Chevy Colorado LS Swap Build
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- Build diary of my 2004 Chevy Colorado 5.3L LS swap. My path to the perfect motorcycle hauling machine.
GM offered a 5.3L automatic version of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon from 2009-2012, but they are extremely rare. Swapping a V8 into a 2009-2012 truck is relatively simple, but the 2004-2008 do not play very nice. For some silly reason, I spent the last year on this swap.
2004-2008 trucks have different engine mounts, different firewalls, different PCM's, different throttle pedals, etc. I highly suggest either buying a factory V8 or at least getting a 2009+ truck to start with for the swap. I also suggest you pay the extra money for a Gen IV motor if you want to integrate it with factory gauges and controls.
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Technical Notes:
Fuel: 2004-2008 trucks have return style fuel systems. You can convert to returnless for v8 compatability by running a corvette fuel filter/pressure regulator
Electronics: 58X reluctor engines are more expensive but will play nice with your electronics done right. Search for a gen IV LS if you want that. 04ColyZQ8 online is fantastic if he's still around for work. Current Performance also sells harnesses and programming.
Power Steering, Motor Mounts, Transmission Parts: Fabbot is expensive but amazing. Don't waste your time elsewhere.
Cooling: At a minimum, buy the OEM V8 radiator. It fits all GM355 chassis and drops right in. It's wider than the i4/i5 and offers more cooling. The mechanical fan is fine if it fits in your swap. That depends on your year, motor mounts, radiator chosen. If not, a puller E fan works well and many forum posts exist recommending different ones. Don't skimp out on cooling.
Exhaust: The OEM V8 cast manifolds are the only guaranteed fit and even then, they may require some notching of your chassis depending on year. Be mindful of nearby brake lines getting too hot.
Transmission/Driveshaft: The 4l60e automatic transmission can be mated to the v8 with some work to the input shaft area and a new TC. The AR5 manual transmission can be mated to the v8 with Fabbot's adapter plate. Either of these will play nice with a stock driveshaft. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Guessing you got a F-body Flywheel and Clutch
True whats up with pump im guessing ya needed more pressure.
Did you get headers?
Your truck turned out great. Nice work and thanks for sharing your experience.
Going to be doing a swap before the end of the year. Still in gathering stage but getting close. Do you have any contact info for the guy who helped out with the wiring hurdles? Thats the area I'm most apprehensive about...
Thanks man! Out of respect for his privacy I won't give his personal info out. My advice is to pm him online @04colyzq8. That's his handle on all the 355 truck forums. If he's free to do work he should reply.
Would you happen to have a contact info for Jaime? I am in the process of wiring my swap and have a few questions.
I have a 04 im just doing my timimg chain/pumps/head redo
I was wondering what did you do with the fuel pump keep it stock or upgraded
Stock fuel pump, used a corvette filter with a built in pressure regulator to eliminate the return line and just plumb one fuel feed to the engine bay.
Ditto
I’m getting ready to do this swap on my 04 Colorado, as far as the transmission, automatic 4l60e what needs to be changed besides the bell housing to mate to the 5.3? I’ve seen some forums talking about the input shaft, does the whole input shaft have to be removed and replaced?
I could be mistaken, but you should be able to buy a new flex plate and make it work.
Just got i 05 canyon 4x4 for 5500 17500 i wabt to do exactly whst you did ........ or even go deisle