Stepping up to a Vortec (LM7)

[badsamaritan]

I started a new build thread at the link below if anyone wants to follow along

Build Thread 'Project Boomerang'

Mar 19, 2023

While browsing Craigslist this past Friday I saw a rig listed 15mi from my house that looked a lot like a rig I had regrettably sold about 10 years ago. After a phone call to the seller, I confirmed it was mine and we made the deal this weekend. Everything I did to the truck previously from purchase to LS swap, to selling it can be found here:

Stepping up to a Vortec (LM7) - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/stepping-up-to-a-vortec-lm7.611625/

Which brings us to today. Rig is pretty dirty and has some corrosion but is still running great on the 5.3L/LM7 SM420 combo. There's...

• badsamaritan
• 1969 5.3l vortec
• Replies: 112
• Forum: 40- / 55-Series Tech

• 

 

[Pmanhart]

Been waiting a while to start this thread but it looks like things are finally underway with the Vortec Swap!

I ordered a LM7 from BD Turnkey Engines in Reno, NV. Awesome guy to work with and the new engine arrived here Friday. It's out of a '03 Suburban with 86k on the clock.

It will be going into my 69 FJ40 with a SM420 and the stock 3spd transfer case. Yesterday I installed the pilot bearing, clutchplate and pressure plate. As soon as my correct motor mounts (from AA) get here I'll start some test fits. I may also need to swap oil pans as I have read on here the truck pan maybe too deep. I have access to a camaro pan from a friend if I need it.

A friend sent me a good car craft article addressing mating newer Chevy Gen3/4 engines to older auto/manual transmissions. I am using the parts they recommended for better spline engagement.

Article:
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0810_engine_transmission_swap_gen_3/viewall.html

***Bolts:***

Flywheel Bolts (ARP 330-2802):
ARP 330-2802 ARP Pro Series Flywheel Bolts | Summit Racing - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-330-2802

Pressure Plate bolts (ARP 134-2201)
ARP 134-2201 ARP High Performance Series Pressure Plate Bolt Kits | Summit Racing - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-2201/

Bellhousing bolts (black, class 10.9, bought at local hardware store)
M10x1.5x45mm (4)
M10x1.5x70mm (2)

Gen1 SBC motor mount bolts (ARP 130-3102)***
ARP 130-3102 ARP Motor Mount Bolt Kits | Summit Racing - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-130-3102
(***If you use the AA motor mounts you will get all the hardware you need included. I just had these laying around and decided to put them in)

***Clutch/Flywheel Etc.***

Flywheel:
McLeod Racing 460535 McLeod Steel Flywheels | Summit Racing - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCL-460535

Pilot Bushing:
McLeod Racing 8617 McLeod Pilot Bearings and Bushings | Summit Racing - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCL-8617

Clutch Kit:
Sach's K5473-01
http://www.amazingsavingsautoparts.com/index.php?action=item&id=8816847

Advance Adapters Clutch Slave Cylinder Bracket PN 716287
http://www.advanceadapters.com/prod...nder-bracket-for-use-with-chevy-bellhousings/

Advance Adapters Clutch Slave Cylinder (longer throw than stock)
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/716213--toyota-land-cruiser-slave-cylinder/

Advance Adapters Clutch Fork PN 716176
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/716176--gm-cast-iron-release-arm/

Advance Adapters Release Arm Wedge PN 71639
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/716139--gm-release-arm-wedge/


***Engine***

AA Adapter plates (My rig previously had a sbc in it so it already has AA sbc motor mounts in it.)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ADD-713088-P

Advance Adapters Block Hugger Headers for LSx engines.
P/N 717043-HDR

***Please Verify PN's on your own before ordering***

1998-2002 Camaro LS1 Oil Pan: 12628771
windage tray: 12558253
Oil Pump Pickup: 12558251
Oil dipstick tube: 12551577
Oil dipstick: 12551581
Oil pump pickup "O" ring: 12557752

GM metal exhaust gaskets (sold individually): 12617944

Autometer NPT to Metric adapter (if using port on cylinder head for temp guage)
ATM-2277

Autometer Cylinder head Temp Sender (these are shorter than the normal sender and must be used if using the metric adapter) This is for the short sweep electric guages.
ATM-2259

Seals-it brand Grommet PN GS404-16

***Fuel System Related***

Vetteworks LS1 style fuel pump mounting ring,
http://www.vetteworksonline.net/cat...ducts_id=89&osCsid=vbhh9mvp5d22e6g97bjp0reud4

LS1 Fuel pump.
http://www.vetteworksonline.net/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=108

3/8 fuel line to -6 AN adapter (for the fuel pump) fittings (2)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-644123

-6AN to -6AN female/female coupler fitting (2) (from pump -6 to fuel filters both inlet and outlet)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-640001

40 Micron 6AN inlet/outlet fuel filter (have one for supply and return) (2)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-650133

20ft 6AN PTFE lined hose
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-220985

6AN Summit PTFE straight hose ends (4)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-220141

33-240OHM Autometer ultralight fuel guage (1)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-4316

***Cooling System Related***

Champion Radiator 4 core aluminum radiator PN: MC180
Land Cruiser Radiators - http://www.championradiators.com/Toyota-Land-cruiser-radiator

G&M Honest Performance Fan Shroud (local deal only)

Lower Radiator Hose Gates PN 21356 (1991/2 Ford Probe & Mazda MX6 and 626)

Upper Radiator Hose (1997 Dodge Dakota w/4cyl engine)

***Misc Electrical***

460 piece weatherpack kit
Amazon.com: Money Counter Machine, Bill Counter with UV/MG/IR Counterfeit Detection, Portable Cash Counting Machine with 9 Modes 2LCD Display, Hidden Handle : Office Products - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OS5DEG/?tag=ihco-20

Weatherpack crimping tool
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CCAEJ6/?tag=ihco-20

How did it turn out?

 

[badsamaritan]

I finished the swap in 2012 and sold the rig. Bought it back in 2023 and everything was pretty much the same. Drivetrain items held up well outside a broken pivot ball stud for the clutch. I've been working pretty hard to finish what I started all those years ago