LS Swap Wiring Harness for any vehicle- Basic and Simple Stock Harness - DIY

Using a stock wiring harness, stock fuse block, and VATS deleted computer to run a LS swapped engine.

[@raven69600]

This is by far the absolute best series and channel that I’ve found. Most channels just show the glamorous side of the swap, but you go way into detail… I’m a former aircraft troop so I can appreciate the details that you show can’t wait to do my swap 🤙🏽

[@wilsworkshop]

Beat it to fit, paint it to match.

[@jackperry9369]

@@wilsworkshop hell yeah 😎 👌

[@Brandon_obs_ls]

@@jackperry9369do u think the terminator harness is worth it if all u wanna do is add a mid cam and na set up under 500 hp

[@mattpolitzer2920]

Thanks Wil. I'm a novice and am tackling a 2020 GMC Savanna salvage yard 6.O Gen IV L96 engine swap into a custom truck. The knowledge was useful and keeps my driven to figure out how to make all this work.

[@wilsworkshop]

Sounds like a fun project, and should be a low miles engine being that new. Any plans for a power adder or cam swap or anything?

[@DaneSaysStuff]

thanks for this build series! I have a 96 Blazer that's been down for way too long at this point while trying to swap it. I've spent way too much time and money on stuff I didn't even need. I've decided to just start over and this video series will definitely come in handy!

[@wilsworkshop]

That's great ! Just try to get one item done each week and you'll start seeing progress in no time. I like fancy stuff, but for a basic swap most of it's not really necessary. Aftermarket companies understandably push their products, but there's many great OEM parts that will do the same thing, sometimes better.

[@michaeldugger518]

​@@wilsworkshop are you doing any tuning or delete features prior to running engine? I have a 04 all stock

[@robertemmons2260]

Thanks for the video! This gives me another option to look into when I'm ready to do my LS swap into my '68. Your shop cat reminds me of Dirt the cat that hangs out at the Nevada Northern railroad out in Ely Nevada. I had picked up a running, driving 2001 Suburban almost two years ago to use for the swap into my old pickup. Like you I've used my donor vehicle as my daily driver for several months before I had purchased my 2010 GMC Sierra 1500, and when the GMC AFM cam and lifters had taken a crap on me. I have faith that my LS swap will go well, it's just the conversion parts that I have to deal with, like motor and transmission mounts, 4L60E 4wd to 2wd conversion and refresh, fuel tank relocate and fuel system, wire harness integration, and more. I'll be watching more of your videos for tips and inspiration. Thanks.

[@wilsworkshop]

One step at a time and you'll be done before you know it. The "other stuff" besides the motor install definitely takes most of the conversion time.

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

Willie, I got to give you your flowers. You are a genius in this Ls world❤

[@AreaThirteenThirteen]

I'm just an older guy who is kinda new to this LS stuff and acquired an '03 Silverado with a 5.3 for next to nothing complete and running, the body and interior are a little rough condition but I am thinking about using it as a backup vehicle to drive in case my main one breaks down until I can find something to swap the engine and trans into...I gave you a sub since you are straight forward and to the point with your videos without all of the useless chatter and music that seems to be common place in a lot of videos lately.

[@wilsworkshop]

Silly intros, annoying music, and useless talking..aint nobody got time for that. It's good you bought a complete donor truck, it makes getting all the little odds and ends much easier and free.

[@jackperry9369]

@@wilsworkshop just knowledge and integrity 👏 I appreciate it also real info about the swap

[@ntgreat5]

So glad I found this video. I just got a 03 2500 with a 6.2l swapped in with a 5 volt reference code an gonna get a new harness that isn't cut an frayed.

[@michaelwittke8336]

"build'em as cheap as they can without gettin sued" LOVE IT!🤣 Grest vid

[@dbcooper6543]

Definitely the best tutorial I’ve seen on KZbin! Thanks Wil!

