5.3 into 95 OBS!

[95chev305nomore]

Sorry for reposting most of this information, but I need some help. I am starting to corrall all the parts to start the swap. I have seen the parts list sticky note, but am needing some more specific help, if possible.

My truck now has 218K on it. The engine is getting a little tired. While I think that it could easily make the quarter million mark, I've got a 5.3 burning a hole in my garage. I realize that the 95 is the bastard child of the OBS. With it's OBD1 and TBI coupled with interior and exterior upgrades.

Truck Stats:
305 stock engine with minor breathing mods (air tube, TBI spacer, K&N Filter, custom exhaust)
4L60E tranny - not original, but upgraded 4L60E for 1997 Police Tahoe. Ordered from GM (Part# 12497318). Hasn't work completely correct since install. Tranny says downshift, engine says upshift... Think it's a OBD1 vs. OBD2 communication error.

Like I said, I've got a 5.3 sitting in the garage. I think it is a 2001 complete engine, minus exhaust manifolds, computer and some of the wiring harness (Junkyard special, and I wasn't there to take it out). I realize that I need the fuel pump/tank combo, throttle cable, A/C relocation, motor mounts.

So, the questions that first pop into my mind are...
- Will my 4l60e work with the LS1, do I need to change bellhousings?
- Best place to buy a wiring harness/computer combo?? I am interested in purchasing a plug and play system, as I don't have a ton of time for the swap. I am also very interested in Nelson tuning, since I want MORE POWER!! :burnout
- Does anyone know if I can use the gauge cluster out of a 96-99 pickup in my 95? My tach has a 4500 redline, 5000 max, while I know LS1's shift points are higher than this.
- Do I need to plan on putting a new exhaust on from the manifolds back, or will my y-pipe connect to the manifolds? Will the LS1 y-pipe work?
- Has anyone tried putting shorty headers on their truck after this swap?

Thanks for the help, I am sure that this won't be the last you hear from me. I will post pics of the engine when I get them. I hope to do a complete documentary of this on a website soon. So any help will be greatly appreciated and noted...


Thanks!

[RedHeartbeat]

The transmission will work but will need a flywheel spacer and bolts. hotrodlane.cc sells the kit.
NelsonPeformance.com for a wiring harness/pcm to get the engine going.
hotrodlane.cc for motor mount adapters.
buy a fuel pump only and replace it in the fuel tank you already have. Be sure to replace the stock rubber hose that connects it to the fuel line or you will blow it out when it sees 58 lbs of pressure.

You can do without the a/c for the initial install and come back to it later. hotrodlane.cc sells the sanden 508 compressor setup to replace it or you can cobble together a bracket to use your original compressor. See current posts for details.

As for exhaust, anything will work except nobody makes a long tube header setup that will fit. I used a truck manifold setup in my 92 and f-body manifolds in my 93 truck.

[95chev305nomore]

Thanks for the info. I'm excited about doing this swap. Just got to make the time to do it (after the timing belt in my Miata, can't be with 2 cars not running )

I have read in someother threads that ABS may not work after this swap. What changes, wouldn't you still need the reading from the wheel speed sensors (WSS) for the computer? My ABS has worked several times and, while not as good as ones I've driven, is good. I'd like to keep mine up and running. Is this a wasted hope, or is it possible?

Another thing I forgot to ask: I think I need to be looking for an electric fan. Is this right? I've seen the posts but thought it was a performance upgrade. I'd eventually want to add one, but if I could get by with a clutched fan, it would simplify the swap more.

Thanks!

[RedHeartbeat]

You'll want a 34" radiator and dual 2005 GM electric fans. You can get them from G and R recyclers in OKC, OK. They are brand new in a crate and work perfectly, I speak from experience. You'll need a fan wiring harness or you can build one yourself.

[95chev305nomore]

Thanks again redheartbeat! This is good stuff...

I'm slowly getting up to speed on this stuff. I've been reading the other posts as well and getting some valuable info.

Just realized that this isn't a cheap swap. Worth the money, definitely, but not too cheap. Hopefully I can get this money tree in the backyard to grow...

Anyone out there have a truck with the 5.3, Nelson Tune, 4L60E, and 3.73 gears??

I'm just curious if you ever get traction, or just have a large tire budget??

Thanks,
David