DIY LS Swap Standalone Wiring Harness - Super Simple - for the 5.3L Turbo RX7 Project

How to make a 3 wire LS Swap Harness for $50 without any wiring diagrams or pin-out pages.

[@Super_Sport_Marc]

I've built several harnesses and I've never thought to do it this way. This is genius

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad ya liked it

[@georgemcgill8883]

Does that work o MN av6 votteck replacing a 4 cyl s10?

[@RiverCityKarate]

@@wilsworkshop *k km, ]]⁹

[@victoralvarez3980]

What a F#%&nd mess

[@victoralvarez3980]

There’s people like me with no patience whatsoever

[@montycrain5783]

Good Job. Simplicity and Common Sense is always best.

[@chadmcreynolds3963]

Dude, you literally just made me believe I can do this myself! You’re the man! Thank you for this video

[@wilsworkshop]

You can do it!

[@jordantovar6855]

😂

[@derrickelliott8036]

You are the man ♂️

[@808chevykev]

Round of applause and thank you! This has been the best instructional yet on reworking a harness. As it was said before me,I feel can do this and save myself some money on buying a stand alone. 👊✌

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it helped!

[@Michael-dp9ed]

U said it best thanks

[@rick5153]

Yes it's good Looks more easier

[@salmiano2094]

Thank you so much, I'm building a 5.3 Porsche 944 and I'm trying to save money as much as possible. I will be using this as a resource! Thank you!

[@mattpolitzer2920]

Thanks again Will. I"ll figure out what circuits are not necessary for my 6.0 swap situation and get busy and find a stock fuse block for my application. Very helpful to get wires release their homes.

[@bootyman234]

Thank you for your time patience and instruction. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors

[@wilsworkshop]

Thanks, you too.

[@shadymaint1]

You should be using wire loom tape. Its got a fabric backing instead of plastic and the glue does not make a sticky mess if you have to take it apart in the future.

[@wilsworkshop]

Sticky wiring is my fetish. Also, I'm really cheap and that fancy cloth tape is like $10 a roll or something.

[@BruceWayne-ll5wl]

It's called Tesa tape

[@DreamRoadRonny]

I must have gotten some really low quality Tesa tape because mine still made for a sticky mess 2 years later.

[@raven69600]

Excellent video! I’ve been on the fence about doing an LS swap on my 1970 Firebird, now that I’ve seen your video, I feel much more confident with the electrical part. Good stuff🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@wilsworkshop]

It can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you get the parts and just do 1 wire at a time, it's actually pretty easy.

[@alonzoevans5181]

@@wilsworkshop i just picked up a complete harness,computer,and fuse block! gonna pick up the 4Le60e from the same suv tommorow.

[@grasshoppercb]

I love the fact you went right to the project. Very good info, thanks

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lavachemist]

Great video. The only thing I'd do differently is that I would not tape the wires up tight, because the shortest wire in the bundle will get all of the tension and over time it could fail and cause issues that will be very difficult to diagnose.

[@danieldudley8448]

bravo! my confidence just grew 100%!!! thank you looking forward to my project now!!

[@wilsworkshop]

You got this!

[@Regg363]

Thank you, it’s so simple the way you described it.

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jevonmorris]

Hey Have seen lots of videos. I have done 2 harness a different way. I think I will do this for my next one. You did an excellent job. I appreciate you. thanks for sharing.

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it helped

[@eddyherrera6326]

Thank you sir for getting to it and helping out us DIY'ers...

[@wilsworkshop]

Any time!

[@tomharmon9663]

Really nice video. Helped me to work out what im tryin to do

[@busterhernandez7934]

Amazing job señor , hands down for you , salute) thanks for the info , now I just gained more trust on how to do my new project involving my neon !

[@wilsworkshop]

Great to hear!

[@stevenvillanueva344]

Thanks you give me confidence to attempt my project truck.

[@wilsworkshop]

Go for it!

[@WayneVogeler]

Great Job I am impressed thankyou for posting

[@wilsworkshop]

Thank you too!

[@krr868]

Very helpful stuff! Thank you!

[@73elperro]

You made it look easy,I thank you!!!

[@wilsworkshop]

You can do it!

[@figurefour633]

You made this understandable! My goodness I can do it !!! Thanks bro!

[@wilsworkshop]

You can do it!

[@luctessier2215]

Genius about doing the harness on the engine. I use a tool to cut the tape etc that a seamstress would use to take apart threads on a pair of pants.

[@wilsworkshop]

That's a great idea using a Seam Ripper to cut the tape. Most even have the little protective ball of plastic on the very tip which would protect the wires. I'll have to try it out.

