G Body LS Swap - Installing a 5.3L LS engine in a 1981 Chevy Malibu

Installing a 5.3L Gen IV LS engine and 4L80E transmission into my 1981 Chevrolet Malibu G body. My first car, that I still own! Also my first LS Swap! Installing engine mounts, removing the block heater adapter, and fitment issues with installing an engine that doesn't belong.
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[@dieselapegarage]

That's what im talking about nice ride keep it coming this is the motivation i needed 👀 🍿💪

[@SlowCarFix]

check out the library of videos on this project. I tried to cover everything and it turned out great! thanks for watching

[@dieselapegarage]

@@SlowCarFix forsure Keep It coming 👍 👀 🍿 I'm think I'm going to swap half my fleet now 😂😂

[@SlowCarFix]

@@dieselapegarage once you drive one that's swapped well, it makes everything else look silly.

[@dieselapegarage]

@@SlowCarFix 😂😂😂

[@cfields8507]

Gbodies are so easy to swap too. Perfect cars for first time swaps.

[@SlowCarFix]

Agreed 👍

[@MikeyMalibu]

My first car is a 79 Malibu which I still have from 2000. Those are my favorite g bodies Nice work

[@bout2bust351]

Wow same here my first was 79 too back in 2002 but I kick myself in the ass every day for selling her

[@SlowCarFix]

@@bout2bust351 I'm glad I kept it.

[@NickFortier]

Crazy, but I also bought my first car in 2000, 78 malibu, still gotter;) found an Iraqi taxi for parts, so now it's a 3 spd

[@SlowCarFix]

@@NickFortier awesome 👌

[@NickFortier]

@@SlowCarFix iguess i should say, it was the first car I bought. My old man gave me his 81 Lemans, which lasted about 2 weeks before it blew up .then I destroyed it by trying to add t tops. So I bought the malibu because Lemans were impossible to find, and most of the parts were interchangeable

[@Hitman-ds1ei]

Oh how different that era would have been had this power train been standard back then

[@SlowCarFix]

For sure. This car had a 267 when new. It had a 307 in it when I got it 25 years ago.

[@MrFuchew]

man i wish i had a garage like that

[@SlowCarFix]

It took a lot of hard work and a ton of time to get the money to build it. I'm pretty happy with it now. Thanks for watching!

[@fervalle82]

Thanks for sharing, I’m about to do the exact same swap with an ls4 on my 81’ Malibu and learned a lot from your post. Thanks again.

[@SlowCarFix]

Check out the other videos on this car and the LS swap I did on my 57 Chevy truck. Lots of good swap information. Best of luck with your project.

[@ShopKatIndustries]

New subscriber here! Found ya via DD Speed Shop. Great shop, cars, and channel! Cheers from Alberta, and Merry Christmas!

[@SlowCarFix]

Hey! Welcome to the channel. Merry Christmas from Ontario. All the best.

[@gabrielulibarri9950]

I'm liking the Corvairs in the back!

[@SlowCarFix]

there's a few of them around here.

[@retrodiscovery]

Nice build!

[@SlowCarFix]

thanks very much

[@porschmn]

Wow, that engine hoist sure makes ez work of installing an engine, I'm always working alone also and see something like that makes it easier than fighting with a normal engine lifts vertical lif limits, tipping forward issues with the weight of eng & trans and the legs that go under the car.

[@SlowCarFix]

This works great. The only issue is that when not using the gantry, it takes up a lot of shop real estate. I'm always working by myself, also constantly looking for tips and tricks to make things easier.

[@porschmn]

@@SlowCarFix Any way to have a ez remove the top bar and slide the uprights between the 4 posters you have?

[@Canadiancarguy1987]

Hey, great channel you got here man!

[@SlowCarFix]

Thanks very much! Glad you are enjoying.

[@Canadiancarguy1987]

@@SlowCarFix oh ya for sure anything related to old cars and G-body's I'm down for!!

[@arireid1245]

Thats a clean ass malibu!

[@SlowCarFix]

Thanks, check out my other videos. There's over 20 showing the whole project!

[@MrPanzerblitz]

That '55 is why I subscribed to your channel. So I hope you get back to it soon!

[@SlowCarFix]

I appreciate you subscribing. Hang in there, I will be back to it heavy over the winter. I have to knock off the stuff that is close and not running so I can focus on the 55 properly. I hate having unfinished projects lingering. This is good experience for that car though, because it will also be LS powered.

[@clarkinthedark1]

Love the late model Corvair Moredoor that’s on the lift!

[@SlowCarFix]

That's my son's first car, 65 Sedan. Lots of Corvair stuff going on around here.