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cliffjamerson3107]

Never thought I would say that cat was pretty cool

[@nezzydawg]

You are a legend . The only video I’ve found so far that actually makes sense

[@wilsworkshop]

I'm pretty lazy, so I try to do everything as easy as possible.

[@thomasdebord1144]

I like your little soap box about if it's there it prolly needs needs to be. Thats so hard to get across to people, they always seem smarter than the panal of engineers that built it lol.

[@beeasy4360]

He’s a real guy doing real stuff if u do this on a daily your hand are always dirty real mechanics know

[@wilsworkshop]

"Dirty hands.....Dirty mind" - Ghandi

[@shadymaint1]

I turn wrenches daily. I wear gloves. My hands and my wife that me.

[@lau12342]

Very good and informative video series about LS Swap!

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@googlemall3323]

Straight to the point good visuals damn good video! 👍🏼

[@jrjr6526]

The front 02 sensors are what puts the engine fuel control into closed loop once warmed up this is what makes them run better when installed

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, better fuel economy and more HP.

[@keros4525]

Honestly your the best this actually what I needed to know to go ahead with my 6.0 swap on my irocz thank you and happy holidays

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad I could help !

[@jspriver]

Dude, the cat needs its own channel! I would subscribe in a second

[@povnelson2019]

That cat is crazy’s 😂

[@jackperry9369]

Thanks sir appreciate u doing these im subbed keep em coming 👌

[@wilsworkshop]

More to come!

[@LC-fl3zm]

Love the cat

[@RobinLovins]

Good work

[@doubleduty1703]

Thanks bud This old dog will learn new tricks to stuff a 5.3 with manual transmission in my 06 TJ .

[@kevinm8869]

Awsome video!!!!

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sinistersilverado965]

really nice video

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad you liked it

[@CharmleysChopShop]

I'm going to be doing my first gen this exact same way.

[@10awkwardpenguins]

Best intro ever!!😂

[@keithworker8556]

Haha great video the cat has best supporting roll

[@wilsworkshop]

It does!

[@rolandsgarage8640]

My wife inherited an old 87 dakota from her grandfather about 2 years ago. And I've been considering an ls swap on it since she got it lol. Your videos are extremely helpful on ways to help with the swap even in other vehicles. I do have one question though (you may have covered it and I missed it) did you have the tune the ECU to by-pass the PATS pr is there another way?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, you'll need the computer programmed for the swap, VATS delete and usually a couple other changes for it to work right.

[@Fahrenheit_Motorsports]

Great video! Can I ask, what are the other harnesses that plug into the fuse box? I have recently inherited a swap that’s a drive by wire, I have the fuse box but it only had the main center harness. I don’t have the grey harness that you ran the 1 wire from. How can I figure out what those harnesses are that occupy the rest of the fuse box so I can source them online or at junk yard. Thanks!

[@ozcorr909]

Great video very informative and straightforward.Do I have to hook up the neutral safety switch for the 4l60 to work properly?

[@wilsworkshop]

You can bypass the neutral safety switch if you want. I've wired the starter to a relay that runs directly from the ignition switch and it works fine.

[@ozcorr909]

@@wilsworkshop thank you i a[ppreciate it

[@sweetdaddydavis]

Video helped a whooole lot

[@wilsworkshop]

Glad to hear it !

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

I would’ve just turned it around and mounted it on the radiator support❤

[@TonyBrown-my4pu]

cant find your 2nd video did you post it? looking for how to do the guages

[@fightback5373]

What the heck!....😂 that cat was scrappy

[@ThJbomb]

My cat already helped me with the wiring harness teardown. If I could only get him to do some more work.

[@CarlosHernandez-lb5fu]

so how many pins did you have to pull out from the driven-by-cable harness both red and blue connector?

[@danjim7056]

Do you need the neutral safety connected for the trans to shift correctly?

