5.3 swap and auto conversion

Yep, main goal is to get the Jeep running with it installed. I anticipate a ton of challenges so I want to get the show on the road with mounts, wiring, driveshafts, exhaust, shifting linkage, etc. then, one day down the road, I can pull it out and rebuild or spice it up with a new cam, etc.


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I can't wait to see your install guide/process. I want to pursue a 5.3 swap in the next few years. It seems like the perfect motor to replace the 4.0. Seems like a new cam for better mid-range torque makes the engine run incredibly for our needs.
 
I’m pumped, it’s been a lifelong dream of mine to accomplish. I know there will be a lot of hard work but I’ve done a lot of research and I’m ready to start turning wrenches! I’ll document as much as I can.


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I have done the swap in a 98 TJ from 03 Tahoe doner and went through strict CA SMOG inspection. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Since you'll have the tranny apart to change the output shaft, I recommend beefing it up to eliminate all the weak points of 4L60E.

Go with a custom guage cluster to make things much simpler for yourself and the SMOG inspector.

Also, you are required to use all the SMOG stuff from the donor vehicle including charcoal canister etc.

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Thanks. I’m in Texas and we don’t have as strict of rules from what I understand. I think I can use Jeep evap canister but in the beginning I’ll try to get it running with evap plugged, see if I can find a shop who will inspect without it for now.

Still thinking through stock vs aftermarket gauges, what are your drawbacks of aftermarket gauges besides the cost?


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You'll have to keep Jeep's ECU to make the stock gauge cluster work. Even with that you'll run into issues with RPM gauge. After all the adapters and other stuff to make it work, it might just be the same cost as aftermarket gauges.

I have nothing bad to say about my SpeedHut gauges. I even made Galaxy S5 phone as part of the gauge cluster.
 
Indy said:
You'll have to keep Jeep's ECU to make the stock gauge cluster work. Even with that you'll run into issues with RPM gauge. After all the adapters and other stuff to make it work, it might just be the same cost as aftermarket gauges.

I have nothing bad to say about my SpeedHut gauges. I even made Galaxy S5 phone as part of the gauge cluster.
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I get caught up on the small details. What did you do for turn signals, high beams, check engine light, e brake light, low fuel light, 4wd light?


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  • Turn signals, high beams ... all wired into Chevy's fuse box and part of custom gauges.
  • Check engine light ... from Chevy's ECU
  • Low fuel light ... part of custom gauges
  • No need for e-brake and 4wd light
 
Makes sense. Does your check engine light have an actual light on your dash?


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Exactly that one ...
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Has anyone ever put a GM dash in a TJ? My DD is a 2011 Tahoe and I think running these gauges would be pretty slick on the TJ.


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I thought about that as well but the GM/Chevy gauge cluster is just too long to fit.

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Indy said:
I thought about that as well but the GM/Chevy gauge cluster is just too long to fit.

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Click to expand...

I’m going to attempt stock gauges. I like the challenge and like the stock feel. I think the only issues are water temp and oil pressure, need to research how to get those sensors in the GM block.


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Here’s the latest. I started a build thread post but unfortunately I started on a different forum not really thinking. I’ll share updates here but still run the full post elsewhere. Getting ready to pull 4.0 and tranny is going to get rebuilt (with upgrades to weak points).

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