[@shawnwimberly9294]

The seamripper works amazing for opening up harnesses without damaging wiring. Get a couple, they're cheap and don't last forever.

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

I just finished mine... first start right up wow so simple but I cut myself with the razor blade on my finger it’s pretty bad..Well worth it

[@wilsworkshop]

Awesome, it's really simple, I don't know why more people don't do it this way. There's nothing wrong with pinouts and chopping the harness on a bench, this is just faster and less prone to screw a wire up.

[@jeremys1496]

best video I've ever seen on the subject

[@wilsworkshop]

best comment I've ever seen

[@jasonhahn7628]

Can you make a video building your test stand? Great video!

[@venodadon7808]

Thank u for take the time out of your day👍🏾👍🏾🤟🏾🤟🏾

[@wilsworkshop]

Any time

[@jonny_gass]

I appreciate this video so much man! Thank you!!

[@juangonzalez-lr8md]

Thanks for the info about to start mine

[@wilsworkshop]

No problem 👍

[@000207poosh]

Man that was a awesome video! Made perfect sense, and not rocket appliance either!!

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@peterzinia3767]

The engine harness is simple because it only has connectors for engine related sensors & one that connects the the PCM. It's the other harness(the one that distributes power that can be difficult if you don't take your time & familiarize yourself with it.

[@wilsworkshop]

The other harness that you mentioned is likely the power distribution harness, which distributes power to various electrical components of the vehicle 3. This harness can be difficult to work with if you are not familiar with it. It is important to take your time and understand how it works before attempting any repairs or modifications.

[@moonmanmedia8146]

HEROOOOO, Thanks for such a informative video. Great job my dude!!

[@wilsworkshop]

Any time!

[@BoostedBlazer]

Badass!!! Thanks for the info!!! Very useful video!!

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jayletain2330]

The best simple video I've seen to date been looking for a simple way just made my day thanks

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it helped

[@ivanchavarriajr8026]

@@wilsworkshop hello would there a problem with using shrink wrap instead of loom?

[@mattmiksch3587]

Good work! Thanks for sharing!

[@wilsworkshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

Great video! You made it easy!

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it helped!

[@jonathanmardis2734]

Your good thank u it my first time doing this watch a lot of videos ur the best one

[@LuisHernandez-dp4qm]

That's exactly what I was thinking to do conect evrethin and remove whatever wiring left 👍

[@wilsworkshop]

Right on

[@DerrickWray]

While a lot of your video and information was very useful and good information, there's a few things you don't wanna do. The main thing is do not bend your wires over like you did in the bulky areas. There's several reasons why but the main is you're weakening the wire when you do that and are just creating future problems for yourself and making it a pain in the ass to troubleshoot those problems.

[@wilsworkshop]

It's not an ideal situation (this is a budget harness after all), but, I've taken apart plenty of OEM harnesses that have folded wires from the factory, GM has been doing it at least since the 80's. I still drive cars I folded wires on 20+ years ago, no issues. With quality stranded solid copper TXL, SXL or GXL wire I don't think it's a concern. CCA wire, sure, that stuffs garbage.

[@gregw98]

It is a wire, not a garden hose. Like to know where you got that bit of information.

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

I’ve seen a lot of videos but this one .....this man is Awesome...

[@wilsworkshop]

Thanks for watching

[@lparsons6977]

Great video thanks !

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@user-oy5eq1cg1v]

Great video man

[@stevepope5484]

Thanks,getting closer. It's out and on the ground. Flex bolts next !!!!!

[@wilsworkshop]

You'll get it, one step at a time!

[@stevepope5484]

Lifted it up and took it close to my torch. All most got out under the load? Set it all back on the ground. High heat,flex Plat bolts came loose then!Magic!

[@stevepope5484]

Oh yeah. Disconnect the cam sensor wire before that last flex Plat bolt.SNAP!!

[@MrCpsloco]

Great video!!! Thank you sir!!!!

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@RaulNatera]

The best video I ever seen

[@wilsworkshop]

The best comment I ever seen !

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

I have a hoist and fully equipped outdoor cement slab (before the hurricane. It was a carport ), it won't be too bad , im pretty decent at turning a wrench ..just boring by myself ..

[@rustandoil]

Nice work 😎

[@wilsworkshop]

Thanks ✌

[@daneshirk9394]

Thanks Wil. You make it look simple. I have a 15 LV3 with factory harness and I want to use the FPCM. Where can I find pinouts?

[@wilsworkshop]

For something that new I'm not sure, I mainly just mess with older engines. If you can't find one online you may need to get a Haynes or Chilton's manual that includes the wiring diagrams and make your own cheat sheet. Sounds like a fun project !

