LS LM7 swap start
 

I introduced some of you to my 67 K10 last week and now it's time to start the tear down on her to swap in a new motor the plan is to put one of the ls family in, most likely the LM7 unless I stumble upon something better. Tomorrow I'll be pulling the truck in the garage.
http://i.imgur.com/gxT2NM7h.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/BFulrNR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/y5IxwEM.jpg
The Images I have posted are from the original build and the truck is still in one piece I'm just showing what I'm working with. I am planning on using the original sm420 Tran and T221 transfer case mainly because I see no "easy" or "cheap" way of switching it, and changing to the new ls and hydro brakes.

for mounting I have looked at two different options
plates like these http://dirtydingo.com/store/index.ph...=1_206_305_335
Or a crossmember kit like this http://dirtydingo.com/store/product_...oducts_id=1408

Does any one know why they don't include 4x4 on the plates fitment list. I will get a better look tomorrow but right now I haven't seen much for fitting this in a K10?

exhaust, right now I have headers on the truck and the options I see are.
changing the headers I have to fit with ls flanges
using the ls manifolds
Buying new headers
The exhaust is particularly tight in the truck between the cab, frame, clutch linkage, and crossmember on driver side.

The clutch linkage looks like it needs to go as I don't know if the ls has a bolt hole for it, I doubt it, and it will make more room for the exhaust, be cleaner.
these are the two types I found. (picture are not specific just examples)
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...GsAOqngBYUkecV
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...lPe42uPg3ili5g
Any specific part or build would be nice information?
mounting the master should be simple.

I plan on using some electric fans on the old radiator and making hoses to fit.
how ever Ill have to add the steam tube (any good ways to tie that up?)

as far as accessories Ill be using the alternator and power steering pump from the ls and will keep the ac pump on the shelf in case I decide to add it later. how will the ls alternator work compared to the 79 alternator I have now?

Right now I have the 2004 truck booster and master cylinder on the truck and an not very happy with it (running drums in the back and disks in the front)
So, what do you guys think of the new hydro setups and anything you have run across as a great proportioning valve?

when I pick up the engine I'll get the computer and harness as well, possibly the brake unit.

as far as this truck goes it is a show and go that gets driven alot. So the goal is to be reliable and clean.
I will be changing cam push rods and springs I have a general idea on what it will be but not positive, I am looking for an aggressive cam, but nothing insane with huge losses, just good power gain and sound. May change to car intake, relocate coil packs, get nice valve covers, and fuel rails.

I am open to any questions, constructive criticism. please point out anything I over looked, The main point here is to get the dos and don'ts, tricks and tips, and anything else to make this build better. please point out any 67-72 4x4 swap, i have been looking and have most of the information. I will be keeping this thread updated threw the build and will re post a clean build thread when it is finished with all helpful parts and information.
http://i.imgur.com/yUEPgOZ.jpg

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I also forgot about the difference in connecting the engine and trans. Can't quite remember but I think the crank was .400 tho less than the old blocks, I have heard of people pushing their bushing in only so far to fix this but I don't like that idea. any better part to do this with. This will be alot easier when I have an engine to look at and compare.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I have attached my build thread which, has most of the information you are looking for. I used a Tilton 7/8 master cylinder and a howe hydraulic throwout bearing. Good luck with your build.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=532351

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Thanks Dave
I have already looked threw your thread, definitely the most helpful for me having a 4x4 with the old manual. I hope you don't mind if I throw some question at you as I work my way threw this thread.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Not a problem just let me know.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I pulled the front clip last week to make room. also pulled the the motor to make way for new. Anyone know of a good place to get an LM7 dropout up here near Wisconsin. I was calling around but the holidays slowed me down should get one this week.
snapped a few pics
http://i.imgur.com/hgtumAWh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/vT38CaHh.jpg

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Alright, I ordered a 5.3 LM7 and it is on it's way :metal: It has all the accessories, wiring harness, ecu, tak, and pedal. I'm going to track down a few more parts so they are ready to go when my vacation starts in a week. So, the shopping list goes flywheel, pilot bearing, throwout bearing, electric fans, hydraulic clutch, engine paint, new ignition switch, and fuel pump.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Nice truck subscribed.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

subscribed.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

just a quick question for you guys what have you been doing for setting up your computers with? I have been looking at hptuners and I know this won't be the last time I need to tune this or any vehicle. Plus you can scan so it would be nice to have around for the newer vehicles, but is the price worth it.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I bought hptuners and use it for scans sent to my tuner...who sends me back a new file to load. works out great. maybe some day I'll even learn enough to do my own. :lol:

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

If you plan to learn how to use it, then yes its worth it. But if you don't, then its a pricey gauge lol. Some people just SHOULDN'T go poking around in their ecm's, which is why some pro tuners lock it.

Keep in mind you need to buy credits to tune cars, so the expense continues if you plan to do other people. The thing is, you can buy the Professional kit from the beginning, and get a huge advantage on the credits etc when it comes to cost (but it almost doubles the initial cost).

