[InfantryMP]

Hey everyone!

I am new to LS swaps, but have decided to do the swap to my Chevelle for reliability and eventually give the car to my son a little later in life.

I have:

2004 Silverado 5.3 LS and going to be using a TH 400 with drive by wire TB.

My plan is to do a 425hpish build for street use.

I know I need the swap kit, along with other items as well. For the swap kit in the Chevelle, is it recommended to use stock position or the forward position swap kit?

I already have ordered:

Holley 302-2 oil pan.
Long tube headers
Holley Terminator X Max

I am thinking about:

Summit Racing Stage 2 cam? or something similar
LS 6 intake or something other than factory truck intake (hate the look of it even know it flows more)
Holley 7" Dash to retrofit in to the sweep dash ( may happen later)

I have been researching non stop. Any other suggestions for a new guy and a low key LS swap? (low key meaning not a huge power build)

Thanks!

 

[cparsons]

Dakota Digital makes a cool sweep gauge setup that I used in my 70 Chevelle when I swapped to LS. When you walk by and look at it you can't tell it isn't real other than the tach. I also used everything Holley I could and it made the swap a breeze.

 

[InfantryMP]

Can I use any year TH400 with this 5.3 you think? I am seeing a ton of different options out there, long shaft, short shaft, some from the 70's and some from the 80's.

I am going to be using all Holley I can for this swap. My shop is knee deep in another swap right now and I will be next, so I am trying to get things on order and sent.

 

[GTO44]

If you’re going with the Terminator x Max you have built in trans control. You should really consider a 4l60 or 4l80 electronic overdrive trans with lock up converter. Miles better than an old school th400 for your application.

 

[InfantryMP]

If you’re going with the Terminator x Max you have built in trans control. You should really consider a 4l60 or 4l80 electronic overdrive trans with lock up converter. Miles better than an old school th400 for your application.

Well I have a 4l60E already with the motor, however my shop has advised me going with a TH 400. I guess it is easier to setup with less potential electronic headaches?

They have a boosted tempest with 800hp, and they are using the 5.3 and TH 400 combo.

 

[pannetron]

Don't forget the fuel system! Sounds like you're keeping the EFI (wise choice!) so you'll need high pressure fuel feed for the EFI. There are several fuel tank options now and I HIGHLY recommend using a VaporWorx fuel pressure regulator setup. Second fuel system option is to keep your OEM tank and low pressure pump but feed the fuel into a surge tank with high pressure pump mounted in the engine bay. Something like this from Edelbrock. There are similar surge tanks from other manufacturers.

 

[InfantryMP]

Don't forget the fuel system! Sounds like you're keeping the EFI (wise choice!) so you'll need high pressure fuel feed for the EFI. There are several fuel tank options now and I HIGHLY recommend using a VaporWorx fuel pressure regulator setup. Second fuel system option is to keep your OEM tank and low pressure pump but feed the fuel into a surge tank with high pressure pump mounted in the engine bay. Something like this from Edelbrock. There are similar surge tanks from other manufacturers.

I was plannong on using OEM with the Holley in tank pump 255 to feed the fuel rails. Is a surge tank really essential for a low power build?

I have used surge tanks before for vehicles where I was auto crossing and could have fuel starvation issues.

 

[InfantryMP]

I guess I have to think about if I do use the 4l60E, I would need to probably shorten my drive shaft.

with a TH400 I would just need a different yoke as everything should bolt right up?

 

[Alwhite00]

I would definitely consider a overdrive trans (4L60 or 80) waaaaay nicer if you want to drive it. If it's a race car I guess the 400 is fine.

 

[mikerunt]

I have a 700r4 with my 5.3 and just did the term X max. I am doing a torque converter lock up controlled by an output wire on the term x max as well. Now, I wouldn’t say go buy a 700r4 if you don’t have one already - TBH I will probably got 4l60 soon. Setting the TV in a 700r4 is challenging.

Would def make sure you have fuel system dialed, I have a stealth setup and it is pretty solid.

