L86/8L90 Swap info
 

I'm getting ready to do an L86/8L90 swap in a 93 SWB. I've go most of the swap figured out, but was wondering what OEM radiator and fans people are using? I'm trying to make it look as original as possible, so I don't want to go with an aftermarket setup. Any info on this (and the swap in general) would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

Rob

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

I run the diesel radiators. I have one in my '95 Suburban K2500 w/TBI 350. Brass and copper, big and fat

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Bolt in? or Modded? Thanks!

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

When doing these LS/LT swaps, I always reference what was originally used with the motor and then take that and determine what dimensions are close to it and what will actually fit the project truck.

The L86 is a 2014+ motor. For the 2015 Silverado with the 6.2 and 8L, the radiator size is:

H:16 7/8"
L: 34"
W: 1"


For the 1997 C1500 with 5.7 and 4L, the radiator size is:

H:17 1/4"
L:34"
W:1 1/16"


You mentioned you wanted to have the oem look, so what we did in the past with an LS swapped OBS is to use the 2003 Yukon XL Denali radiator with the 2010 Silverado 1500 9-blade e-fan.

2003 Yukon XL Denali radiator:

H:17 1/4"
L:34"
W: 1 1/8"

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Thanks for the info! Greatly appreciated.

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Why doesn't the 93 radiator work?
And just for giggles, I want to point out the irony of wanting it to look original but putting an entirely not original engine in the bay.:lol:

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

The reason we swapped radiators is because the bottom of the oem e-fans slid into clips that are a part of the plastic end tanks on the radiator. I’m sure you could figure out alternate ways to secure the bottom of the fans to an obs radiator, but I didn’t want to mess with all that

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

They bolt in since there were diesel models. I only have experience with diesels and this Suburban K2500. I can't recall if the original radiator was this type when I replaced it. I guess the correct OEM mounts are needed. Mine is installed with all the factory shroud in place

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

It's a V6 and only 24" wide, so I'm pretty sure it won't suffice for the 6.2, :).
Well, you know what I mean. Just trying to make it look clean, :metal:.

Rob

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Following along!

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Don't know if this will work for ya. Swapping an LS into my '89 Cheyenne and am using the 350 radiator with a twin fan assy. from a '08 Chrysler Sebring The core dimesions are 28" wide and 17" tall. The Sebring fans are almost identical in size to match the core

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Should have posted this with the previous thread; bought an aftermarket upper radiator shroud and trimmed most of it away leaving just the area for the radiator support mount and the radiator core saddles

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

That's a nice, tight, factory like fit Lee.

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Not only does it fit well within the area of the core, it's only 4.25" thick. BTW, the fans are 13 1/2" in diameter

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Thanks for posting Lee!

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Lee can you tell us about those fans? Are they factory wired to both run together or each turns on at different temps?

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

The fans are independent of one another, and wired individually. So, yes you can run them as hi/lo or together. In my case, I'll be using a PWM controller from Autocoolguy.com, that works independently of the PCM. This will allow the fans to spool up/down according to engine coolant temp. with no sudden amp spikes on fan turn-on

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Hey Lee does that controller tie into the engine computer or is it standalone?

R

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

It's stand alone. Pictured alongside the controller is the brass tube/fitting and the sensor that screws into the fitting. This assembly is placed into the lower radiator hose and feeds the coolant temp. to the controller, which then determines how fast/slow the fans need to spin. If you go to Autocoolguy.com you can see more info on this controller and others that are available. Also, you can email Daryll and he will get back to you with any questions you need answered

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Motor pulled, new motor prepped. Will install with Dirty Dingo adjustable motor/transmission mounts.

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Motor/transmission installed. Really loved the way the Dirty Dingo motor/transmission mounts worked out. They allowed us to use the factory exhaust manifolds as well as the factory transmission shift mechanism, :metal:. Next I'll start working on the fuel setup and the radiator/electric fan setup. Does anyone know if they make a 72psi Fuel Pressure regulator? I'm not using PWM as this setup is just going to be transportation and and we a re trying to keep in simple.

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

I've used:
holder:
https://www.bahnbrenner.com/media/ph...g.php?pid=1833
FPR:
https://www.bahnbrenner.com/media/ph...g.php?pid=1774
and the locking clip:
https://www.bahnbrenner.com/media/ph...g.php?pid=3086

Im doing a l83 swap now with out the fuel control module, all others I ran the control module. I ran the fuel pressure sensor because i thought i needed to, i dont think its necessary... i did notice the fuel pressure was bouncing around / wasn't smooth. not sure if it was the temporary long length of rubber line i had installed just to get it to run? or the high pressure fuel pump pulses.. I removed the temporary rubber line and finished the fuel system with hard line and havn't gotten around to starting it up again to read the pressure values while running.
clint

Re: L86/8L90 Swap info
 

Thanks for the info Clint. Are you currently installing the parts above or are you doing something different. Do they make a 72psi FPR like the old Corvette ones? Thanks for the help.

Rob

Re: L86/8L9e0 Swap info
 

Ive used those parts in all 3 of my l83 builds. Its adjustable to 72 psi. I have it set to 68ish. You need a sensor to see the pressure or put a gauge to it so you can set it.

This is how i set it up

https://imageshack.us/a/img923/7322/1xPyKe.jpg

Clint

Re: L86/8L9e0 Swap info
 

Thanks again for the info Clint!

On a different front, after spending 3 weeks trying different oil pans, I found youtube video that recommended using 2020-2022 truck pan (GM part# 12707243). It showed up this afternoon and fit like a glove!!!! Best of all, it was only $210 shipped and it came with all new bolts and a new oil filter!!!! WIN.