That truck/camper would be sweet! Even if it wasn’t for the mouse infestation a complete gutting and require wouldn’t be a bad idea anyways. Similar to how you did your blazer (which I’m still loving).
CK5
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'91 K5 Four Wheel Camper
This is the build for my 1991 V1500 Blazer, AKA the K5.3. It started out life being sold to the U.S. Government with a 350 TBI/700r4/241 combo. 4 years with a 5.3/700r4 Combo and now moving to an 8.1L Vortec and NV4500 5-speed.
So an opportunity has come up that might help the power production in my K5.
Like a 2 liter boost in displacement (more like 2.1, but who's counting). Some things need to fall in place as it's a couple of buddies parting out a truck, but if they don't want the engine I can buy it.
It's the L29 variety, so roller cam, Vortec heads. Swapping into mine would only require a few things, plus a rework of the L29 harness or go back to Howell for a standalone setup.
Now before the LS fans start lighting torches and sharpening the pitchforks let's remember I've been spinning the snot out of this 5.3 all summer with the camper on it just to keep up. Mountain passes suck and I live near a lot of mountains. Had I not thrown a house on the back of my K5 and gave it more frontal area to punch through the air I'd not even consider a change. But underpowered isn't fun.
Now tell me how I can get 410 lb/ft of torque at 3200 with my 5.3 without moving to forced induction and it's cheaper than swapping in a 454 and I might consider it.
Like a 2 liter boost in displacement (more like 2.1, but who's counting). Some things need to fall in place as it's a couple of buddies parting out a truck, but if they don't want the engine I can buy it.
It's the L29 variety, so roller cam, Vortec heads. Swapping into mine would only require a few things, plus a rework of the L29 harness or go back to Howell for a standalone setup.
Now before the LS fans start lighting torches and sharpening the pitchforks let's remember I've been spinning the snot out of this 5.3 all summer with the camper on it just to keep up. Mountain passes suck and I live near a lot of mountains. Had I not thrown a house on the back of my K5 and gave it more frontal area to punch through the air I'd not even consider a change. But underpowered isn't fun.
Now tell me how I can get 410 lb/ft of torque at 3200 with my 5.3 without moving to forced induction and it's cheaper than swapping in a 454 and I might consider it.
beags86
Eastbound and Down
Whatever man, those LS snobs just don't understand what a fat block is all about. Swapon.

So would you be doing an injection from something similar to an 8.1?
Since Larry is around.
Tell us more!
Since Larry is around.
Tell us more!
I've tossed this around a lot. A cam in the 5.3 would bring the power up for sure, but also move the curves even higher than they are now. Gearing would help keep the 5.3 happy and spinning faster, but that's only part of the issue. I've spent way too much time in the shotgun seat of Larry's rigs and it's gave me the outlook that low rpm torque is good. Who cares if it's all over by 4500 rpm if it's doing it's job at a more relaxed pace. This is not a race car. I've got my Nova to do that too.Whatever man, those LS snobs just don't understand what a fat block is all about. Swapon.

We'd be sticking with the L29 injection system. It's proven and takes me away from the MEFI4 based system I'm running now. I could run the MEFI4 on this engine with a change to the injector connectors as Larry used this system on his back when he ran the 454 L29 setup for a while. But staying stock GM affords better tuning options and the use of a mass air sensor instead of being speed density. A quick send to Howell to delete post cat O2's, EGR, Passlock and a couple other items, then a basic tune to juice it a little more than stock and it should be strong. Plus I can use any OBD2 based scan tool from a Tech2 to bluetooth/wifi devices with my phone or Ipad. Much better than the archaic laptop we have that works with the MEFI4 system.
Yes, Larry and the Bigassgas Garage will be critical to the swap happening if I get my grimy paws on this engine. We will probably yank the 700r4 out at the same time for me to take to work and have my trans tech work his magic on it to allow it to live behind the fat block. Swapping to a 4L80e is not in the cards financially and I really don't want to loose the 1st gear ratio or redo driveshafts again.
For those that aren't familiar, here's what a L29 looks like. Stolen from Larry's flickr when he had the L29 in his.