[@lovensdamas1040]

I love th cat

[@VRRich]

Curious to see how you get the gauges going . Are you planning to run a stock s10 cluster ?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, planning to use all stock gauges. Oil pressure, water temp, fuel level should be easy. Tach and speedo might be trickier.

[@birdmangarage]

do you need to do any anti - theft over rides? or do anything to the computer first?

[@kravmaga7070]

Dude you wont regret it if you depin the harness. I was dreading it and it was a literal pain in neck/back hunching over for 3 hrs but its oddly satisfying like popping a pimple or something, lol Anyways, i just finished depinning a harness that some other guy tried and made a mess of. Luckily i had another harness to mirror it off of and was able to fix it up cuz he removed too much tape and the shape was half gone. BUT now it looks so much simpler especially since im running a Th350 tranny and i got it to at least crank over on first try, directly triggering starter. Now today i will get the fuel pump wired up and test fire. Then sit n wait for Tuner dongle to remove Vats.

[@kravmaga7070]

note; keep the shape or it will be another 2-3 hrs reshaping in addition to de-pinning.

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, depinning isn't too bad, just takes some time. I find that the reusable velcro straps for organizing computer wires work good for keeping the harness shape while the tape is off it. Lowes sells them for about 100 for $10 in a roll.

[@levimcgriff2923]

I have a 2010 Silverado 5.3 Ls with a six speed 4L60E transmission all together but wanna put it in my 97 s10 pickup and I wanna go carburetor a couple of people told me if I go carburetor I won't be able to use harness nor computer nor transmission if you could bless me with your knowledge on this I surely would appreciate it my first time doing a Ls swap thanks bro

[@wilsworkshop]

They're basically correct, although stand alone transmission controllers are a thing, and a computer can still be used with a carb. The real problem is carbs don't improve any aspect of the motor and literally make it worse.

[@omarfox6165]

I'm here for the cat 🐈

[@TheObsBuild]

Great video but what about the fuel pump? Like what wires activate the trucks fuel pump when turn on

[@wilsworkshop]

With the stock computer and the stock wiring the computer will turn the fuel pump relay on and off when the key is in the run and start positions.

[@Keeterbob]

Can you put a throttle by cable intake on an 04 engine and run the older harness and computer? Or can you still use the 04 intake but swap the throttle body to a cable throttle body?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, the only real difference between the 1999-2002 engines and 2003-2006 are the wiring harness, computer, and throttle body. If you use the earlier 1999-2002 DBC throttle body, wiring harness, and computer on a 2003+ it works perfectly fine. The intake manifolds are all identical from 1999-2006 except the 03+ might be missing the brass threaded inserts for the throttle cable bracket (I've seen some missing and some have them but not used)

[@3king2king]

Where can i purchase that main fuse you had coming from the battery I noticed the one i grabbed from the junkyard was missing. Do you have a part number?

[@wilsworkshop]

The most common brand name for them is the MEGA Fuse. You can get them at any auto parts store, they stock them in the fuse section. Online just search for MEGA fuse and they'll come up. Junkyard is a great place to get them, $0.15 vs $4.00 for new.

[@yosh1er]

Basically I can just leave my harness In tack. Swip the computer. Add a wire. Grounds and ill be good? Cause this is exactly what I'm looking for. 06 Yukon completely runs fine. Leaving everything on there. Just want to make it simple. Don't wanna strip harness or anything. Just a daily driver swap.

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, you can leave the stock harness 100% intact. I'd just recommend taping off any un-used connectors very well to prevent any sensor plug power wire accidents. It works perfect, just isn't as pretty.

[@SwdKlla]

Is this the same for gen 4 ls?

[@nope2u399]

The 03 Express van fuse block is completely different on the plug side. Do you have any information on this?

[@wilsworkshop]

I'm not too sure about the express vans, they had some differences so I usually avoid them and swap the wiring to the more standard "truck" wiring. Is it possible it's a block from a 4.3L van? Also, the vans were drive by cable up until 2007 which could be why it's different.

