So about a month ago i threw a rod in my 3.8L motor. Since then its been in the shop in the first attempt to replace the motor. I bought a remanufactured motor from and online seller and had it installed at Tire Pros in stilwater, MN. After about 3 weeks of labor and time wasted waiting for parts to arrive they got it going. Only to find out there was a serious problem with the motor as it had a serious knock. Well when i got that news i decided to just scrap the stock motor send it back and begin planning for a new bigger and stronger heart.
After looking at the price for a Hemi swap i got the idea from a friend to look into the LS swap. Well with the high availability of junk yard motors it would be prefect and relatively cheaper for initial install. After that the mods are endless and also a dime a dozen. SO WHY NOT?
After a little research i came up with the following build plan. I know I've only scratched the surface but here's what i got for now:
Motor: 5.3L LM7 V8 from a 02' Silverado Price: $1000
Tranny: 4L60 Built transmission from a 04 tahoe Price: $1500 / 6L80E Price: $1999
Aftermarket mounts Price: $700
After that there are tons of electronic odds and ends that need to be added or thrown out. I think this will be the hardest part of the build. Getting harnesses to play nice seems like a big challenge.
The turn key kit from MOTECH for the ls swap is priced at $5200. Think i can fab shit to lower the cost and only buy absolute necessities. List of shit includes:
Alternator mount kit, fits your JK alternator to the LS engine.
A/C compressor mount kit, fits your JK A/C compressor to the LS engine.
P/S mount kit, fits your JK P/S pump to the LS engine.
E38 GM computer programmed for your engine.
MoTech's JK to LS wiring harness with power distribution center PDC, supports AFM/DOD and VVT engines.
ECM and PDC mount.
Transmission shift cable mount and lever.
Accelerator pedal and mount.
Aluminum expansion bottle and mount.
A/C line kit.
Air intake kit. (Air Filter not included)
Serpentine belt 6K1015.
Harmonic balancer set, includes new bolt.
Emissions kit - includes fuel tank pressure sensor, EVAP vent solenoid, hose and hardware.
Anyone with any experience in swapping LS motors please let me know if you have any advice. This is going to be a learning experience for me. Thanks guys! :drinks::Thanx:
After looking at the price for a Hemi swap i got the idea from a friend to look into the LS swap. Well with the high availability of junk yard motors it would be prefect and relatively cheaper for initial install. After that the mods are endless and also a dime a dozen. SO WHY NOT?
After a little research i came up with the following build plan. I know I've only scratched the surface but here's what i got for now:
Motor: 5.3L LM7 V8 from a 02' Silverado Price: $1000
Tranny: 4L60 Built transmission from a 04 tahoe Price: $1500 / 6L80E Price: $1999
Aftermarket mounts Price: $700
After that there are tons of electronic odds and ends that need to be added or thrown out. I think this will be the hardest part of the build. Getting harnesses to play nice seems like a big challenge.
The turn key kit from MOTECH for the ls swap is priced at $5200. Think i can fab shit to lower the cost and only buy absolute necessities. List of shit includes:
Alternator mount kit, fits your JK alternator to the LS engine.
A/C compressor mount kit, fits your JK A/C compressor to the LS engine.
P/S mount kit, fits your JK P/S pump to the LS engine.
E38 GM computer programmed for your engine.
MoTech's JK to LS wiring harness with power distribution center PDC, supports AFM/DOD and VVT engines.
ECM and PDC mount.
Transmission shift cable mount and lever.
Accelerator pedal and mount.
Aluminum expansion bottle and mount.
A/C line kit.
Air intake kit. (Air Filter not included)
Serpentine belt 6K1015.
Harmonic balancer set, includes new bolt.
Emissions kit - includes fuel tank pressure sensor, EVAP vent solenoid, hose and hardware.
Anyone with any experience in swapping LS motors please let me know if you have any advice. This is going to be a learning experience for me. Thanks guys! :drinks::Thanx: