Currently I'm putting an 03 lq4 into my 79 k5 blazer. What are you running for a transfer case and transmission?? I rebuilt my np203 and im rebuilding my th350 but eventually I wanna swap in a 4l80 but i want to find out how to keep my np203 because i wanna keep my truck all wheel drive haha
@@MerricksGarage hey thanx for the reply. I was considering that, just everyone says that the 4l80 is way stronger but seeing as how you use you're 4l65 it seems plenty strong. Thanx again for the input and cant wait for the next video
it sounds like what you are saying is, it is easier to move to a different state and enjoy life. i’ve visited california and it is beautiful but i want to live in the free world. i’ll stay away from the people’s republic of california.
Well at least this dudes still alive Love your videos man Even the one during the CA fires Keep going man, thanks for the dedication and info, keeps other dudes going
A little advice on the check engine light, Summit sells a painless check engine light with the engine icon on it, I used it for my 72 GMC for a clean look. Smog wasn’t a concern but with an ls swap you need the light to tell you if you have a problem.
The topic of this video is one HUGE reason that Needles, Calif is hanging on by a thread yet, just across the river here in Arizona, with the notable exception of the Phx and Tucson metro areas, no smog checks and businesses are flourishing here.
I live in Cali and have done several swaps. 1 your truck or car on the vin says California or federal smog regulations. If your vehicle is a federal you can do either federal or California but if it’s a California Regualtion vehicle only a Cali smog swap is possible which in most cases are Ecu and exhaust stuff. 2 say you have a Toyota with a 3.blow and you wanna swap a newer 3.4 that’s ok but you can go 4 cylinder, it has to be the same liter or bigger. And 3 like said everything smog wise that comes on your donor must be there I mean everything. Coming from someone that has gone rounds with the ref, only to have them say they can’t even tell me what to do and was super cryptic. Don’t go to the sac college ref I hear Chico is better. Also to anyone doing a swap I always get a whole donor vehicle to swap everything
David Would refs disqualify me if I get a fabricated gas tank so it can have a fuel pump that has a pressure sensor and area where the vent can be installed? Do I have to use headers from loaner vehicle or can I use one that fits my car and I can still use o2 sensors ?
I have an 86 C30 6.2 with a 6.2 diesel. Bought a 2000 gmc 2500 with an LQ4 . In Ontario Canada anything under 1987 you can do pretty much anything you want. With the 4:11 diff it will make a good slide in camper truck.
Can’t put a LS in a car that didn’t come with an optional v8? People successfully LS swap RX8s that didn’t even come with cylinders! Yes, in California. CA has emissions parts lists for donor vehicles that can be used as a checklist. If you start with a visit to a rep to get the list it can make your life a lot easier.
I'm trying to follow what your saying and what I have so far is that the emissions parts list for the donor car "meaning the body?" Has information on what that donor car can have done to it/ limits to the emissions that come out of that donor vehicle correct?
antonioderas3 When the original manufacturer certified the cars they included a list of emissions systems that are required to be on your vehicle to pass inspection. It’s a bunch of abbreviations the referees will use as a checklist: PCV - positive crankcase ventilation ACL - air cleaner (thermostatic air cleaner) AIS - secondary air injection EGR - exhaust gas recirculation EVAP - evaporative emission CAT - catalytic convertor SPK - spark control FR - fillpipe restrictor O2S - oxygen sensor If you start by getting information from the people who make the decision on whether you meet the requirements or not they can tell you what they are looking for and give you specifics. This site has a good explanation: jagsthatrun.com/pages/dont-worry-they-arent-that-bad-california-smog-laws If the link doesn’t work this is where they recommend you start: BUY THE BOOK For the best information on smog laws in California, go to your local Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) office, and purchase the Smog Check Inspection Manual. To find one near you, look in the phone book in the "State Government Offices" section, under "Automotive Repair Bureau". This book is filled with valuable information, and it has important phone numbers should you have any questions about your swap. Cost of the book is less than $20.
@@PACOLOCO559 yes. I recommend checking with your local vehicle inspection authority before starting. Your truck might be old enough to not have to be inspected.
