75 K-5 5.3 LS transplant [with pics]

buefchris · May 16, 2010

I've been running this orignal untouched 1975 K-5's 350/350 through the Southern California desert for ten years. And with over 35 years and 205,000 miles It still ran well , but could use a rebuild.

The next engine needed to have fuel injection for inclines and declines [way too many scary times with the carbed engine].
I also wanted a 4 speed auto to replace the th350. The truck was taching too high on the highways which was killing the gas milage and the tired 350.

So, after priceing aftermarket injection systems a rebuilt longblock and a rebuilt 700r, It was cheaper to go with takeout 5.3 Ls and a 4l60e instead.

mnstrburbon · May 16, 2010

Nice swap, I'm tuned in for the outcome.

buefchris · May 16, 2010

mnstrburbon said:
Nice swap, I'm tuned in for the outcome.

Apparently that makes two of us.

Anyway, along with the engine and trans comes everything else to make it run.....

Decided to go with the in-tank fuel pump which requires the late model tank with baffles.

I have the ECM and the factory harness,but knowing that the computer needs to have the securities taken out [and the harness looked like a nightmare] I opted for the custom harness. Both by Howell Injection.

There is no better time to replace the upper shackle bushings that when the engine is out too.

Big Ray · May 17, 2010

subscribed!!

buefchris · May 18, 2010

Now we begin the tear down
View attachment 101706
It will be easier to remove the front bumper and hood.
At hind sight, removing the engine cross member and the whole front clip[while being more work] would make for an easy install. I didn't do that :doah:

View attachment 101707
How come pulling a motor is easy and putting one in is a PITA?
This 350 will be going into a neighbor's "T"-Bucket project.
View attachment 101708
A lot better if you lower it down to belly hight.

One out and one to go.
Oh ya, forgot to mention when doing this conversion you'll need an aftermarket engine cross member of some brand.
The deeper it is the better.You could spend time modifying the factory one,but [in my opinion] why would you waste your time?

And with everything out of the way,one last shove and the 350/203 is down and out. It will be in the hands of it's new owner tomorrow.
A good thing to have these parts sold before they are out of the vehicle.

buefchris · May 18, 2010

Pictures would help. Sometimes the computer and I don't get along.

mnstrburbon · May 18, 2010

Nice progress and parts collection seems like you really did you're homework.

Yobtaf · May 18, 2010

Cant wait to see the end results Chris. :waytogo:

subscribed for sure.

cheyennek20 · May 18, 2010

That's cool Brother!!! Can't wait to see how it turns out when I get back!! :bow:

blazindorito · May 18, 2010

Subscribed.

Can't wait to see it. Good Luck.

buefchris · May 19, 2010

Since the engine compartment hasn't been painted in over 35 years, thought I'd better clean and paint it a little.

I took the battery out of this side to make room for the air box.
Don't know what kind yet. I looked at some of those UMP's and Donaldson's but most are huge to match the c.f.m. this motor needs.[And not cheap]
So, I 'll be looking at the junkyards for ideas.

This side is where most of my electrical will go with both batteries.
It needs a lot of clean up.

A buddy of mine made me a overflow tank for the radiator.[stainless]
It will mount back on the firewall.

Got the battery from RuffStuff. I could not build this box for what he charges for it.

Also, I had to change from the truck style exhaust manifolds to what is run in a Camero mainly because of the right hand side hitting the frame.Corvette mainfolds work even better but people want an arm and a leg for those.
Most folks notch the frame, :doah:

I don't think so.
These were far cheaper than going with headers.

mnstrburbon · May 19, 2010

That engine compartment sure came out nice.

Good job nice to see people taking the time to clean and paint stuff. :bow:

I wish they had that battery box when i did my tray that is a sweet set up.

ChickenRammit · May 19, 2010

buefchris said:
Apparently that makes two of us.

i think we were just trying to not contaminate your thread.

this is a very useful thread, i think a lot of people will be able to take advantage of the information that you are supplying. :waytogo:

buefchris · May 20, 2010

Well, I mated the two together, looks like it's time to put it in

Installing the engine took more than one person. Thank goodness for bored neighbors.

Finally, it's in. Wasn't easy the ORD cross member had to come out in order to let the oil pan clear.

Even after it was in I still had to put spacers under the mounts not only to clear the cross member but, to make sure the exhaust manifold wouldn't hit the frame.

I've looked at other builds and they have the same clearance issues.
Maybe after I get it running I may have to change out the cross member cause it's too tight.