[@frankguerra3314]

I have the same harness what did u do with the rest of the wires on that big white connector for fuse.an those little connector right under the fuse box

[@wilsworkshop]

Any extra wires that go to the stock truck I removed. If you pull the blue plastic slide-in "clips" you can push the extra wires out of the connector.

[@shawndumas3495]

Nice video! I swapped a 5.3l out of a 2002 sierra into my 2010 colorado, tach works, no speedo and no fuel level.. temp gauge works though, its got a 4l80e so its getting a speed signal, bit still nothing at the speedo.. any tips? Or rhings to look for for the gas level and the speedo? Thanks!

[@wilsworkshop]

GM wiring between 2002 and 2010 had a bunch of changes, it's likely communication issues with the instrument cluster.

[@stevenmyers2252]

How how you deal with vats ? How much does it cost ?

[@ls4.8frank]

And here I was thinking I needed an aftermarket harness. Geez. I'm guessing if I swapped cams then I would need to take it to get tuned at a shop?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, aftermarket parts that greatly affect air or fuel need a custom tune. Cold air intakes and intake manifolds don't matter, but a cam changes everything in the VE table.

[@jeffthompson5806]

Wil please help what plug s in to the firewall? Only the ignition? Does the stock computer stay with old harness or its unnecessary I have a Tahoe 4.8& engine harness and a 03 s10 4.3

[@wilsworkshop]

An '03 will be a little different then the '94 in the video. The easiest way is leave the stock S10 computer and wiring for meow, and just get the 4.8L running with the standalone harness and wiring. Then figure out what can be removed or needs to be connected for gauges and stuff to work.

[@bradschultz1011]

If I want to remove an unused plug. How would I go about making sure it’s not gonna short? Trace it back and remove it from the power source?

[@wilsworkshop]

yep, that's the best way to just remove all the wires associated with the plug if it's not needed

[@dapetik]

So you're saying I can drop my ls6 right into my '80 mustang and don't even need to modify the harness (much)!?

[@kravmaga7070]

how big is that fuse protecting stock fuseblock, mine doesnt have one yet?

[@wilsworkshop]

Most of them are 125-175 amp. It depends on what options the truck came with.

[@devinchambers4645]

where do you plug up the pink wire? the one that you added to a9?

[@wilsworkshop]

It's the +12V wire from the ignition switch when the key is in RUN or CRANK positions. It turns the fuse block relay on to power everything up.

[@latendressestephane4875]

Bonjour je voudrais savoir comment brancher le obd svp

[@diesel_delph9764]

So that A 9 wire gets plugged into the stock fuse panel to any Key on power fuse?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, it just needs key-on +12v to turn the fuse block relays on.

[@reynaldomancinas2724]

Do you have to delete all the same wire if I’m putting a carburetor on my lt1

[@wilsworkshop]

No idea, this is for the fuel injected version of the LS based motors.

[@dominiccundari8334]

great vid i have a 2000 5.3 dbc what do i do with the VAT system does the A9 wire eliminate that, thank you in advance!

[@wilsworkshop]

The Anti Theft can only be removed with a tuning program, it's not wiring related.

[@dominiccundari8334]

@@wilsworkshop so if i wire my ls motor like in the video it will run that way?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, it will run as long as VATS is disabled.

[@dominiccundari8334]

@@wilsworkshop Thank You for the info and the quick replies !

[@luiscarrasquillo9743]

Hey Wil hope you are ok, once you change wire locations is there anything you have to do to the PCM?

[@wilsworkshop]

Usually nothing needs to be changed in the PCM.

[@luiscarrasquillo9743]

Thanks

[@illuminatisantana23]

So i just ls swapped my s10.. can i run the oem harness and fuse block while still eliminating the wires i dont need ?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, I use the stock fuse blocks all the time, I have other videos showing how to hook them up for minimal wires.