A Chevy Performance E-Rod engine would work as well....it comes with all the stuff you need(so long as you properly connect things like the EVAP hoses and the like....but it is certified to be swapped into cars in Cali based on the Chevy Perf website
Yep, was going to say that e-rod sounds simpler than tracking down all of a vehicle specific system front to back. Best yet to get a vehicle that is SMOG exempt due to age and run with it. For now the suits have not put much effort in that direction.
Thank you for posting this video. Im having doubts about moving to Cali from Las Vegas. My 79 is classified as a Classic and therefore no smog is needed. I just acquired a 5.3 off a 2004 Tahoe with only 77k miles. I took the stock harness with ecm and tcm though. I think i need to find other parts to make this work. Oh man. 😔
I am so happy I don’t live in California!! I can understand if they are looking at minimizing green house gases but this is just overstretch. You can’t modify your car even if making more efficient unless it is all stock.
It varies from buying the whole vehicle to swap. I recommend going to the tow companies and shop around for a Lien title vehicle. I have a tow company that will sell me anything for 1k. Also your mechanic, someone experienced with the swaps. Pricing is all over. I’m budgeting for under 3500 for everything. Some people spend 5k-10k. Just depends.
Great video not a lot of people have a lot of info on this stuff! Thanks for making it ! When you took it for the check what kind of documents did you have or info about the other car you took the parts from?
How did you send a fuel level signal to your PCM? Do you have a 0-90 sending unit? Did you reprogram the pcm to accept 0-90 and would that be deleted after the factory tune is programmed?
So what happens if I order a GM factory modified crate engine, that did not come out of a wrecked vehicle, that isn't the one that came in the truck when it was built?
What if you swap a new engine from Chevy Performance that was never in a vehicle? If you get the controller at the same time, it has emissions equipment (evap, O2 sensors) and has been divorced from all the vehicle specific stuff. One could include cats as well. I guess in Cali, no go.
The E-rod is only legal in vehicles that were not OBDII originally, so '96 model year and earlier. That's my non-expert reading of the executive order for the e-rod
How about Pressure sensor ? I know on the donar car it’s mounted on the fuel pump. And thanks for responding buddy I highly appreciate your feedback and your videos..
You have a great channel and I enjoy watching all your videos. So I'm putting a 2003 6.0 from an Escalade in my 84 K5. I have 2 questions where did you end up putting your catalytic converters and what did you do about your intank fuel gauge sending unit? Thanks in advance Eric
I live in Kern county.. Did you pass ..? I have a 1990 K5 did a 5.3 Vortec from 2002 Sub... Deciding to take the CA smog route or go to AZ and get it reg there... Once again did you pass ? Good video..B1
Love your channel man! I'm assuming you ultimately got the Blazer to pass smog in CA with the Holley terminator.. was that easy? any advice? I"m trying to add the holley sniper efi system to the original remanned 350 and hope I can get it to pass smog
@@MerricksGarage yeah I could see that. Need that Boston accent though.. 🤣 so I left my room for a snack. Come back, and the video had a burb in screen, and you voiced over the shot. And I thought why is obi-wan talking about LS Swaps. 🤷♂️
Yea the inconveniences of certain laws are a challenge but I live in a fairly low population area right on the ocean with clean air and beautiful surroundings. The laws do suck a lot but there are ways
Damnnn california laws suck! The main reason i will never live there. Curious if you "bought" your vehicle from another state with the stuff already done if it will be exempt when you try to register it in cali. There must be ways for everybody to get around california laws
you are responsible for making your vehicle legal in the state....if you move there or bring a vehicle in and register it there. It's the same as if you spend time in another state and have aux lights at illegal heights or uncovered based on laws there. They can ticket you for those and Cali can not give you a smog inspection pass if the vehicle doesn't meet standards
@@truedeadman i guess the only way someone could get away without the laws is to register it in a different state under a family members address. At least thats what I did with my vehicles for exhaust purposes. (Well i registered it under "my address" but its my grandparents)
what is your project vehicle or dream project that you wanna stuff a fire breathing LS into?
Currently I'm putting an 03 lq4 into my 79 k5 blazer. What are you running for a transfer case and transmission?? I rebuilt my np203 and im rebuilding my th350 but eventually I wanna swap in a 4l80 but i want to find out how to keep my np203 because i wanna keep my truck all wheel drive haha
I don’t think the 80 is needed. I have been running the 4L65e and it’s been great. I have a 241c behind that.
