2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Back in 1984 my dad traded a 57 chevy for this 1966 pickup. A few years later he painted it red, Back in 2012 we took it apart to replace the normal rust spots, I built a 383 engine and a 411 posi rear. We also put 2012 interior, tilt wheel,5 lug with disc brakes, and power steering.
Two months ago at breakfast he told me he was hearing a rocker arm noise
we loaded on my trailer and took to my shop. At this time he hands me the keys at 74 and said its mine now... Long story short, bad cam and lifter. This put me on craigslist looking for a ls engine. I located a 2018 L83 5.3 with 9300 miles on it. it came with a 6 automatic. These engines come factory with 355 hp but all 5,3s after 2014 dont have power steering, they have electric steering.
I worked 3 hrs on the firewall sheet metal today. I didnt like the valve covers hitting the firewall. now for some pics....

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

more pics, not sure why the pics are sideways after posting.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

This started 4 weeks ago.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Nice looking truck :thumbs:

You don't see many that aren't lowered.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Its still power steering just not hydraulic like the earlier ones.:c2: truck

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

These engines come factory with 355 hp but all 5,3s after 2014 dont have power steering, they have electric steering.

Bummer. I think your point here is that you are going to have to come up with a drive system to run your PS pump, or switch to electric. Both are expensive in aftermarket.

Don't the HD trucks (2500 and up) still run hydraulic? Maybe there is a factory piece you can find.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

I made some progress on the chassis, we sprayed epoxy black, blasted engine stands.

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Pics

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Had a good day on the Lt install today, It help is was
70 degrees

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Pics

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

70 degrees...... oh nice rub it in. LOL
Nice truck and i love the LT install. I am very interested in how the LT install goes. That is the next step up from the LS line. Please update us on how the install goes. Really interested in what you do for the wiring harness.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Thank all of you for the kind words about the truck. When I purchased the engine ,I thought I was doing my second LS swap.I quickly learned I was in LT engines.
I put the HOTWIRE harness on last night. I will be installing the fuel pump and inline fuel filter Saturday. I ordered the brackets from CPW in FL to mount the ac,ps and factory alt on the pass side. Keep the replies coming.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

I hope to finish up the fuel system today, I was dreading it.
Here are the pics I have on my cell

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

More pics

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Pics

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I'm going to try to post pics that are not side ways.

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Pics

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Fuel pump 90psi. The direction with the pump tell me to drill a 1/32
HOLE IN THE BRASS plug. The bit broke right before breaking through the plug. D##n

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Ac ps alt bracket from CPW in FL. Waiting for it to complete the install.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Good to see someone makes a drive for this engine. What is the pump located where the PS pump would normally be? And why does it have its own drive off the crank?

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Everything pulls off one belt to the crank.
The only exception is the vacuum pump has it's own belt.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

We started her this weekend, I took the fuel relay out to check if it was going to turn over, it started on the fuel in the engine pump. Scared the hell out of me.

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Pics

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Nice! I did an lt, l83 in my dads crewcab, he loves it!

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Surprise starts are never fun, kinda like hot wall plugs that you thought you turned off at the breaker :)

Very nice truck!

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Thanks, That is one bad a## truck you built. I bet it will get away from you in a second.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

We painted under the hood, hope to put the cab back on the chassis today.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Managed to get the cab back on today.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Very nice and clean build. I was wondering if you might share what you are doing/planning for the wiring? I am in the middle of doing a '13 4.8 in my '86 swb and i am not sure on what i need to fire it up? i am trying/thinking to use as much of the existing wiring as possible.

like the truck!!

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

http://www.hotwireauto.com/?page=pricelist
This as the second harness I ordered From Jim at hotwire.
They custom build the harness to your needs (Not the china junk made from 6 different metals) I like the fact that I can call with any question and Jim wont talk down to you are rush you,

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Bolted on some shiny today.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

I tried some new hose clamps . These are heat shrink.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Those heat shrink hose clamps really have a clean look and work great. They are single use though.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Looks damn good. Love how clean and simple it is.

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Thanks for the nice words, we plan on driving this one to TN
2 or 3 times a year. Almost forgot, the fish camp on the weekend.

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Looks Great!
I miss my '65 short bed but I sure don't miss the 350 it had in it. You are going to love that LS set up. I just finished my '51 five window with an LS and it is so much smoother to drive! I know some guys here hate on the LS stuff. The small block chevy will go down in history as one of the greatest V-8's of all time but you can not beat the driveability of a late model LS engine!

Re: 2018 LT5.3 into 66 PU
 

Mounted PS reservoir and sway bar today.

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Pics

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I worked on the brackets for the power steering box today.
From start to finish I have about 6 hrs in making the brackets and
Mounting the box. I'm happy with how straight it lines up with the tilt column.