[@weswright3187]

Thanks so much. At last I understand.

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it helped!

[@wheelersanything4260]

Awesome, very thorough yet simple and informative. how do you flash the ECM to take off what you are not using? or who did you get to Flash the ECM for Stand Alone?

[@wilsworkshop]

I use HP Tuners for flashing.

[@sanfordrhudy774]

Wil's Workshop which HP Tuner system do you use or which do you recommend? Any advice would you give to someone who is wanting to learn tuning? PS, I'm a old guy trying to step into present times.

[@9011combo]

Wow that's interesting!

[@Tri5Club]

I’ll have to do this soon. Thanks for the video

[@ozcorr909]

Great video very informative straight to the point do you know of where I can find out exactly wich sensor I need to keep thank you

[@wilsworkshop]

MAF, MAP, Cam, Crankshaft, Temperature, TPS, O2's, and Knock sensors are the ones you need. The oil pressure and oil level sensors usually just run to the BCM/Dash and not the engine computer.

[@ozcorr909]

@@wilsworkshop thank you I really appreciate it.another quick question are the plugs for the neutral safety switch needed thx again

[@wilsworkshop]

They usually aren't 100% necessary. I've done swaps where I bypassed them completely and didn't have issues. But I usually connect them so the computers happy with fuel pump relay control and other items.

[@Trifiveguy]

Great clear how too !! At 20:11 mark you have a blue connector what was that for where was it plugged in too originally thanks

[@wilsworkshop]

It should be one that goes to the dash, I've never needed it but I think it's HVAC controls or something similar.

[@captainaj787]

Thank you for all of your wiring videos! They have been a huge help in my swap on my s10. I do have one question though in the harness, what did you do with the ground splices where multiple grounds meet up? I’m stripping the rear o2 sensors and other plugs like the coolant level or oil level switch and all their grounds are spliced together

[@wilsworkshop]

I usually just cut the ground wire thats being removed off near that splice and heat shrink over the end, then tape it up. Not 100% necessary since it's just a ground wire, but it makes it look cleaner.

[@captainaj787]

@@wilsworkshop sounds good to me!! That should work pretty good. I started laying my harness out under the hood today so I can get it organized how I would like. I think I’m going to tuck most of the wiring by guns fuel rails instead of over the top of the motor. Most of it lines up but I’m going to have to lengthen the drivers side injectors and throttle body plugs. Should be pretty tidy when I’m done hopefully

[@travisy7861]

I was so distracted by the snot whistle 😂

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

New subscriber!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@wilsworkshop]

Welcome!!

[@TJAllen601]

Awesome thanks brother

[@wilsworkshop]

No problem 👍

[@jackstoepfer1494]

Nice job

[@wilsworkshop]

Thanks!

[@wpkennels3555]

Thank you kind sir!

[@wilsworkshop]

Very welcome!

[@fuzzymoto896]

I like your second tensioner to delete the power steering pump. What tensioner is that and how did you mount it?

[@wilsworkshop]

It's a random tensioner from my junk pile, GM 6 rib pulleys are pretty universal. Mount is just a plate I drilled.

[@stevefellers9349]

First of all....love your videos, clean and simple and detailed! I have a question for you, I am doing an s10 like you done on another video, my question is I am wanting to use my current gauges and try to keep everything factory per say. Do I need to use the fuse box from my swap or can I use my fuse box from my s10. If I use my s10 fuse box I assume I would need to repin the other connectors to match the swap ECU?

[@wilsworkshop]

You can use both fuse blocks, I never removed the stock S10 one, it ran the lights, gauges, etc.. I installed a separate fuse block just for the engine/trans swap.

[@carpz311]

Well done

[@wilsworkshop]

Thanks

[@reddbulll7644]

Hell yeah now I'm motivated what about the standalone ecm where u get that at?

[@wilsworkshop]

For stock engines you can get them just about anywhere. Aftermarket cams and stuff you'll need to find someone to tune it for you.

[@mrtws63]

Great video Wil ! Could u b so kind as too explain ur fuel source. Wat u used and how u hooked it up. I didn't c any thing on the run stand. That wud make a great video along with ur dash panel with key start and mechanical gauges. sum of us newbies r not very bright.....lol

[@wilsworkshop]

Fuel source for the run stand is pretty basic. It's a metal 1 gallon paint can with a stock fuel pump from a truck in it. Two 6an bulkhead fittings installed in the lid, then 6an line ran to the fuel rail (pressure regulator on stock rail). There's a relay that powers the pump that's just controlled from the key-on position. It's the same setup that would work on a vehicle, just using a paint can instead of a gas tank.

