A couple of questions.....

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08-29-2006, 01:17 AM
SBTork

I'm looking into putting a 5.3 into my '86 C-10. I was wondering the following:
1. Will I have to use a factory NBS radiator?
2. Do I have to get the PCM from the doner truck?
3. Will a rear frame mounted fuel cell be my best option?, I was never a fan of the dual tanks on the outside of the frame rails.
4. To Mr. Nelson, how much are your PCM's and wiring harnesses? Do you need to know trans, tire size, rear gear ratio, etc?
This is my first major endavor, I work in the parts department at a local Chevy dealer, so acquiring parts will not be that difficult. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appriciated and welcomed.
08-29-2006, 01:59 AM
DBYRD

the standard answer to do u have to get ANYTHING from the donor truck is going to be(everybody say it with me now): get everything u can from the donor truck. :thumb:
08-29-2006, 10:22 AM
kwkenuf

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SBTork @ Aug 28 2006, 11:17 PM) [snapback]62837[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I'm looking into putting a 5.3 into my '86 C-10. I was wondering the following:
1. Will I have to use a factory NBS radiator?
2. Do I have to get the PCM from the doner truck?
3. Will a rear frame mounted fuel cell be my best option?, I was never a fan of the dual tanks on the outside of the frame rails.
4. To Mr. Nelson, how much are your PCM's and wiring harnesses? Do you need to know trans, tire size, rear gear ratio, etc?
This is my first major endavor, I work in the parts department at a local Chevy dealer, so acquiring parts will not be that difficult. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appriciated and welcomed. [/b]

1. No, you do not have to use the NBS radiator.... however, it will make radiator hose fitment easier since the sizes will match a stock Gen III engine.

2. No, you do not need to use the PCM from the donor truck... a variety of PCMs from different years and models can be reflashed to match your application

3. You don't have to swap to a rear mounted fuel tank for the swap, you'll just need to provide adequate fuel pressure for the injection system. In-line or in-tank pumps work, your choice. If you want to get rid of the saddle tanks for other reasons however, this might be the time to do it.
08-29-2006, 12:34 PM
1BADC10

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kwkenuf @ Aug 29 2006, 10:22 AM) [snapback]62877[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

1. No, you do not have to use the NBS radiator.... however, it will make radiator hose fitment easier since the sizes will match a stock Gen III engine.

2. No, you do not need to use the PCM from the donor truck... a variety of PCMs from different years and models can be reflashed to match your application

3. You don't have to swap to a rear mounted fuel tank for the swap, you'll just need to provide adequate fuel pressure for the injection system. In-line or in-tank pumps work, your choice. If you want to get rid of the saddle tanks for other reasons however, this might be the time to do it.
[/b]

Well put. :hshake:

I'm still thinking about the fuel cell option, but am running with the stock saddle tanks. I did replace the rubber hose connecting the tanks to the hard lines to the valve switch assembly (switchable valve for tanks). From there, I replaced the feed hose with Russel Twist-Lok hose, to AN fitting which is connected to a stock NBS filter, back to fittings & hose to an inline pump, back to fittings & hose to connect to the stock intake. The return setup I have is similar, but I still used most of the stock '86 lines (for old carb'd setup's fuel return).

Now, if you can understand my short-hand (which isn't that short), you're doing good. :laugh: If anyone's told you that stock tanks could not be used with a 255LPH rated inline pump, direct 'em to me, and I'll show 'em video proof that it is more than adequate for N/A setups. Now, fuel will slosh around when below three gallons, and be questionable whether you're maintaining pressure or not (have only done once), but as long as you're level, you're good.

As I said before, ask as many questions as you can think of. I don't know anyone here that won't try to help where they can. :thumb:
08-29-2006, 11:33 PM
SBTork

Thanks a lot for all the help so far, I'm just going through the planning stage right now. I kinda thought that I should get just about everything I can from the doner, so thats good to hear. I have been driving this truck everyday for the past three years (first vehicle), until I got my '06 two months ago, and never thought much about the tanks until I saw a couple of the trucks that got t-boned, now sitting in junkyards. It's not a comforting thought, having the tanks right under the seat, outside of the frame. I was considering using a 25 gallon tank from an 87 K-5, or Suburban. I think it would mount up good with the frame in the spare tire location, and it would have the right fuel requirment hook-ups. I just think that the fuel cell would just be cheaper/easier. Thanks a lot 1BADC10, im sure ill be asking a lot more when it's all said and done. I just hope my driveshaft situation goes a little better than yours did :laugh: j/k, I would've freaked out if that happened to me
08-30-2006, 07:09 AM
1BADC10