[@DC-js6tq]

I love America!!!✌️ 🗽🇺🇸Awesome work!!!👍💯

[@SlowCarFix]

I'm in Canada

[@DC-js6tq]

@@SlowCarFix I'm sorry!!!✌️

[@SlowCarFix]

@@DC-js6tq no worries. I love where I live, you love where you live! All good. Thanks for watching!

[@DC-js6tq]

@@SlowCarFix Thanks for video!!! Good luck!!!✌️

[@krazobuildz7567]

Nice build i wish I would have started with a g body🤦‍♂️ but s10 will do

[@SlowCarFix]

S10's are good fun. I've had a few. Thanks for watching!

[@Canadiancarguy1987]

I wish I had a shop like this, I mean don't we all!!

[@SlowCarFix]

Thanks, it took a long time before I could get this shop and I'm very happy with it.

[@Canadiancarguy1987]

@@SlowCarFix right on man, good to see another Canadian!

[@MRRANDOM1]

Nice!

[@SlowCarFix]

Thanks!

[@johnnylom9915]

LS engine install 101 Good job made it look real easy cheers

[@SlowCarFix]

Thanks for watching and for the comment! It always looks easy on KZbin. It's coming along great!

[@Jeremiah1647]

My dad owns a 81 sport with a 5.7 LS1

[@SlowCarFix]

awesome. I enjoy this car alot.

[@terrancesells3250]

New sub here. I have a '84 M.C and a '79 malibu

[@SlowCarFix]

Awesome. I hope you're enjoying the videos. Thanks for subscribing!

[@Eithaboi]

Ls6 intake should help you with top clearance

[@kravmaga7070]

is there an alternate plug the block heater can be put in? Like you i live in canada and will definitely need one if i drive mine in winter even though right now the car im considering has been de-rusted already i may never drive it in winter just to preserve it while i own it at least, it would still be good to know if not install it while the engine is out.

[@SlowCarFix]

I also live in Canada. I don't plan to use my car in winter. I'm not sure, but with a different type of engine adapter to engine mount, you could likely use the original type block heater like the one I removed.

[@kuro-textingstorys2823]

im really curious what headers/manifolds you used as im doing a similar swap but cant find decent headers to fit. What did you use

[@SlowCarFix]

These are Amazon LS headers and I really don't like them. On my 57 truck, I used stock manifolds and cut them and re welded as required to clear the frame. These headers on the malibu give "header tick" and it doesn't sound great. Check out some of my other videos, I talk about my lessons learned.

[@kuro-textingstorys2823]

@@SlowCarFix alright, will do.

[@ehabalakrawi6028]

I love the color, do you mind if you please share the color code please, and what shop did the paint job please

[@SlowCarFix]

The shop is no longer in business. The color is from a 2010 Camaro called kinetic blue.

[@kravmaga7070]

im planning an 86 cutlass ls swap, hopefully theres MORE ROOM in there?

[@SlowCarFix]

I think you'll find a cutlass to be the same.

[@anttemo41]

Would love to find a 79-85 Malibu 2 door or even a wagon

[@SlowCarFix]

Wagon's are very cool. Ultimate road trip cars.

[@demetriuslynch5785]

What year make and model vehicle should I look for to get a LS 5.3 liter motor from my 86 Monte Carlo?

[@SlowCarFix]

That's a big question. Check out my latest video on lessons learned from this swap. It really depends on budget, use and skill level. The older LS engines have less power but are cheaper. I prefer drive by wire which is newer engines. This one is a 2011 Gen IV 5.3

[@kravmaga7070]

Do i assume an LS swap usually entails using the same type computer controlled tranny that came with it, if keeping the stock ecu and wiring harness?

[@SlowCarFix]

That's the option I went with. Stock computers and modified and paired down wiring harness. However there's a ton of options in aftermarket. You can use any trans that will bolt up. Many use TH350 or 700R4 with adapters etc. I chose to go with a modern trans.

[@demetriuslynch5785]

Nice job... I have an 86 Monte Carlo I would like to do a swap my question for you is what vehicle should I look for to get a really good 5.3 LS motor out of?

[@greddmyles3677]

G Force crossmember for the G body swaps

[@SlowCarFix]

I built my own. I like it better.

[@iamgoat3035]

Is this same frame as my 84 cutlass? if so what if any longtube headers will fit in there? Alos, if i intend to keep my th350 in my car, should i pull driveshaft and pull tranny off the stock cutlass engine, then pull the cutlass engine and reinstall the 5.3 LS into engine bay then install stock tranny onto LS engine after its bolted in the car? OR pull both at once and reinstall tranny on ls before installing engine? if i do it this way will i need to remove radiator and possibly front bodywork as well?