[@Slowtrickdotcom]

Does this mean the fuel pump is just always running? Or does it only run when pressure is needed? (Does it sense that by itself?)

[@mixxedboyybuilds8273]

​@@Slowtrickdotcomseems as if its always running

[@timwagner4416]

Dude you might have just changed my mind on doing this

[@wilsworkshop]

Sweet !

[@primotote]

Awesome

[@javiercordero7725]

Thanks for the video demo. I'm sure it will save me some money. I've got an 03 suburban like to pull the engine and transfer it into my 87 Chevy pickup. What type of budget transmission have you used in your projects?

[@wilsworkshop]

The 4L60e's that came in the trucks are the most budget option there is. They aren't the best choice for heavy vehicles or modified engines, but will work if it's just a daily driver type vehicle. Second choice is a 4L80e. They can be found cheap enough to still be considered budget and can usually take more abuse then a stock rotating assembly can put out.

[@javiercordero7725]

Can a stock 3 speed transmission be used. Or a 700r4.

[@wilsworkshop]

If it can bolt to a SBC, then yes. But you may need adapters for the torque converter or flywheel.

[@RecoveryRoomRestorations]

This video is giving me the courage to do my own standalone for my next swap. One question you may know....previous harness I bought for my 79 swap Blazer had 2 wires marked "check engine light" and I'd like to connect it to the stock dash. Can I assume one is power to the light, and the other ground?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, should be power and ground, it notlrmally dosent matter which is which for a light.

[@charleskuss8538]

@@wilsworkshop Doesn't matter for an incandescent bulb. If using an LED bulb, you need to mark which wire is positive and which is negative.

[@mikemoreno7329]

Are you going to get a check engine light removed those wires?

[@kustomaf7606]

28:42 Do you have a video that goes over getting your computer flashed? Does it have to be from the same donor?

[@Billythekid42069]

do you know what the big blue pigtail you took off is? 19:10 im doing a v6 to v8 swap and those dont match up

[@normcarguy4571]

awesome

[@bernardosracing5872]

NICE VIDEO, QUICK QUESTION , WHAT ABOUT THE ECU, STILL WE CAN USE THE SAMEONE, THANKS A LOT FOR THE INFO.

[@wilsworkshop]

You'll need a PCM programmed for standalone operation.

[@optonstewart4148]

Thanks...a million

[@wilsworkshop]

You bet !

[@optonstewart4148]

I have a 08 Colorado...5 cyl...I don't like the 5 cyl...so I have one 4.8 L...06 chevy express engine...and a 6.0 engine...also. I heard that they both can work in a swap...I have never done one b4...but I'm up for it...can a 4L80E trans work with this?

[@mitchellmcdonnell4174]

Awesome man. I have a 92 Silverado I’m going to install a 2003 5.3 w 4l60e. What do I need to keep to run the ac system on the truck?

[@wilsworkshop]

Mostly just keep the stock AC parts intact with a compressor that fits on the 5.3L. Then a couple wires to the computer (mainly to control idle RPM and electric fans).

[@rick5153]

Me to a 2006 5,3

[@matthewdow2202]

Liked your video.maybe you could make one on using circuits necessary from the original harness such as the antilock brake wiring and incorporating that into the standalone harness.if that is what you do.thats where is I am now and I am totally baffled.any help would be greatly appreciated

[@wilsworkshop]

It would be too vehicle specific for me to do a video on it, since it would be different for each vehicle. Just focus on one wire at a time and you'll be able to get it done for yours.

[@matthewdow2202]

@@wilsworkshop nobody seems to approach this subject.i get the whole stand alone harness part,but I have a 98 Chev that I'm putting a 5.3 in and it must pass ny state emissions inspection.i am at a loss on this one.thanks for your reply will, you're pretty awesome dude

[@wilsworkshop]

It's just not common enough for there to be a bunch of videos on. Integrating the ABS into the engine computer isn't needed or done for the vast majority of LS Swaps is all. I don't think I've seen any videos on it either, but there is information out there that I've read on how to do it. Most of the swaps I do either don't have ABS, or the ABS module is separate and works by itself without being wired to the LS PCM.

[@jasonhastings5538]

Do you tune your ecm yourself?

[@williamcournoyer435]

Great video, can I do this to a 2019 L84 5.3? I’ve been told to toss the ecm and buy a different stand alone ecm, what’s your advice?

[@wilsworkshop]

I don't have enough experience with the newer engines to really offer any advice on them. If you go on the HPTuners forums you should be able to find out why someone suggested that route. There could be tuning limitations in the newer PCM's.