[@reece8355]

The wires u don’t need cut them off

[@georgiasouthtowing3383]

Can u make a harness for a ls swap harness to fit a 2000 s500 Mercedes

[@wilsworkshop]

Anything is possible, the only restrictions are time and cost.

[@99-white-balloons]

Does the radio or headlights work, I am abit confused, does this have the original fuse block still to run starter, lights radio an stuff, does this need two ecus? An stock pcm for shifting? Or whatever

[@wilsworkshop]

Everything works. The starter runs off the 5.3L fuse block. The headlights and radio use the original S10 wiring and stock S10 fuse block that's in the dash. This year S10 has a separate small module for the dash gauges, so the stock S10 ECM isn't used, just the 5.3L PCM for the engine and trans and the small S10 module for the gauges.

[@99-white-balloons]

Okay, I am abit confused on the computers of cars skill, my trucks obd1 with an ecm in the cab, and a pcm in the engine bay, trying to swap to a 5.3 or 6.0/4L80e combo and I need to figure out if that requires ecm and pcm, aswel as fuse block, well keeping the firewall back basicly stock wiring, trucks a 1995 350 tbi k1500

[@wilsworkshop]

It varies from car to car, but basically the LS engine and transmission (4L60 or 4L80) need a computer to control them (the Gen 3 PCM does both). The wiring harness for the engine/trans can be completely separate from your vehicle with just power, ground, and +12v ignition. Then you vehicle needs whatever it needs to run the car stuff, lights, radio, etc.. The easiest way is just keep two "separate" wiring harnesses and then later integrate whatever you need like gauges once the swap is running. Hope that doesn't make it more confusing.

[@adammancilla4774]

How did you connect the throttle drive directly to the computer

[@wilsworkshop]

For drive by wire the throttle body needs the TAC module also. The stock wiring harness connects all 3 together.

[@mrtws63]

how did u mount ur MAF at the front of ur throttle body ? none of my spare parts fit correctly.

[@wilsworkshop]

Just a rubber adapter I had laying around, not sure where it came from. The stock intake should adapt to your MAF.

[@frankguerra3314]

I just cut that black plastic.i have alot of those I get from my favorite junkyard.

[@BarukYahuah]

are you using the stock neutral safety switch? or how did you bypass it?

[@wilsworkshop]

You can bypass it by running the ignition switch to a relay that activates your starter. As long as the PCM has the correct key-on power during Run/Start, it will start. The PRNDL switch just disables the starter relay in the stock fuse block when it's in gear.

[@Yth.Alvarez]

You probably won’t see this but I did a v6 to v8 swap on my truck and I ran into a problem with my harness , v8 motor came from an 02 truck with harness and all but the harness won’t hook up to the original harness that comes from the truck which is an 06 truck i swaped computers and fuse box but the harness won’t connect to that purple wrapped plug and the Obd2 sensor if I’m not mistaken any idea what I could do?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, the V6 and the V8 trucks use completely different wiring harnesses. You have to make the V6 truck match the V8 truck, which isn't fun or easy, basiclly it's lots of rewiring and parts swapping.

[@mrtws63]

at the 8:18 mark u mention the stock fuse. I hv 3 fuse boxes an all 3 r missing that dam fuse. do u no wat it is called so I can possibly get one at a auto parts store.

[@wilsworkshop]

They're usually called MEGA fuses. It's the brand name, not the technical name, but MEGA is the most common and is the OEM one used. The parts guys will know if you ask for it by that name. They usually have all the common amp sizes hanging near the Help! section.

[@AzeezOverseas]

I have 2002 red blue pcm with drive by wire, can i replace pcm to green blue pcm and program it?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yes but also no. You "can" swap between the computers, but you also need to re-wire the wiring harness, change throttle body, TAC module, and gas pedal.

