The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Howdy, names Justin from Kansas. Im in the middle of a 1988 Blazer 2wd 2dr 5.3 swap. I have taken the truck down to the frame, and now building up from there!

Thought Id start another build thread here. You guys have been very welcoming to me and my questions. Thanks!

So here it go's!

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Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Attachment 537444 My stand alone harness I did myself with the help from you guys!

Attachment 537445
My shop
Attachment 537446 the new chassis harness.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Attachment 537448

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Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

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Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Lookin good, I may be getting a S-10 with a slightly built 5.3L here pretty soon.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Nice work so far.
What are you using for a water pump? I thought the water pump on the truck engines had clearance problems with the LS1 intake.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

I ran into to problem. I found out that the 2007 or newer Silverado water pumps will clear the throttle body. I also had to mod the idler pulley location to below the alt. The old idler mount had to cut off the truck drive unit bracket.

Here is a picture of the idler relocation mod. Also a longer belt was needed. I think something around 102 inches. Took me 3 attempts to get the right belt!:lol:

Attachment 537529

Attachment 537530:metal:

Justin Hope this answers your questions! I also had to add washers behind the pulley and use all thread bolt and locker nut!

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Sweet. I'm sure there are a lot of guys that would like to know about the water pump. Is it cheaper the the Ls1 water pump? Oh I like the wiring harness laid out on the cutting board too. Kinda appropriate.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Glad to see you have a build thread here! That LS1 intake looks right at home there! :lol:

GM changed the waterpump on the trucks, so the 07 and up make a great replacement for anyone wanting to put an LS1 or LS6 intake on the Vortecs. It eliminates the clearance issue with the throttle body, especially on the electric ones. And you don't have any alignment problems with the new truck pump also.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Looks like a fun build

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thanks for hooking me up with the Intake Bob!

The water pump a little pricey but still cheaper than vette or F-body FEED!

The harness work was the most time consuming. I bought the relay box from current and the Injector plugs from EFI Connection along with other plugs and connectors. Really wasn't that bad doing all the work, just had to take my time! Still saved me about $600 bucks doing it myself.

Just moving along with the Chassis harness now. I found a lovely family of mice in my dash! They ate up almost all the insulation on the wires, and started on the hard plastic! I live in the country, and that's Life!! Just hate the smell of mouse piss! :devil:

Sunday I ripped what was left of the old wiring, and should have the new wiring in this week! The only thing I need is parts blazer, manly the dash and hard plastics. I missed one this weekend, 89' 4wd 2dr blown engine for $200 bones! Clean old truck, inside was spot less! :dum:

Another Question Bob. Who did your computer tuning? I'm thinking Fast Chip might do mine. But thought I'd ask you and others who else?

Thanks again!

Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Jesse at wait4meperformance.com has done all mine for several years now. I think it is $75 to reprogram your PCM, and about $175 (don't remember for sure) if you don't have a core and buy one programmed from him. To rework the harness and reprogram the PCM is $360.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Woo! That's cheap! Is that just for the vats and Emission? Or dose that include add on like my LS1 intake- injectors, headers and a aftermarket tachometer? That is my only question. I haven't decided on a cam yet. But would like to have a bump stick in it! The transmission for now is a Fresh built TH-350" left over from my Nova that sold last year that was never put to use", but I plan on a 4l60E later.

Any help would be great! Thanks

Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

That is for whatever you need reflashed in it. Oh, and free re-tunes for life, so later when you decide to do a cam, he will just need the cam specs and cam reflash it again accordingly. The PCM's tach output works with aftermarket tach's when they are set to the 4 cyl position.

Best bet is to call and talk directly to Jesse. They are a little slow at answering emails sometimes, but he will talk your ear off on the phone!

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thanks Bob! I just called Wait4 Me. Wow! That $75 at first sounded to good to be true! I will get it out this week! :metal:

Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

I hope I had the prices right, it's been while since I had just the PCM done.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

You where right about the prices. Just was hard for me to believe at first!

