H3 5.3L Swap

[KMHOTRODS]

I found this site in search of information to help finished a 5.3L swap. It all started when my father in-law bought a 2006 yellow H3. He always wanted a yellow one and finally found this one with low miles. After 6-7 months he stopped by with an engine miss. I found #3 cylinder with a burnt valve. Since the head was already a reman unit and he loved this truck, why not upgrade to a V8 So after some searching we decided to go with a 5.3L and try to keep to a budget. Sorry I did not take alot of pictures during the build, but will share what I did take. We purchased a 2006 5.3L with 80K complete to start this project off. I will put together a list of the parts used and hopefully it will helps others in this swap.

 

[derian06]

06H3 completed the exact same swap not too long ago, I believe he wrote a thread on it aswell. I would contact him on here.

 

[KMHOTRODS]

 

[KMHOTRODS]

06H3 completed the exact same swap not too long ago, I believe he wrote a thread on it aswell. I would contact him on here.

Thanks I just found his thread

 

[Babyjohn460]

Why not go with a 6.0 instead of the 5.3? Also, will you/did you upgrade the front suspension?


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[KMHOTRODS]

I wish I would of went with a 6.0L. I was trying to do this in a very tight budget and got a great price on the 5.3L. No plans for suspension upgrades. My father in-law wont be doing any off road driving with it.

 

[RamRod]

One thing you might want to do is put a set of torsion bars from an Alpha in the front, might help with the extra weight

 

[Babyjohn460]

Yeah, like RamRod said, may have to upgrade the front end because of the weight difference. However there may be enough adjustment in the torsion bars. Not sure what the weight difference is between engines. Can't be that much.


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[KMHOTRODS]

I was waiting to the end of this project to see if the Alpha torsion bar would be needed. I could not find a weight of the 3.7L so we will see. I have been waiting on the computers to be programmed so I can get this thing fired up!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ryan212]

Did you use a Blue/Green LS1 style PCM? or was the 5.3 out of a Envoy/Trailblazer and using an E40 ecm?

 

[KMHOTRODS]

Did you use a Blue/Green LS1 style PCM? or was the 5.3 out of a Envoy/Trailblazer and using an E40 ecm?

I had to used the trailblazer ECM/PCM # 12597883 and TCM #T 42. I also had to used the Trailblazer throttle pedal # APS 137

 

[EchoEcks]

So after purchasing a Brand new 3.5 from Fraser Engines with a 5 yr no fault warranty, installation was done by dealership.
Motor blew in less than 1500 miles.
All money spent plus Towing, core charges, etc etc.. so after some vague researching.. found it was pretty pricey and a hell of a process.. Then by chance my local hot rod shop owner was working on a "Colorado" swap- same motor swap issues..trying to get the system to communicate was what most of problem has been.. so long story short... he has a guy that does the "Loom" .. so mine has been sent in and if anyone wants any info let me know and I will try and get the answers...