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I downloaded the demo so I could get a feel for it and find my way around. obviously I can't really get in to making changes with it, but I wanted to see just what I can do using it. To start out I would need to disable vats and adjust rpm ranges changing from the auto to a manual. later a cam swap would need to be tuned. So far I have found everything I needed and something that I didn't. This build is my first with fuel injection and electronic ignition but I already have plans for more builds and have always loved these engines. They aren't going away so I better get good at working with them

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I would say that hp tuners is probably the most user friendly with a ton of help if you need it on their forum. I have been using it for almost a year now, great investment!! It also comes with enough credits to be able to tune 4 cars so if you get good enough with it, then you can easily get your money back with just a couple of tunes..

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Well Christmas came a little early, I unloaded the engine yesterday just going to head down to the shop and see how things are going to fit.
http://i.imgur.com/CHBbFGyh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9f34TdZh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zGaoQE7h.jpg

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Very interested in this swap, subscribed!

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I thought I should put up some of the progress. Right know I have the the drive train bolted back in the frame after I made my own mounts. I have a picture of the position I mounted the motor mounts in and I'll take some of the actual pieces I made tonight. I can see why most trucks are lifted when you put in an Ls the clearance between the axle and the oil pan is tight, and I'm looking at my options. I will probably lower my bumpers to protect the pan first and if my ride is rough and I'm hitting the bumpers than I'll have to look at lifting it an inch or two. It would be possible to do this without lifting but it would be tight and the engine would be tipped back more than I would like. Last night I did the majority of depinning and rework on the harness. Next up I'll lay the harness on the engine and figure out my inline fuel pump.
http://i.imgur.com/nILjVEQ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gThRzPX.jpg

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

sorry about The pictures I'll get some nice ones on soon.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Excellent start! I'll be keeping an eye on this as I start my project. Did you get your engine through bowauto?

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Alright, I something was bothering me about my harness and as I was looking at buying hptuners. I figured out what it was. I do not have an obd2 port. Is there a section of the harness I am missing or a conversion I need to do?

Otherwise I went threw my trans and transfer with new gaskets and seals, had some of my pieces powder coated or ceramic coated and started to reassemble, but I have the wrong pilot bearing and am waiting on some trans gaskets before I can continue.

So, am I missing something in the harness to plug in the computer?

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Yes, the engine came from Bowauto.
other than a couple broken pieces of plastic (I think my engine came out of a rollover) it's been as expected.
That is why I am curious on this obd2 port. They seemed good at including everything.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Well ANY vehicle after 96 has an obdII port.....so how you got a harness without one I do not know. Its not a huge section of the harness, but its a few wires and the plug usually on a reasonably long lead.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Check out the first post here for your obd2 port. I went to the junk yard and cut one out of a camaro and wired it how it explains in this post. Good luck! http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...swap-faqs.html

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

http://lt1swap.com/fuseblock_obd2port.html

i bought mine though the links on this page

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Thanks guys I have a parts car in the barn I'll cut it out of, and wire it in.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

I thought I would post up some pics of the fresh ceramic and powder coat.
http://i.imgur.com/sodgMF3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/JyDR7Mz.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TdBG7Tm.jpg
Right now the truck is sitting ready to drop the engine in, then It is just hoses wires and programming. I haven't had time to work on the truck lately. Hopefully I have a good chunk of time this weekend to get the motor in the frame. I've been going back and forth on getting a cam now or later. might just save that for a weekend project later on. I also think I'm going to take the alternator/pwr steering bracket to powder coat as well.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

These are the parts I have bought so far as a reference.
(not including shipping)

clutch
wilwood 3/4 master cylinder WIL-260-1304-$49.94
Howe Hydraulic throw-out bearing HRE-82870-$139.97 (They do not say it fits a sm420 but after measuring multiple times I went for it and it looks to be an excellent fit)

Fuel Pump
Walbro GSL392 255LPH-$92.00

Trasmission/Transfer case
NFW1050 Sachs flywheel-$63.97
sm420 trans gasket and seal kit-$29.95
tranfercase seals-$76
Powder coating-$155

Motor
2003 5.3 dropout-$1200
HpTuners-$649

Total-$2455.83
this does not include random nuts and bolts, paint, sealers. The list is not complete yet either.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

GM machined some of their crankshafts at 1.652 which is the size of the ls2 pilot bearing and then some were machined at 1.705 which is the size that I have. after finding this out, I couldn't install the engine, but I now have the correct bearing ordered as Modern drive line has one that is od 1.705 and id .590 that will fit. I also took some pictures of the new parts and decided where I would mount the master cylinder for the clutch. I am holding it in location in the picture below and am going to move the speedo cable and wiring to clean up the fire wall. I will be able to modify the pedal to easily connect it and the master cylinder. I drew up cover to close up the bell housing, and need to get steel for it.
http://i.imgur.com/fTrm7SL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ylrCcLh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wtTVbyK.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2HWsT60.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WaHCu3j.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/m6CQbpd.jpg

