81 K5 "Arctic Blaze" H.O. 5.3 / SM465 swap

[whitels1]

I figure I should just jump right in with a swap thread, If you guys are like me you just want to scroll and look a pics lol. I will however include some information.. so watch out. I purchased my K5 in 2009 for 500 bucks, 350/TH350/NP208, it had been sitting in the desert for 5 years, after some TLC, lift, tires, and a SM465/NP205 swap last year, it's been my wheeling and towing rig. I had a properly tuned Q-jet but even then climbing steep hills made for a pucker situation. Solution LS1 or similar LS truck motor, either way it didn't matter to me, I'm looking for driveability, rock crawlability, and towability.

After much parts gathering, I felt I had enough parts to make it happen so it was time to tie up the garage for a few months. Wife.... not happy!











Some clean up.






Mock up engine ready to go in, Advance adapters brackets, beef 3/8" thick.





Truck oil pan and pulley clear