Hey guys, recently I bought a 1969 C10 SWB Fleetside as another project, but one that I could start with my [soon to be] wife (she loves working on my toys). Anyway, I want something dependable and something that wouldn't kill my mpg and still have a decent amount HP/TQ. After weighing cost (among other things) I decided on swapping in a 5.3 Vortec engine.

Today I bought a complete setup (engine, computer, harness, MAF, etc) from a rolled low mileage 2004 Burb. I already have the engine mounting handled, so that's out of the way. I will prob end up running full length headers too since it looks like I would have to trim too much of the stock frame to make the stock manifolds work.

I did not buy a transmission since I have 28" tall tires and 3.08 rear gears. That means the TH350 tranny I have will be bolted to the 5.3.

I did several searches and found that the stock computer will need to be tweaked to work for me (I figured). I have read that the un-used inputs can be 'edited' off the computer and I have also read something about 'pinning'? I made a list of things that would not be used in my case, but I am fuzzy on how this is done..... (please explain both).

-VATS
-EGR
-Speedo input from trans
-Rear O2 sensors (no cats)

Okay, lay it on me. What else do I need? Any help is thanked in advance.

Thanks guys!!

Well, I guess no one had any input for you. I just bought a Vortec 5700 out of a rolled Tahoe. I am also going to be keeping the EFI and putting this in my Chevelle. Since mine is basically the last of the SBC engines, I don't have quite as much work as you might have had... but still, I am intimidated by the wiring and figuring out which wires are needed and which ones are extra and unnecessary. I know I will need to be using only the front O2 sensors, and also know I will be needing to run fuel lines and all that. But the wiring is what has me worried. Did you already complete your project? How did you wire things up? I'm sure that the basics from your project would also help me with mine.

Found this in another forum.............
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/Instructions/WIRING/vortecv8harness.pdf
Not factory harness, but lots of good pictures and info.

Found this in another forum.............
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/Instructions/WIRING/vortecv8harness.pdf
Not factory harness, but lots of good pictures and info.

Yeah, i just found that too! I will be going thru the wiring harness tomorrow.

Sorry for the late reply, I recently bought a home and didn't have internet for 2 weeks.

My swap has been on hold due to the move, but should be on the way shortly.

As far as the wiring, I sent my entire harness and computer to www.wait4formeperformance.com . For $350 they edited the computer to remove all the SMOG and VATS and added a performance tune. They also modified the harness for stand-alone operation. So far I am very pleased with the results.

Okay guys, time for an update.

The swap is 99% complete. I could of fired it up tonight, except I have two things holding me up.

First I have to have a custom power steering hose made, which I am having done tomorrow morning. I didn't want to risk burning up the pump.

Second is all I have hooked to the car is stock '98-'99 F-Body manifolds and nothing else. I might fire the motor for a second, just to confirm it runs, but again I don't want to risk burning/bending a valve if run too long.

Here's the bad part. Even if everything goes according to plan I am flat outta cash for an exhaust for the time being..... or at least for a month or so.

Okay guys, time for an update.

The swap is 99% complete. I could of fired it up tonight, except I have two things holding me up.

First I have to have a custom power steering hose made, which I am having done tomorrow morning. I didn't want to risk burning up the pump.

Second is all I have hooked to the car is stock '98-'99 F-Body manifolds and nothing else. I might fire the motor for a second, just to confirm it runs, but again I don't want to risk burning/bending a valve if run too long.

Here's the bad part. Even if everything goes according to plan I am flat outta cash for an exhaust for the time being..... or at least for a month or so.

Exciting! I hope it all goes well for you. Since my swap is happening in such a tiny garage I don't have much room to work around things. I've been fighting with my transmission for a while now trying to get it all worked out. Tomorrow I'm going to pull the old engine and slip in the new one. Once the new one is in I've got the fuel system to work thru, wiring (fingers crossed... should be easy) and then fire it up. Once I confirm that the engine and trans are working, i'll send the computer off to be programmed (wait4meperformance.com) and then I gotta get the o2 sensor bungs welded onto my long tubes. Whew! Sounds like more than I thought it was!! ha!