At the end of last issue's story, I was hoping we'd be able to wrap up the LS install this month. As seems to be the running theme here currently, it didn't quite turn out that way. So rather than glossing over a lot of the little things, it's much easier to just take the time and address everything appropriately.
There are three goals I'm trying to accomplish with this install. First is to do it as low-buck as reasonably possible while using good parts, so that someone could do this in their home garage. Remember, the engine is a surprisingly affordable wrecking-yard piece with stock internals. The second thing ties in with the first somewhat, but to do the install without relocating the gas tank. Why, you ask? Cost is one factor, but also so this can be done on a finished truck (with nice paint) where relocation isn't a factor, especially with the filler neck. This saves more time and money. The third part is to have a fun, powerful, reliable, AND economical truck to drive.
This month we're covering the fuel system and TV cable adaptation to use a 700-R4 transmission behind the 5.3L LS engine. The stock gas tank just happens to be a "new" stock-style unit from Brothers Truck Parts. Before you feel you've been bamboozled into buying a new tank, let me explain. Welding and gas tanks don't go well together. The new tank is affordable compared to many of the under bed tanks, most of which are usually aluminum, not to mention aren't set up to weld on. A bung for the return line for the fuel injection needs to be welded into the tank and we don't want to be responsible for any explosions! Plus, my old tank needed replacing regardless.
Here is the brunt of the parts we'll be dealing with this month: The new stock replacement gas tank from Brothers, the pre- and post-fuel filters and external fuel pump from Turn Key Engine Supply, ProClassic AN fittings and hose from Russell.
The external fuel pump and filters from Turn Key Engine Supply can easily be mounted on the inside framerail with rubber-lined Adel clamps (available at hardware stores). In fact, there was all but one of the mounting holes I used already in the frame from the factory, making things even easier. Plumbing the fuel system requires 3/8-inch lines, which in AN sizes is -6. A few sticks of 3/8-inch hard line and -6 AN fittings and hose from Russell took care of the rest. Russell's cloth-braided ProClassic hose is a breeze to use compared to braided stainless variety. Because there are so many variables from truck to truck, lay out all the fuel system parts and map out the fittings you'll need and then go order accordingly.
In this day and age, there seems to be no reason not to use an overdrive automatic transmission like a 700-R4 if you do any amount of driving. While many people have used the later 4L60E and 4L80E trannys with LS installs, I felt I was already taking a big enough plunge with the engine swap and had a perfectly good Gear Star 700-R4 in the truck. Luckily, Bowtie Overdrives makes a kit to mate the TV cable to the LS engines. Without it we'd be dead in the water. If you've messed with TV cables before, you know they must be set up right or else!
Well, that about does it for this month. Follow along with the photos to get a better idea of what's going on. As I type this, I hope to be driving the truck within a week's time, so next month's installment should (hopefully!) be the conclusion. We'll be wiring and firing this baby in no time!