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

It's been awhile since I I have updated the build, but that doesn't mean there wasn't progress. The engine is in the the front clip went back on last Saturday. the clutch has been mounted, the linkage made, plumbed and bled. The fuel pump is wired and lines ran. I relocated the coils to the sides of the intake and new wires made, I haven't seen them put here before. The gas pedal is mounted and the wiring harness lengthened. I used the same idea as the original gas pedal by mounting the electronic one on the firewall and contacting the back of my 67 pedal. I had to elongate the holes in the floor for the shifter and 4x4 lever. I got the OBD-2 port on and the wiring together enough to hook my laptop up. I read the computer and scanned to check some of the sensors. My gas pedal is not registering but I believe this is due to some wires yet to be tied up. It might be possible to start it this weekend. I need to wire in relays which are on the way. Hook up radiator hoses. Write the new program to the computer. and fill all the fluids.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Is it showing up not connected, or is it showing connection but no response?

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Some visual updates.
It took me forever to get these pictures to display upright.

http://i.imgur.com/AIL13Lh.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/oy5Gmb8.jpg?1

I am liking the new look.

http://i.imgur.com/F2WwLlI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/SxZZCkS.jpg?1

The New hydraulic clutch master bolted on, and the linkage to the pedal

http://i.imgur.com/rvx0DOR.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/cL9XerM.jpg?1

I liked the original gas pedal look so I kept a similar setup.

http://i.imgur.com/CQDoUFi.jpg?1

I got the temp sensor in the passenger side head.

http://i.imgur.com/NI3cPPP.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/4JE9y9x.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/eFDCLhT.jpg?1

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

damn fine machine. I dunno how you keep a 4wd vehicle that nice. I can't manage it.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

Painfully, very painfully. I need to put a clear chip guard on the lower areas yet, but other that some small chips I've avoided doing anything stupid so far. Surprisingly my friends stop me from stupidity which is normally the opposite.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

It shows up not connected, but there is three wires that I have yet to connect. one pink- keyed power. one light blue-chsml. and one more that I can't remember color. I am not worried about the pedal yet. I know I have some wiring to finish before it all works.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

How much rubber fuel line are you running?

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

There is about 2 ft before the pump and none from the pump to the motor. then 2.5 ft from hard line to tank on the return side of things, and a rubber vent hose.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

alright, on Saturday I had that moment. I had to pull the top of the transmission and line up the forks, finished wiring the computer and fuel pump relays. Plugged in the computer and wrote the new program. Turned the key and she started faster than my daily driver. she is alive.

I had to do some trouble shooting before hand. I had to add grounds to the body and frame, I had the wires for my horn and my ignition wires mixed up (both are green and I'm not smart enough to realize there was two green wires to keep straight.) I added power to the gas pedal and it started registering.

So, at this point I would say it is the home stretch just need to button things up.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

lately I have had several questions about the coil relocation so, I'm going to do a quick write-up of what it took and how it sits. I wish I had take more/better pictures and remember the details but I'll give you what I got.

I used the plates that originally held the coils I just cut them to hold to coils each and removed some of the extra. then welded on l shaped brackets that are used to bolt the coils on with the same same bolt that holds on the fuel rails. Its takes some time to move around the mounts and get all the coils to fit.

Other than the cutting and welding of the brackets the only other changes are to tweak the fuel rails to fit the coils behind it. (I believe I shorted the bolt in the clamp of the fuel rails and cut a mounting tab that was part of the clamp) both lines are still solid and are not at risk of leaking of damage. 2nd change. I trimmed half an inch or less from my engine cover on the back passenger side by last coil.

otherwise minor trimming might help fit the coils (not a requirement and not something that compromises the the intake)

http://i.imgur.com/hWb3Raf.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/W4vZMdN.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/cCcIRAz.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VhZKpQB.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/AQ9s65U.jpg?1

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

i'm asking for alittle help. I have been looking at valve covers and and after looking threw what is available and pictures of the ls swaps I have to ask what are you guys doing with the two breather hoses from the intake to the valve covers. most of the valve covers I am looking at don't come with the inlets and I am wondering if it is as simple as plugging or capping the holes if I get valve covers with out inlets.

Re: LS LM7 swap start
 

programming help needed.
Alright, I am trying to finish the swap tonight/tomorrow. My only issue right now is with the computer or so I think. the only other thing I can think of is a fuel pressure drop. So I'm going to be at this till she runs like a top.

The good
engine starts and idles great

the problem happens at about 2000 rpms no matter what. the engine cuts power and and dies about 900 and rises back up. I logged a run of it and have been studying it. I took a screen shot of an area. So what do you guys see should I be looking at the fuel system or the computer.
http://i.imgur.com/e8FmyD5.png