I went over today and checked the truck out that the engine is in. It's a runner. It's in a 98 K3500 cab/chassis. Starts right up, not a whiff of smoke in the exhaust and it pulls like a freight train. It would be the shot in the arm my K5 needs. But we need to reseal everything as it's got a wicked rear main leak. Do it all while it's out.
The actual engine in question.
I've tossed this around a lot. A cam in the 5.3 would bring the power up for sure, but also move the curves even higher than they are now. Gearing would help keep the 5.3 happy and spinning faster, but that's only part of the issue. I've spent way too much time in the shotgun seat of Larry's rigs and it's gave me the outlook that low rpm torque is good. Who cares if it's all over by 4500 rpm if it's doing it's job at a more relaxed pace. This is not a race car. I've got my Nova to do that too.
We'd be sticking with the L29 injection system. It's proven and takes me away from the MEFI4 based system I'm running now. I could run the MEFI4 on this engine with a change to the injector connectors as Larry used this system on his back when he ran the 454 L29 setup for a while. But staying stock GM affords better tuning options and the use of a mass air sensor instead of being speed density. A quick send to Howell to delete post cat O2's, EGR, Passlock and a couple other items, then a basic tune to juice it a little more than stock and it should be strong. Plus I can use any OBD2 based scan tool from a Tech2 to bluetooth/wifi devices with my phone or Ipad. Much better than the archaic laptop we have that works with the MEFI4 system.
Yes, Larry and the Bigassgas Garage will be critical to the swap happening if I get my grimy paws on this engine. We will probably yank the 700r4 out at the same time for me to take to work and have my trans tech work his magic on it to allow it to live behind the fat block. Swapping to a 4L80e is not in the cards financially and I really don't want to loose the 1st gear ratio or redo driveshafts again.
For those that aren't familiar, here's what a L29 looks like. Stolen from Larry's flickr when he had the L29 in his.
I went over today and checked the truck out that the engine is in. It's a runner. It's in a 98 K3500 cab/chassis. Starts right up, not a whiff of smoke in the exhaust and it pulls like a freight train. It would be the shot in the arm my K5 needs. But we need to reseal everything as it's got a wicked rear main leak. Do it all while it's out.
Sounds fun! I'll be watching this one.
Just remember, the torches and pitchforks from the people who don't like it will give you plenty of light to see where you're going.
I had a 97 burb 2500 with an L29, had eagle mark throw a tune on it and it was a fun big fat bitch to drive. I have an L29 block in the garage that needs to get reworked due to sitting outside in the rain.
I think you’d be super happy, and bbc is always the answer.
I think you’d be super happy, and bbc is always the answer.
Shoot I'd like to be able to climb a pass in 3rd and not see Larry's tail lights disappear in front of me. In either direction of Wolf Creek Pass I was down to 2nd and wound out holding 40 mph for the last mile to the summit. The LS engine is a great setup and rev's like crazy, but I just don't like abusing that poor thing.
If this one falls through, I've been looking on craigslist for a 96-99 2500 burbs or 2500/3500 truck that could have a L29 just in case.
Plus you’ll get a 4l80 with it. Which you can also tune in a little more shift pressure, which is nice.
I've seen several big block burbs around me lately for less than a grand of FB marketplace. Wish I had to cash to scoop them up. Most of them have had transmission issues.
What you are experiencing with the LS is what it is known for, sense the Diesel engines took off we don't need a low end grunt gasser anymore. This is the same reason I semi talked @Bent77 out of the LS for his application, it just doesn't make sense. Sure a cam will help but is it the correct answer?
That being said my truck empty feels pretty torquey but put a load on it and it's a dog. The only real test I had was about 6000lbs on the hitch and that might not be fair?
That being said my truck empty feels pretty torquey but put a load on it and it's a dog. The only real test I had was about 6000lbs on the hitch and that might not be fair?
Yeah I really didn't but I added fuel to the fire to not LS swap it.You didn’t talk me outta shit, but ya are funny!
My side is winning btw
Mine spins 6kI'm on your side?
I like driving like a moron so I'll spin my LS up to 6k
beags86
Eastbound and Down
I'm on your side?
I like driving like a moron so I'll spin my LS up to 6k
6k.... Anyone not spinning their engine to 6 isn't trying hard enough
I don't know if the old 6.2 would like 6k much. If I ever swap it out I will do a big block like he is looking at. I'm going to watch this for ideas.