@@MerricksGarage hey thanx for the reply. I was considering that, just everyone says that the 4l80 is way stronger but seeing as how you use you're 4l65 it seems plenty strong. Thanx again for the input and cant wait for the next video
I’m putting a 03 lq4 4l80 np205 Holley terminator x max controller in a 89 K5 almost done
Yea the 80 is stronger, larger, heavier and has more drag
it sounds like what you are saying is, it is easier to move to a different state and enjoy life. i’ve visited california and it is beautiful but i want to live in the free world. i’ll stay away from the people’s republic of california.
Yep left CA 30 years ago, much easier to move and take my engineer salary with me - problem is I am finding more and more ex-californians here too
Montanica
@J H yes
I live in CA and I approve this message! Lol.. it’s gotten worse the last 8 years or so :/
I fully appreciate this information.
Thanks man! Gotta play the game here in Cali! Ha ha
AZ plates baby. That's what I did. I have my place in AZ for my toys.
Well at least this dudes still alive
Love your videos man
Even the one during the CA fires
Keep going man, thanks for the dedication and info, keeps other dudes going
A little advice on the check engine light, Summit sells a painless check engine light with the engine icon on it, I used it for my 72 GMC for a clean look. Smog wasn’t a concern but with an ls swap you need the light to tell you if you have a problem.
Good tip!
The topic of this video is one HUGE reason that Needles, Calif is hanging on by a thread yet, just across the river here in Arizona, with the notable exception of the Phx and Tucson metro areas, no smog checks and businesses are flourishing here.
Thanks for the information. I’m currently swapping an LS into my C10 and live in the SoCal area.
Thank God. I live in South Carolina!!!!!!
I live in Cali and have done several swaps. 1 your truck or car on the vin says California or federal smog regulations. If your vehicle is a federal you can do either federal or California but if it’s a California Regualtion vehicle only a Cali smog swap is possible which in most cases are Ecu and exhaust stuff. 2 say you have a Toyota with a 3.blow and you wanna swap a newer 3.4 that’s ok but you can go 4 cylinder, it has to be the same liter or bigger. And 3 like said everything smog wise that comes on your donor must be there I mean everything. Coming from someone that has gone rounds with the ref, only to have them say they can’t even tell me what to do and was super cryptic. Don’t go to the sac college ref I hear Chico is better. Also to anyone doing a swap I always get a whole donor vehicle to swap everything
What about gas to diesel ? 91 Toyota LC 4 Ltr straight 6. To a 3.6 Cummins new.
David Would refs disqualify me if I get a fabricated gas tank so it can have a fuel pump that has a pressure sensor and area where the vent can be installed? Do I have to use headers from loaner vehicle or can I use one that fits my car and I can still use o2 sensors ?
Thanks for doing this video, Sr. I'm looking for a square body suburban as we speak.
Oh man, do I have some more videos for you then. 😜😂🤣
@@MerricksGarage yeah James I will keep you posted. I'm sure I will need your guidance eventually.
I have an 86 C30 6.2 with a 6.2 diesel. Bought a 2000 gmc 2500 with an LQ4 . In Ontario Canada anything under 1987 you can do pretty much anything you want. With the 4:11 diff it will make a good slide in camper truck.
I have a 1979 that I’m planning to do an LS Swap, thank you for the information.
How's your project going? I plan on doing a 1980
Refs can be your best friend, and also your worst enemy.
Can’t put a LS in a car that didn’t come with an optional v8? People successfully LS swap RX8s that didn’t even come with cylinders! Yes, in California.
CA has emissions parts lists for donor vehicles that can be used as a checklist. If you start with a visit to a rep to get the list it can make your life a lot easier.
