5.3 + obs = good times

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03-26-2006, 11:15 PM
mroelike1985

Hello guys, i've been lurking around these forums and finally registered.
I have an '89 reg. cab stepside that I'm going to flop (little more complex than that I know) this 5.3 into.
I know there is a template for the adapter mounts somewhere on this site, but i haven't been able to find it.
If someone could link me that would be great.
The harness will be sent off to speartech I imagine. Is it as simple as splicing in four wires as I have read?
I don't mind a little wiring, but i don't know about a total rewiring.
The PCM also needs the VATS disabled to my understanding. what is the cheapest route on that (speartech?)
I will be going without the A/C for a while as i'm not going to notch the frame.
I know I should be going with the 5.7 or 6.0, but after having driven my father's '04 CC with a 5.3 I won't complain.

hopefully obs = old body style
just assumed that by reading it in context
03-26-2006, 11:48 PM
RedHeartbeat

Well, now that we've made an honest person out of you... http://www.ls1truck.com/jeff/template.jpg for the motor mounts.
03-27-2006, 07:17 PM
mroelike1985

Thanks for the link. Won't I have to weld some additional brackets to those adapters for them to bolt to the old mounts?

Anyone have any intimate knowledge of Speartech and their "signature 4 wire setup" i keep reading about?
03-27-2006, 07:25 PM
Tim Z

welcome! I had speartech streamline a harness for a swap i did 2 years ago(97 LT1 into a 86 IROC Z camaro) and he did a great job. The 4 wires to hook up if i remember correctly were fuel pump relay, power ground and i think accesory power, but i cant rember. My next harness im going to get will be from NELSON PERFORMANCE, (5.3 into 95 S-10 Zr-2) He knows his stuff and his service is great too.
03-27-2006, 11:17 PM
kwkenuf

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MroeLike @ Mar 27 2006, 05:17 PM) [snapback]48448[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Thanks for the link. Won't I have to weld some additional brackets to those adapters for them to bolt to the old mounts?
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No, those adapter brackets bolt to your LSx block and give you a traditonal small block chevy (Gen 1/2) bolt pattern to which you then attach your old mounts.
03-27-2006, 11:42 PM
mroelike1985

Alright thanks. I guess I was just kinda going by pics that I have seen. Sometimes I can't really make out what I'm looking at.
03-28-2006, 08:16 PM
rubrhammer

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MroeLike @ Mar 28 2006, 12:42 AM) [snapback]48480[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Alright thanks. I guess I was just kinda going by pics that I have seen. Sometimes I can't really make out what I'm looking at.
[/b]

Thanks for posting the link. One question though, what diameter are the holes?
03-28-2006, 09:33 PM
RedHeartbeat

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rubrhammer @ Mar 28 2006, 08:16 PM) [snapback]48577[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Thanks for posting the link. One question though, what diameter are the holes?
[/b]

Hell, I can't remember, just drill them 1/32 larger than the bolts in the block. I think they're 8mm or close to 5/16 but they may be 10mm or 13/32 for clearance. Just measure them.
03-31-2006, 11:59 AM
mroelike1985

Thanks for the comments guys...i need to start making it a routine to check my threads. I'll try to post some pics of the truck. I'll check into how to do that(host pics) pretty soon. There is this street scene air dam that, when mated to a smoothie bumper, looks sick. I don't who makes it, but i will try to get a pic of a truck with that as well. It will prolly be a week or so before we rip the 350tbi out(prolly gonna use a bobcat for that hahaha). I'll try to keep you posted.