a LS1 intake that I see for sale for around $50 all the time, or step up to a LS6 intake. That year 5.3L is rated at 295HP IIRC, so even stock it would be solid. Check the "Conversion" section on the "other" message board and you will find quite a few 3rdGen/LSx swaps...
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Old 02-27-2007, 02:34 PM
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How much can an LS1 swap be done for? I think you have to buy a new K-member or something of that nature. I am seriously debating aborting the LT1 thing all together and going with the 5.3L route.
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Old 02-27-2007, 02:47 PM
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Different motor mounts and trans crossmember.

To keep the A/C you have to notch the k-member for the A/C compressor,have to use a Camaro style oil pan I think,and most people use the Corvette style pulley setup but I had a brainfart and cant remember why right this second.

Street and Performance make the stuff you need...check out their website

www.streetandperformance.com
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Old 02-27-2007, 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Rice Killer87
Different motor mounts and trans crossmember.

To keep the A/C you have to notch the k-member for the A/C compressor,have to use a Camaro style oil pan I think,and most people use the Corvette style pulley setup but I had a brainfart and cant remember why right this second.

Street and Performance make the stuff you need...check out their website

www.streetandperformance.com
That's for the LT1 right? I already installed my LT1, but for some reason, it's not running correctly, I dont know if it's a bad motor or what. The LS1, I believe requires a new K-member.
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Old 03-02-2007, 05:54 AM
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This link should answer most of your questions.
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/lt...on-answer.html

The ls1 swap is more expensive than the lt1 into a thirdgen. The money you save on the engine (5.3 vs ls1) should put you on par with the lt1. I have the 5.3 in my '02 pickup and it is a very sweet engine, 120k and it has never burped. I have pondered one for a daily driver thirdgen but not until my IROC has the lt1/t56 install completed. I think it is a swap worth serious consideration.
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Old 03-09-2007, 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Mjolnir
Didn't Car Craft get around 400 crank horse on a 5.3 with just a cam and header swap?
No that was with a 6.0l LQ4. Its from the same gen of engines. This month they pulled like 550 from it using those L92 heads and a radical cam.
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Old 03-11-2007, 05:40 PM
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go with the 6.0 liter that came in the escalade ext's.
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