I'm trying to follow what your saying and what I have so far is that the emissions parts list for the donor car "meaning the body?" Has information on what that donor car can have done to it/ limits to the emissions that come out of that donor vehicle correct?
antonioderas3 When the original manufacturer certified the cars they included a list of emissions systems that are required to be on your vehicle to pass inspection. It’s a bunch of abbreviations the referees will use as a checklist:
PCV - positive crankcase ventilation
ACL - air cleaner (thermostatic air cleaner)
AIS - secondary air injection
EGR - exhaust gas recirculation
EVAP - evaporative emission
CAT - catalytic convertor
SPK - spark control
FR - fillpipe restrictor
O2S - oxygen sensor
If you start by getting information from the people who make the decision on whether you meet the requirements or not they can tell you what they are looking for and give you specifics.
This site has a good explanation:
jagsthatrun.com/pages/dont-worry-they-arent-that-bad-california-smog-laws
If the link doesn’t work this is where they recommend you start:
BUY THE BOOK
For the best information on smog laws in California, go to your local Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) office, and purchase the Smog Check Inspection Manual. To find one near you, look in the phone book in the "State Government Offices" section, under "Automotive Repair Bureau". This book is filled with valuable information, and it has important phone numbers should you have any questions about your swap. Cost of the book is less than $20.
@@lazylizard6532 dude.... Thank you so much I deeply appreciate it.
I have a 1980 C10 with a straight 6 . Can I put a V8 or LS in it?
@@PACOLOCO559 yes. I recommend checking with your local vehicle inspection authority before starting. Your truck might be old enough to not have to be inspected.
A Chevy Performance E-Rod engine would work as well....it comes with all the stuff you need(so long as you properly connect things like the EVAP hoses and the like....but it is certified to be swapped into cars in Cali based on the Chevy Perf website
Thanks for this. I knew more knowledge would come out in the commenta
@@MerricksGarage e-rod engines start at 9k. How does that compare to your cost?
Yep, was going to say that e-rod sounds simpler than tracking down all of a vehicle specific system front to back. Best yet to get a vehicle that is SMOG exempt due to age and run with it. For now the suits have not put much effort in that direction.
Thank you for posting this video. Im having doubts about moving to Cali from Las Vegas. My 79 is classified as a Classic and therefore no smog is needed. I just acquired a 5.3 off a 2004 Tahoe with only 77k miles. I took the stock harness with ecm and tcm though. I think i need to find other parts to make this work. Oh man. 😔
Thanks for the positives 👍🏼👍🏼❤️
Glad I have a 74 k5 but still trying to research doing the LS swap LoL
Any updates, is it still exempt with the swap
Same here
I am so happy I don’t live in California!! I can understand if they are looking at minimizing green house gases but this is just overstretch. You can’t modify your car even if making more efficient unless it is all stock.
Yup, the laws are stupid.
yep...CARB regulations put a damper on engine changes,high performance additions...
Thank god I live in a state with no strict smog laws. 🤗
M8...I'd be getting out of California.
Thanks for the video, and I thought the laws down here were tough.
It would be easier to get out of comiefornia!
Beautiful state bad public servants!
Thank you Thank you. Thank you! Awesome vid I need all the advice I can get
Very good information you have gathered Jason @Merricks Garage
Chuck Norris *did* in fact build Rome in a Day, twice!
Great video @Merricks Garage
Thank you for saving me from an ls3 swap my boxer engine
sounds like a real PITA
Would help if you thow a round about price and time. Ty for yhis video
It varies from buying the whole vehicle to swap. I recommend going to the tow companies and shop around for a Lien title vehicle. I have a tow company that will sell me anything for 1k. Also your mechanic, someone experienced with the swaps. Pricing is all over. I’m budgeting for under 3500 for everything. Some people spend 5k-10k. Just depends.
Great video not a lot of people have a lot of info on this stuff! Thanks for making it ! When you took it for the check what kind of documents did you have or info about the other car you took the parts from?
Flip CA emissions and the EPA.
So that means if i put a 2021 engine in my 🛻 the tags are going to be expensive 🤔.
Thanks 👍
Dont live in California or have the vehicle license in another state by a realative
How did you send a fuel level signal to your PCM? Do you have a 0-90 sending unit? Did you reprogram the pcm to accept 0-90 and would that be deleted after the factory tune is programmed?
So what happens if I order a GM factory modified crate engine, that did not come out of a wrecked vehicle, that isn't the one that came in the truck when it was built?