Justin

BTW How did you rigg up oil sending unit? Pipe thread tap the drivers side oil cooler adapter?

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Yup!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1252463287

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thanks Bro!

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Hey Bob I have question! When you sold me that intake. I didn't notice it at first, Its missing the threaded inserts for the throttle bracket. You would have them laying around somewhere or know the PIN number for the Sealership? I bought a billet Lokar Ls1 cable mount and can't bolt it on!;)


Attachment 539592

Any help would be great!

Thanks
Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Ya know, I never noticed. I have a drive by wire throttle body, so I guess I never had a reason to look. I shipped it to you in the same box I got it in, so I know they aren't here. if all else fails at a dealer, there are a variety of threaded inserts available that you can install. Most work like a pop rivet, and swell up as you tighten the bolt. I used them all the time when I was building conversion vans. I even used some on Fred to attach the bracket I made for the MAF to the radiator support.

Some examples:

http://www.fastener-world.com.tw/upl...item/350-2.jpg

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

When in doubt, ask Bob! Thanks buddy!

Are those easy to find? Where else besides the Dealer?

Thanks

Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Believe it or not, our ACE Hardware has them. I think NAPA and CarQuest does too. If you have a fastener supply place close by, like Fastenal, they will definitely have them.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Yeah, I just called Fastenal here down the street. Just need to figure out what thread size and count now! You wouldn't know the bolt size by chance? Thanks again for the help!

I'm really ready to get this show started! Reaching almost a year since I started this project. Budget hasn't went to high as of yet. 70% finished, and still under $2.500.00! Still got the important stuff left yet!

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Eeks, I really wouldn't know for sure. But if I had to guess, I would say the bolt size was around 4mm, maybe 5mm. Might be easiest to make that SAE, it might be easier to get an insert for SAE threads, #10 or 1/4". If you can, measure the I.D. of the hole and see what they have that will fit in there.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thanks man

Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

I did find out for sure (according to GM's LS1 swap kit guide) that they are 1/4"-20 threaded inserts for the linkage bracket.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thats what I found as well! Thanks for foot work Bob!

Ordered them. Should be here Monday. I should shop more at the Fastenal Store. Cool place.
Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Wow, great setup. I can't wait for videos!! Burnouts!!

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thanks man! Getting closer. The only thing a lack is time" Self Employed" But after this weather strait'en up around here, I should get more done! All i've done this winter is collect parts!

I just yanked the chassis harness out and the dash out. Routing the new harness now, and wiring my Gauges and building my dash cluster. Just need to get my ass in gear!:metal:

Justin!

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Weather here strait it self out, I might get some work done! But I did start wiring the chassis and dash this week. The Game Sunday kinda slowed progress! Go Saints! Took a bet with bunch of friends. I won $300 bones! Put that into the slush S-10 fund!

Dropped off my trans for a rebuild this morning. Getting a little closer.


Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build " Gauge Cluster"
 

Started my gauge Panel this weekend. Too cold to work outside! :lol:


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Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Hey, thats looking pretty good. I've been building a 91 s10 ext cab 4x4 for my son, and he wants to put a 350 into. I'm not sure how well that will go, not sure if we'd have to change drivetrain or not. I like the looks of the 5.3L in there.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thanks! I would have the truck finished by now if I went with and SBC 350! This build is taking some time!

Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

The rest of the Gauges came today!

Building the Aluminum Panel tonight and adding extra panel mounts to stock bezel. Should look great!

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psst Butcher,
4 and 5/8s mounting hole for a 5" gauge :-)
hehe been there

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An't it a *****! I got it fixed! LOL!Attachment 548413

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Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Attachment 549200 Red Neck Machine Shop!:alky:

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The Phantom Gauges look ok in dash.

Justin

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

That turned out nice. Does your blazer have the brushed trim? I didn't think it looked bad on the wood.

Re: The 5.3 Blazer build
 

Thanks. No bushed trim. Just the gauge panel. Nothing special, just something to hold the Gauges.

Justin