5.3 install into v6 camaro

**spencerc** · 11-23-2008, 07:28 PM

Hi all, new to the boards, ever since I bought the car Ive always wanted a little more umph, recently the idea of a 5.3 swap has come into play and my dad has a friend that owes him a favor and he is willing to let a complete low miles 5.3 with tranny go for a VERY irresistible price. I know its an easy task but its something ive wanted to do.

What all needs to be changed? Here is all I can think of.....
motor and tranny
k member
rad hoses
intake on the 5.3
manifolds from an ls1 or headers

Is there anything im missing?

He has a small assortment of 5.3's is there anything specific to look for? Year donor vehicle that could make the process easier?

My car is a 99 with an auto

Thanks!

**squee** · 11-23-2008, 09:25 PM

You don't need the tranny. Whats wrong with yours? Your also gonna need a radiator I believe (I think there different), the proper accessories off a LS1 (might be the same as the V6, but I don't think so), computer, wiring harness, and a couple things I'm forgetting I'm sure.

**richard head** · 11-23-2008, 09:54 PM

he's right but you will need to buy a different bellhousing adapter or something, the engines are different. Maybe swap to M6 now too? It's really up to you, and I'm not truly up on the situation but thought I'd try anyway

**ls1camino** · 11-24-2008, 12:46 AM

I know you're getting a killer deal on a 5.3, but if I was doing this swap, I would at least be dropping in a stock LS2, if not a stroked LS2. Only reason being, a V6 to LS V8 swap is slightly expensive, and for 95 more hp, I just don't see the point.

Just my opinion, take it for what you want.

In regards to your question, I think the two previous posters covered everything.

**NoscamaroSS** · 11-24-2008, 07:04 AM

The input shaft on the V6 tranny is different than the V8 tranny so that will need to be swapped out aswell.

**squee** · 11-24-2008, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by ls1camino

I know you're getting a killer deal on a 5.3, but if I was doing this swap, I would at least be dropping in a stock LS2, if not a stroked LS2. Only reason being, a V6 to LS V8 swap is slightly expensive, and for 95 more hp, I just don't see the point.

Just my opinion, take it for what you want.

In regards to your question, I think the two previous posters covered everything.

I kinda agree, but you also have to consider if he can get the 5.3 cheap enough, and do everything else needed for a V8 swap, it wouldn't be nothing to put in a LS1 or 2 later on when he got more money or whatnot.

**spencerc** · 11-24-2008, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by NoscamaroSS

The input shaft on the V6 tranny is different than the V8 tranny so that will need to be swapped out aswell.

Is there any way to adapt this? Or do I HAVE to get a 4l60e from a v8?

**NoscamaroSS** · 11-25-2008, 10:07 AM

Yeah you just swap the shaft out

**1MileCrash** · 11-25-2008, 10:15 AM

sounds interesting...any plans to really beef the thing up? like i say...kinda interested to see a hopped up 5.3 (325c.i. i think it is) in a 4th gen.

**spencerc** · 11-25-2008, 12:46 PM

Probably a cam, but something very mild, I like to drive my cars alot. Maybe and ls6 cam, or maybe a gm hot cam or somthing. Then headers most likely.

**1MileCrash** · 11-25-2008, 08:22 PM

unique lil project. lot's of pics during and after install.

**adam3566** · 11-25-2008, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by ls1camino

I know you're getting a killer deal on a 5.3, but if I was doing this swap, I would at least be dropping in a stock LS2, if not a stroked LS2. Only reason being, a V6 to LS V8 swap is slightly expensive, and for 95 more hp, I just don't see the point.

Just my opinion, take it for what you want.

In regards to your question, I think the two previous posters covered everything.

I wouldn't, a boosted 5.3 or even sprayed would he alot better than going an ls2 route. Cheaper and better in my opinion.

**spencerc** · 11-26-2008, 07:16 AM

Kinda my thoughts, the 5.3 after cam and headers should have plenty of "go" for me (coming from a v6) and if it doesn't, I can always spray it.

**adam3566** · 11-26-2008, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by spencerc

Kinda my thoughts, the 5.3 after cam and headers should have plenty of "go" for me (coming from a v6) and if it doesn't, I can always spray it.

Exactly, also you can always go the boosted route. Those 5.3 motors love the boost. I have seen quite a few turboed and CHEAP. Parts are vastly available everywere and can be found pretty dirt cheap.

**GatorSS** · 11-27-2008, 11:51 PM

An interesting project. As mentioned previously, get as many pictures as possible and post them here for all of us to see. It would make for a good sticky.

**240sxls1** · 12-11-2008, 02:23 PM

So i had a an ls1 240sx that i wrecked, I pulled the ls1 out an have been sittin on it for a while until i found a 1996 firebird v6. How would i go about swapping it in. would a tubular k member for a 98-02 ls1 fit on my 96 v6 f body. i know alot of guys say this swap is pointless cost too much money but i have the engine an i bought the car for 1600 with 90,XXX miles on it. I can do this my self just need someone to point me in the direction for the parts.

**bigrondownhiller** · 12-12-2008, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by NoscamaroSS

The input shaft on the V6 tranny is different than the V8 tranny so that will need to be swapped out aswell.

How is the input shaft different?

**FbodysRbae** · 02-02-2016, 09:20 PM

I'm thinking about doing the same swap, my friend is selling me the 5.3 for $200 I want to procharge it or maybe turbo it I think it will be fun project