I'm doing a lq4 swap in my 89 k1500 and I'm finally going to pick up a drop out this week. Which set up would be better for my swap? There is an 03 express van that has DBC, and a 03 silverado lq4 that's DBW. I know that the DBC is better for my swap, but will the van harness and fuse box lay out as nice as the truck harness? Also, are the exhaust manifolds and power steering lines different between the two?
1989 K1500, 33's, LQ4 swap in the works
1991 Mustang GT, Solid lifter 347, GR40 suspension
1972 Triumph Tiger hard tail bobber
The truck LQ 4 would be easier but you would have to get the DBW pedal and sender to make the swap complete. As for the van LQ4, I'm not sure of how the wiring harness looks compared to that of a truck. It would be easier from the standpoint of the DBC setup, but the manifolds and power steering hoses are issues that would have to be checked to make an informed decision.
Hopefully, someone who has some experience with the van setups can chime in and help out. Good luck!!!!
Last edited by Mickeymotormount; 03-13-2013 at 03:56 PM.
'93 Chevy 1500 4X4 ECLB with a '99 Silverado LQ4 6.0 and '99 Escalade 4L60E. SOLD IT!!
New toy: 2001 2500 HD 4X4 Extended Cab Long Bed
John
Thanks for the info, Mickey. I just got back from the yard. I couldn't get a good look at the van engine. The hood was tacoed shut and the seats were pinching the dog box in place. I would prefer to stay DBC, but I'm willing to swap over the pedal and TAC unit. It looks like the TAC will bolt perfectly in place of my obs cruise control box that I was going to yank any how.
1989 K1500, 33's, LQ4 swap in the works
1991 Mustang GT, Solid lifter 347, GR40 suspension
1972 Triumph Tiger hard tail bobber
Well if you convert to DBW your cruise will all be electronically controlled, eliminating need for the cruise control box anyway.
2006 SilveradoLittle Black Bitch
Good stuff. Thanks, Frenchy.
I found a post somewhere on ls1tech that said the manifolds are the same, so that's no longer an issue. Both of the donor dropouts in question have hydroboost set ups, so I'm gonna have to mess with the lines regardless. The van dropout is $200 less, so I'm leaning towards that one. Does anyone else see any potential problems with using a van engine and harness? The yard owner was very helpful in offering up a few parts from each vehicle if need be.
Last edited by SlowAndHighTBI; 03-14-2013 at 02:43 PM.
1989 K1500, 33's, LQ4 swap in the works
1991 Mustang GT, Solid lifter 347, GR40 suspension
1972 Triumph Tiger hard tail bobber
2WD or 4WD?Are you getting the transmission too?What is the history of each of those vehicles?That's a few things I would consider as well.
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