[@SlowCarFix]

I believe it's the same chassis. I did not go with long tube headers, but I think it might be a tight squeeze for long tube. You should consider taking this opportunity to upgrade to a transmission with overdrive. You'll enjoy it much more. Personally I prefer to remove/install the engine and transmission as a unit. Likely because I don't have a trans jack or 2 post hoist that would allow me to do from underneath. With no radiator and the hood off, it's pretty straight forward.

[@iamgoat3035]

@@SlowCarFix i am considering a 4l80e in the future but its gonna mean shortening driveshaft 150-200 plus 4-500 for tranny, plus new mounting bracket fabbing. i wanna start simple and cheap. get motor running and as much as possible working, then think about tranny, rearend swap, suspension upgrades, paintjob. plus its just gonna be a city cruiser/daily summer driver and may never see highway speeds.

[@prixinc1]

I am looking to get a 78-81 Malibu coupe and do a swap using the vortec 5.3 LM7. How hard is it to get Air Conditioning to work with this engine swap? I will look to get a Malibu that already had factory ac in it. Thanks.

[@SlowCarFix]

I don't think it's hard at all if you get an air conditioned car. Your limitation is space. You will have to move the compressor from the bottom passenger side of the engine to the top passenger side as it will certainly hit the frame rail. ICT and a few others make kits for everything.

[@prixinc1]

@@SlowCarFix there is actually a Malibu coupe like yours as a roller for sale. Haven't seen it in person but contemplating getting it orwaiting for one that has a running engine in it as that would make moving it around much easier as no idea when I could land an engine swap etc.

[@SlowCarFix]

@@prixinc1 a running car is always a bonus. The big thing is rust. Mechanical can be fixed easy enough. Get something with body and paint that you can live with and will be happy with for a while. If you pay a little more for a car in better body condition, you won't regret it.

[@pablojanski.2559]

TBSS INTAKE. Nice! is that an LH8?

[@SlowCarFix]

LC9 Gen IV, it is the stock drive by wire truck intake. There's another video I posted when I picked up the engine.

[@TheJswerve]

I hear a Minnesota or perhaps Wisconsin accent :)

[@SlowCarFix]

Ontario Canada

[@jbkuztoms5329]

For the motor mounts could you use stock sbc mounts or u have to build/buy some for the adapter

[@SlowCarFix]

The "clam shells" you could absolutely use stock small block Chevy mounts. I didn't have any, so I built some. There's another video on that.

[@jbkuztoms5329]

@@SlowCarFix alright thank you right now i daily a 85 elcamino with a 350 and th400 tranny its good but once i get something else i wanna make it a better street rod then what it is rn

[@SlowCarFix]

@@jbkuztoms5329 I don't think you'd be disappointed with an LS swap.

[@jbkuztoms5329]

@@SlowCarFix yeahh im 17 got it as a roller at 16 so to get it rollin went simple for now it gets down but can always use more lol

[@SlowCarFix]

@@jbkuztoms5329 that's awesome. Check out my other videos about this car. It was my first car that I've had since I was 16. Which was around 1997. I never sold it, wrecked it. Lots of good memories.

[@BlueBoyyyyyy]

What size yoke, and style are you using with the 80e? And what’s the length of your driveshaft?

[@SlowCarFix]

I'm using the stock 4L80E yoke and running the 7.5" 10 bolt rear end. Drive shaft was made at a drive shaft shop and is 50" center to center of the U joint. This could be slightly different for you depending on your engine mounts.

[@BlueBoyyyyyy]

Thanks for replying, I’m building a78. Are you doing the Jeep steering gear box upgrade?

[@SlowCarFix]

@@BlueBoyyyyyy no sir, sticking stock steering.

[@BlueBoyyyyyy]

Oh ok.

[@BlueBoyyyyyy]

You can upgrade both, I did.

[@Doucettedon]

So is it the firewall or trans tunnel keeping the engine from going back any further?

[@SlowCarFix]

both really, but more so the firewall lower portion.

[@Doucettedon]

@@SlowCarFix in 1986 I had an 81 Malibu classic, I currently have an L76 6.0L that I’m rebuilding. Strictly for nostalgia reasons I’ve been thinking of purchasing another Malibu to install my LS in. Your series is both very thorough and informative, it is helping me decide if the Malibu is the way to go. I’ll probably be asking a TON of questions.

[@SlowCarFix]

@@Doucettedon Sounds like a great project. I do the videos for my entertainment and with the hopes that if someone is doing something similar that they can save some time by not having to figure out things that I had to research or learn the hard way. I'm glad to help. The car is nearing completion.