Are you doing electric fans? Terminator can control those as well.


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[InfantryMP]

I would definitely consider a overdrive trans (4L60 or 80) waaaaay nicer if you want to drive it. If it's a race car I guess the 400 is fine.

This is what my local Trans shop said who rebuilds the transmission up to race specs if wanted.

 

[InfantryMP]

I have a 700r4 with my 5.3 and just did the term X max. I am doing a torque converter lock up controlled by an output wire on the term x max as well. Now, I wouldn’t say go buy a 700r4 if you don’t have one already - TBH I will probably got 4l60 soon. Setting the TV in a 700r4 is challenging.

Would def make sure you have fuel system dialed, I have a stealth setup and it is pretty solid.

Are you doing electric fans? Terminator can control those as well.


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I have electric fans already on my SBC, not sure if I can reuse those or not. I think I am going to use the 5.3 and the 4L60E combo and not worry about another transmission since I already have it.

My fuel system was going to be the Holley in tank 255LPH pump up to the fuel rails. I am not sure yet if that is all I need. But I would like to keep my brand new fuel tank I have in the car.

 

[Alwhite00]

This is what my local Trans shop said who rebuilds the transmission up to race specs if wanted.

Is this a race car or a street car?

 

[Jesse Walter]

I agree with the other guys about using the 4L60E. Your shop is probably recommending the TH400 because its an easy install with no electronic control. IMO unless for complete race situations the 4L60E is FAR superior to the TH400 for street use when running a LS engine. Dont let a new driveshaft hold you back on that.

 

[InfantryMP]

Is this a race car or a street car?

Street no more than 425-450hp. Just want a reliable cruiser. I will eventually give it to my son later in life.

 

[InfantryMP]

I agree with the other guys about using the 4L60E. Your shop is probably recommending the TH400 because its an easy install with no electronic control. IMO unless for complete race situations the 4L60E is FAR superior to the TH400 for street use when running a LS engine. Dont let a new driveshaft hold you back on that.

Yea I agree. Plus it will be nice to have the overdrive as well. The driveshaft should not be too much of an issue. I mean they have done LS swaps and builds before so they should be able to accurately measure for it.

 

[Alwhite00]

Street no more than 425-450hp. Just want a reliable cruiser. I will eventually give it to my son later in life.

Definitely go with the 4l60 or 80

 

[mikerunt]

I have electric fans already on my SBC, not sure if I can reuse those or not. I think I am going to use the 5.3 and the 4L60E combo and not worry about another transmission since I already have it.

My fuel system was going to be the Holley in tank 255LPH pump up to the fuel rails. I am not sure yet if that is all I need. But I would like to keep my brand new fuel tank I have in the car.

Should be able to control any electric fan setup with the Holley. Just a note - all Holley output triggers are for ground signal so you’ll need to wire your relays that way. Fuel pump/setup will all depend on the power goals you have.


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[InfantryMP]

Should be able to control any electric fan setup with the Holley. Just a note - all Holley output triggers are for ground signal so you’ll need to wire your relays that way. Fuel pump/setup will all depend on the power goals you have.


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Yea, I am going for no more than 425-450hp, so I think the 255LPH in tank option will be best. I am relying on the shop for the install and wiring aspect. Which shouldn't be too bad with the Terminator X Max.

 

[mikerunt]

Yea, I am going for no more than 425-450hp, so I think the 255LPH in tank option will be best. I am relying on the shop for the install and wiring aspect. Which shouldn't be too bad with the Terminator X Max.

I tackled it solo and it is relatively “plug and play” but it took a lot of upfront planning to make sure I had all pieces they don’t mention on hand - like an IAT - and a few other bits. Their videos all show it “plug and play” with motor on a hand stand out of the car…definitely a tad more challenging with it in the car. I survived though and it runs great. I would suggest hitting up @andrewb70 ; for troubleshooting and remote tuning. He saved my ass about 100 times so far.


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