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SBTork @ Aug 29 2006, 11:33 PM) [snapback]62977[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I just hope my driveshaft situation goes a little better than yours did :laugh: j/k, I would've freaked out if that happened to me
[/b]

Just had to remind me of that, huh? :cool: That was definitely a shocker. This one has held up pretty well. I've gotten into the triple digits a few times, and it held just fine. I still have vibration issues, but I want to switch my tires out, then get wheels balanced. My son told me he felt as if the tire on the pass-rear side makes an abnormal shake, shimmy, or wabble. :eek: Below 90mph, you feel nothing abnormal. Wierd!

Back on topic... :thumb:
08-31-2006, 01:52 PM
SBTork

I've got another one. I was wondering if there is any advantage to a returnless fuel rail on a 5.3? I think the easy thing to do would be to use the rail with the regulator that comes stock on a 5.3 and just use a return line, but what's the benefit to using the late model corvette filter with the internal regulator? If I were to do the corvette filter, would I use a rail from a corvette ls-1?
08-31-2006, 04:56 PM
kwkenuf

There is no benefit to the Corvette style regulator if you already have the 5.3 truck setup. You may have to run an additional line for return but you won't have to change your fuel rail. However there is an advantage to the truck setup if you count fuel filter cost. A fuel filter for the 5.3 truck engine costs about $13 at Checker while the Corvette filter (which includes regulator) costs around $60. YMMV
09-01-2006, 12:28 AM
SBTork

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kwkenuf @ Aug 31 2006, 04:56 PM) [snapback]63420[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

There is no benefit to the Corvette style regulator if you already have the 5.3 truck setup. You may have to run an additional line for return but you won't have to change your fuel rail. However there is an advantage to the truck setup if you count fuel filter cost. A fuel filter for the 5.3 truck engine costs about $13 at Checker while the Corvette filter (which includes regulator) costs around $60. YMMV
[/b]

I kinda thought that was the case, thanks man
09-01-2006, 09:06 AM
LS1GMCTruck

Does the 5.3 have a return fuel line, or is it a dead-head single supply line system? Gar
09-01-2006, 09:57 AM
kwkenuf

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LS1GMCTruck @ Sep 1 2006, 07:06 AM) [snapback]63593[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Does the 5.3 have a return fuel line, or is it a dead-head single supply line system? Gar [/b]

I believe all the truck engines have a return line. I'm not sure about the 5.3 in the SSR and Impala SS however. If you are contemplating buying an engine, just ensure you get a pic showing the left side of the engine and look for the fuel pressure regulator located roughly in the middle of the engine above the coils. If it has the regulator on the engine it is a 2 line system.
09-01-2006, 01:03 PM
1BADC10

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kwkenuf @ Sep 1 2006, 09:57 AM) [snapback]63603[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I believe all the truck engines have a return line. I'm not sure about the 5.3 in the SSR and Impala SS however. If you are contemplating buying an engine, just ensure you get a pic showing the left side of the engine and look for the fuel pressure regulator located roughly in the middle of the engine above the coils. If it has the regulator on the engine it is a 2 line system.
[/b]

Correct-a-mungo! :thumb:
09-04-2006, 11:00 PM
SBTork

anything on #4?
09-05-2006, 07:02 AM
1BADC10

<--- standin' by, waiting on that answer too (not the girl). I even PM'd. JFWY, Mr. Nelson... but am curious to know this answer. :thumb:
09-05-2006, 07:49 AM
RedHeartbeat

Isn't that answer listed on his website? http://nelsonperformance.com
09-05-2006, 07:39 PM
1BADC10

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RedHeartbeat @ Sep 5 2006, 07:49 AM) [snapback]64031[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Isn't that answer listed on his website? http://nelsonperformance.com
[/b]

Seems I never thought to check there... :laugh:
09-05-2006, 11:11 PM
SBTork

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(1BADC10 @ Sep 5 2006, 07:39 PM) [snapback]64090[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Seems I never thought to check there... :laugh:
[/b]

uh, yeah.......the obvious almost always escapes me
09-06-2006, 11:26 AM
1BADC10

It must be b/c we have 86 C10s... powered by 5.3s.