ls swap 71 K5?

[68MUDSTUD]

Hey fellers, been seriously thinking about LS swapping my 71. What do I need to know? I'm thinking about buying LS3 and 4l80e. I'd like to use my 205 T-case. I hear people are having to use a different crossmember, and the people using the dirty dingo are finding the bolts dont line up very well?

Am I going to have to get different driveshafts?

What are my options with fuel tanks/pumps?

with that much extra power, would it be worth boxing in parts of the frame?

I'm thinking about this... motor/trans/harness

How about radiator and fans?

how about everything else I need on the front of the motor like alternator and P/S?

Thanks in advance.

 

[6872xtc]

I would look into DIY4X products. I don't know if you would need adapter plates or not. Their standard crossmember is a very well built piece, it has a removable center section, so I would look to them. I personally don't like the dirty dingo one, and some have commented that the bolts don't stay tight. No idea if they are stretching or what.

I would bet that you need to swap the input gear in the 205 and find the correct adapter housing.
Yes, driveshaft work will be needed.

I wouldn't box the frame, but I read somewhere on here that welding the crossmembers to the frame makes a difference. Obviously not the engine crossmember in case you ever need to move or remove it.

I have no personal experience with tanks or harnesses.

 

[Cucv_M1008]

I had my harness done by lsx Specialties in Medford Oregon.

 

[EddieExpedition]

The connect and cruise packages are nice and guaranteed to work together. You could piece it together for less if you wanted to. You can drop in a 87+ blazer tank and sending unit and a higher flow pump or get a Boyd welding tank and unit. 73-86 No efi sump in tank, 87+ have a sump for efi.