[@jamesgatlin3711]

Great job what computer used and how much did it cost you

[@wilsworkshop]

Stock computer, 58 dollar, 60 cent.

[@jeffreyholmes1960]

Do you have a part number for that under hood fuse block?

[@calisippweezy2848]

What's the reason for leaving out the evap, communication, and o2 wires?

[@brucelittle191]

How do you flash computer ?

[@user-uy8wt5lb4t]

Buen video mucha información

[@omarshepherd6137]

You can't keep a good man down your hired .

[@serateable]

so it takes about 1 hour to connect the new wires.?

[@levimcgriff2923]

I'm taking a 5.3 ls out of a 2010 Silverado going into my 97 s10 can do what u did with the wire harness from the 2010 onto the s10

[@wilsworkshop]

Sorta, but it will look completely different since 2010 is a Gen4 engine/computer/wiring harness.

[@Michael-dp9ed]

Nice

[@wilsworkshop]

Very nice

[@darryljohnson2895]

thanks

[@darcy32171]

Is there enough wire from the fuse box and CPU to be able to relocate them into the cab? I`m thinking of a 1948-53 chev truck with not a whole lotta room under the hood to hide stuff.

[@wilsworkshop]

Most of the wires are too short on the driver side to pass the harness thru the firewall. The best option for that is to buy an extended aftermarket harness.

[@yenkoskc]

Im curious where that purple wire at B8 is for? Brandan over at Lt1swap shows using B11 for switched 12 volt on 99-02 fuse blocks and B11 I think on the 03-07’s. Whats also baffling is you didnt hook that purple to anything before you started the engine

[@wilsworkshop]

I used the purple wire as a starter relay output wire for a different setup. I just reused the connector for this demonstration since it already had the wires removed. For this setup I wired the starter directly to the ignition switch, bypassing the stock relay, so the purple wire wasn't used or mentioned.

[@dirtyglovekennels616]

While watching the video I had a flashback doing GPS for Car City, most if not all the General Motors product has a purple wire running to the starter

[@1RioSolid]

Will this work for ls4 as well.

[@woodrownelson2711]

Hay buddy wow your great but one question after removing all the pins do u have to reprogram the brain

[@ivanf102]

On the driver side head in the back is where all the grounds junction together. I had to cut the black wire on the LH coil plug to feed the other wired around it. There are 2 junctions wherw grounds combine. I lost track on where the coil harness went. Can i just combine all the grounds together?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep you can combine all the grounds. I often extend and re-route them to the front of the heads in swaps if there's no firewall clearance for me to fit my hand back there and everything works fine.

[@trustysniper42]

Do you even need to cut anything tho? Other then the fuse block plug like do you have to cut sensors?

[@wilsworkshop]

You can leave the harness 100% uncut and it will work just fine. the wire removal is just to make it look less janky.

[@jamesbowlen2870]

"Flashed Stand alone computer" I heard you say the body control module would not be used and certain emission items would be removed. Are you saying that somebody flashes a PCM/ECM to eliminate the extras you cut out? You also used a code reader for your ADL connector. Does this mean you will not have a Check engine light on your final set up? What about output wiring to gauges? Obviously the Control unit requires the temp sensor and oil pressure inputs for performance and fuel control. But, will you be able to output that info to gauges or will you be needing to provide for separate gauge wiring?

[@wilsworkshop]

Custom tuners can reflash the PCM to match the application. For gauges, there's different options depending on the vehicle, but yes, the computer will still output the stock gauge signals. Check engine lights are boring, I never use them.

[@johntconnellyjr4354]

What about the fuel pedal wire ?

[@rogerbelcher2981]

Can I copy this and it will work for a 69 Chevelle or is there something else that needs to be deleted

[@mikenowotny3244]

If I have the harness, computer, and fuse block from the car that the engine came from do I have to do anything to the computer? Will the check engine light wire give me a check light if I don't have all the extra abs, stablittrac and air bag crap connected?

[@wilsworkshop]

Youll need the computer to be flashed for the swap. It wont start at all unless you also wire in the BCM.

[@mikenowotny3244]

So I would need obviously the engine, engine wiring harness ECU for that engine and the BCM (body control module)? Can you explain why I would need the BCM? I don't intend on installing any of the airbags, traction control or anti lock brakes (although the anti lock brakes would be great) why would BCM be necessary? No other video showing a LS swap has said anything about BCM.@@wilsworkshop

[@ivanchavarriajr8026]

@ Wil's Workshop after taping up the wires, would there be a problem using shrink wrap?

[@wilsworkshop]

Wouldn't be a problem at all. Tape, shrink wrap, or both together works.

[@ivanchavarriajr8026]

@@wilsworkshop thank you