LS swap questions

[Williebeaman]

So I’m a ways off (I hope) from a new engine, but I do want to plan on doing a 5.3 so swap. But something I can’t seem to find an answer on is, can you just keep your 700r4? Another question is now with companies making the mounting brackets, is it becoming a bolt in job? Or is there still some fabrication required? I haven’t really seen a super detailed write up with pictures yet.

 

[Kain]

you can get adapter plate that bolt on and you can keep 700r4 if you want just have to reprogram computer
stay away from ebay harness

 

[ZooMad75]

So I’m a ways off (I hope) from a new engine, but I do want to plan on doing a 5.3 so swap. But something I can’t seem to find an answer on is, can you just keep your 700r4? Another question is now with companies making the mounting brackets, is it becoming a bolt in job? Or is there still some fabrication required? I haven’t really seen a super detailed write up with pictures yet.

You can keep the 700r4, but you'll have to make some concessions to a more mainstream LS swap. The main thing is you have to run a Cable throttle body vs a drive by wire throttle body. You need the cable throttle body so you have something to hook the 700's TV cable too. The stock 700 TV cable won't reach the more forward throttle location over the TBI setup. Best thing to do is go over to Bowtie Overdrives and use the TV made EZ kit for the vortec (truck) throttle body. I've been running that exact setup for 3 years now and other than the cable being a little tricky to adjust initially, the setup works great. I've got a detailed write up on my build thread (link in my sig line below).

BTW there's a dozen solid builds on here with great detail on the LS swap to a squarebody besides mine. Pretty common now and with the wide choice of swap mounts to use the engine itself is a bolt in affair.