[@gloriamaletta8667]

The 7.5 rearend will not last with the 5.3 engines power especially if you put sticky tires on it a 1985-1987 Buick GN rearend would be much better or a Ford 8.8 out of a foxbody Mustang this option would probably be the most cost effective and it should be close in length to the original 7.5 that if you got the right offset wheels it would work it's going to be pretty fast when you get it together and all little things worked out good luck

[@SlowCarFix]

Thanks for checking it out. I don't plan on running sticky tires or really getting into beating on it too much. I have Richmond 3.73 gears and an Auburn posi carrier. I'm hoping it holds up, but I have also been watching for a GN differential.

[@zackkonietzny7631]

@@SlowCarFix That will work fine. Biggest thing on these are weak factory axles and c-clips. can always weld the axle tubes, and add a girdled diff cover for extra strength

[@lsswapping2086]

I’m having issues with my ps pulley being pressed into the gear box. When I push it back further, it throws my G Force crossmember off to the point where the bolt holes are not aligned. Any suggestions? I have an 84 Buick Regal.

[@SlowCarFix]

you need the smaller plastic pulley. then you end up with approximately 3/8" between the pulley and steering box

[@garydunn5051]

@@SlowCarFix do you happen to have a part number for that pulley?

[@SlowCarFix]

@@garydunn5051 Dorman 300-201 5" pulley. It's like $50 online and then the belt I'm running with no air conditioning is a 060916A Napa belt. I hope that helps.

[@garydunn5051]

@@SlowCarFix thank you. I've been searching for the part number for a while now

[@87ChevyBoy]

How many inches is your car lifted?

[@SlowCarFix]

Car isn't lifted at all. Stock suspension, just has 15" rims and tires on it. It might look high with the engine out.

[@87ChevyBoy]

Looks great!

[@SlowCarFix]

@@87ChevyBoy thanks very much.

[@iamgoat3035]

does the yoke in tailshaft just seal tranny fluid ?

[@SlowCarFix]

yes, leaving the yoke in keeps it from leaking all over.

[@Doucettedon]

I felt like you really could have used a second set of hands.

[@SlowCarFix]

that's often the case. I'm used to working alone.

[@justjunkgarage9774]

What power steering pulley did u use?

[@SlowCarFix]

I believe it's the smallest diameter available. I can measure it for you.

[@justjunkgarage9774]

Is it off a car or just aftermarket?

[@SlowCarFix]

It came on the engine set up I bought, but I believe it's a GM part and not aftermarket. Likely a rock auto part. I'll see what I can find out for you.

[@justjunkgarage9774]

Sweet. Thank you.

[@SlowCarFix]

Dorman 300-201 5" pulley. It's like $50 online and then the belt I'm running with no air conditioning is a 060916A Napa belt. I hope that helps.

[@mdairconditioningandheatin5244]

Couldn't you go to Electric steering?

[@SlowCarFix]

I suppose so, but that sounds expensive.

[@somebodyyouusetoknow4532]

How tall is that crane ?

[@SlowCarFix]

10ft to the top so I can get it out of my garage door.

[@somebodyyouusetoknow4532]

@@SlowCarFix Thanks!

[@keronackles8327]

I have a 78 will that fit in there

[@SlowCarFix]

78 and 81 are the pretty much the same car.

[@keronackles8327]

@@SlowCarFix what a ls 53 motor running

[@SlowCarFix]

@@keronackles8327 I'm not sure what you're asking, but if you're wondering about horsepower, check out my other videos and you can see it on the dyno

[@keronackles8327]

@@SlowCarFix basically asking whats and ls motor cost range but i defitnely gunna look at videos

[@SlowCarFix]

@@keronackles8327 There's too many variables to give you an accurate number on cost. Depends what you choose, which harness, computer etc. I just did a "lessons learned" video that talks about the different options. The cost also varies depending on location etc.

[@332ARA]

Ditch the body and mount a Corvair body on the chassis! It's been done

[@SlowCarFix]

not a chance!

[@RivalYoter97]

Check out dixie restoration depot they sell everything for G body LS swaps or literally anything for malibus

[@SlowCarFix]

I have been looking at their selection on their website. I'll be ordering all my interior fasteners and grill hardware, coolant and washer bottles, etc etc from them soon. Thanks for watching!

[@pablollopezlopez834]

Va

[@themacofalltrades573]

2door Malibu my favorite car and I can't find one

[@SlowCarFix]

There's lots around, but prices are climbing. Always buy the best you can afford. Thanks again for watching!