If it is GM crate then it should be good to go
Very good informative video @Merricks Garage
Gas to diesel is legal, but the diesel must be same year or newer Diesel engine as vehicle.
What if you swap a new engine from Chevy Performance that was never in a vehicle? If you get the controller at the same time, it has emissions equipment (evap, O2 sensors) and has been divorced from all the vehicle specific stuff. One could include cats as well. I guess in Cali, no go.
I am not sure on how the Chevy performance engines work. What I have seen in there seems to specify for off road use only
The Erod has a CARB#
The E-rod is only legal in vehicles that were not OBDII originally, so '96 model year and earlier. That's my non-expert reading of the executive order for the e-rod
Thank you very much for this video
I have a 91 Toyota Land Cruiser. I'd like a Cummins swap but maybe an LS is the way to go. What do you think?
4BT. Cummins has a crate motor 2.8l that’s awesome
Hey buddy how did you modify your gas tank fuel pressure sensor and vent for hose connection?
There are Russell and earl fittings that convert the flare to tube etc etc. So I adapted them to AN
How about Pressure sensor ? I know on the donar car it’s mounted on the fuel pump. And thanks for responding buddy I highly appreciate your feedback and your videos..
You have a great channel and I enjoy watching all your videos. So I'm putting a 2003 6.0 from an Escalade in my 84 K5. I have 2 questions where did you end up putting your catalytic converters and what did you do about your intank fuel gauge sending unit?
Thanks in advance
Eric
What exhaust manifolds did you use?
I live in Kern county.. Did you pass ..? I have a 1990 K5 did a 5.3 Vortec from 2002 Sub... Deciding to take the CA smog route or go to AZ and get it reg there... Once again did you pass ? Good video..B1
Did u get smoged ? I also live in kern county..
@@alphathefirstone1222 im interested in the out of state option, hows that going so far
Love your channel man!
I'm assuming you ultimately got the Blazer to pass smog in CA with the Holley terminator.. was that easy? any advice? I"m trying to add the holley sniper efi system to the original remanned 350 and hope I can get it to pass smog
Wrong information in this video. You can put any engine in a vehicle if the classification is the same, which is determined by weight.
Lol. Because freedom.
So if your going to put a diesel in the burb and it is currently a sbc how are you going to pass emissions.
The burb was originally a diesel
The 6.5 Detroit is a v8 and the 6bt is a straight 6. Does that make a difference?
Nevermind! Too much regulations
If my car came with a v6 can I put a 2jz in it ?
Way to much work these days with even stricter emissions standards.Not worth the time and money
It sounds to me like the real problem is the peoples republic of California not the truck. I’d rather move than go through all that.
Has any one ever said you sound like Obi-Wan?
Lol no, that’s a new one. Although I have heard bill burr.
@@MerricksGarage yeah... I could see that !
@@MerricksGarage yeah I could see that. Need that Boston accent though.. 🤣 so I left my room for a snack. Come back, and the video had a burb in screen, and you voiced over the shot. And I thought why is obi-wan talking about LS Swaps. 🤷♂️
Smog! Hahahahaha
Liberals 😖 gosh I swear they are day to day making laws against car people.
Sooo you telling me I could put a 454 into my third gen Camaro as long as the engine is complete with factory accessories!
Get out of cal
Yea the inconveniences of certain laws are a challenge but I live in a fairly low population area right on the ocean with clean air and beautiful surroundings. The laws do suck a lot but there are ways
F... That whats the point of ls swapping
Damnnn california laws suck! The main reason i will never live there.
Curious if you "bought" your vehicle from another state with the stuff already done if it will be exempt when you try to register it in cali. There must be ways for everybody to get around california laws
you are responsible for making your vehicle legal in the state....if you move there or bring a vehicle in and register it there. It's the same as if you spend time in another state and have aux lights at illegal heights or uncovered based on laws there. They can ticket you for those and Cali can not give you a smog inspection pass if the vehicle doesn't meet standards
@@truedeadman i guess the only way someone could get away without the laws is to register it in a different state under a family members address.
At least thats what I did with my vehicles for exhaust purposes. (Well i registered it under "my address" but its my grandparents)
I’m glad I don’t live in California!
Or move somewhere else
God i hate California
Or just move out of California