[@isaacgreen1599]

Hey what's up I was wondering how did you do your interior wiring harness

[@wilsworkshop]

The interior is all stock wiring, basically you can have two wiring harnesses for the vehicle. The stock one to run interior, lights, etc.. and a second one just for the engine and trans. The only "crossover" wires are signal wires for the stock gauges to work and A/C controls.

[@isaacgreen1599]

So I have a 87 Camaro 3rd gen it was a V6 and now I have a LS 5.3 with a 4L60E transmission and I have a PSI Standalone harness and do I keep the driver side harness and get rid of the passenger side wiring harness

[@wilsworkshop]

The easiest way is leave all the wiring intact, get the swap running, then figure out which wires aren't used and start removing them. A Chilton or Haynes manual with a wiring harness schematic for the Camaro would help also.

[@isaacgreen1599]

Hey what’s up bro how you doing That crank no start not getting power to the coil packs or injectors while car is cranking in no spark I think

[@ls4.8frank]

So what all would I need to have dome to the computer before I install the harness?

[@wilsworkshop]

VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft) delete at a minimum or it won't start.

[@garylee6037]

​@@wilsworkshopDo you have a video on how to do the delete or the cheapest way to get it done?

[@mr.ed2092]

Gato Loco

[@wilsworkshop]

Es mi chico, El Stupido

[@pedrocollazo4437]

Does this apply to gen iv 07-13 also ? Thanks

[@wilsworkshop]

Nope, just the 1999-2007 Gen 3 engines.

[@Christopha22]

So you are saying I can do this exact same method to my 1974 pontiac bonneville??

[@wilsworkshop]

Yes, Yes Abi.

[@Christopha22]

@@wilsworkshop thanks so much very helpful.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

Doesn't hurt computer to get wet?

[@wilsworkshop]

They get wet in the stock applications, especially the vans. They're always covered in slime. they have gaskets on the connectors to make them "waterproof".

[@drewdowncutomz4792]

What if ur not using stock transmission will it still run or be on limp mode?

[@wilsworkshop]

The transmission type and limp mode depends on your computer tune, not the wiring harness.

[@drewdowncutomz4792]

@@wilsworkshop cool I was planning on deleting the 4l60 to th400 and swapp throttle body to cable instead

[@allenmessmer2508]

What state are you in

[@wilsworkshop]

Mostly Chaos, sometimes Denial.

[@sadboy8413]

Where’s part 2 looked on your videos and didn’t find it

[@wilsworkshop]

What was part 2 supposed to cover? I probally sniffed too many gas fumes and forgot about it.

[@sadboy8413]

@@wilsworkshop the steps to do the relay to prime gas pump and how to connect electric fans obd2 port

[@wilsworkshop]

The fuel pump relay is already built into each of the fuse blocks, so it's automatically done for you. I also have 2 videos on how to wire up the electric fans. The one using the stock fan wiring harness is the easy mode one.

[@jasonellison7761]

So how do I find out the right pcm to use. I didn't get the pcm from the donor

[@wilsworkshop]

Did it come with the wiring harness? You can also base it off which throttle body and TAC module you have, if its drive by wire.

[@jasonellison7761]

@@wilsworkshop yeah I have the harness and the fuse block it has a drive by wire throttle body

[@wilsworkshop]

If the wiring harness has big Red and Blue connectors, you need the 1999-2002 style computer, if the connectors are Green and Blue, you need the 2003-2007 computer. You can also check the part number on your TAC module to figure out the year range.

[@ketotrucker3528]

What are you using for an ECU?

[@wilsworkshop]

The stock 5.3L truck computer, re-programmed.

[@ketotrucker3528]

@@wilsworkshop thank you! Who or how is it reprogrammed? And they’re just pulling out the key security or is there more entailed? So sorry for my ignorance, getting ready to pull the big block from my Chevelle to do a 5.3 swap.

[@wilsworkshop]

I just reprogram my own, I do enough swaps that I bought the programmer a few years ago. It's mostly just disabling the VATS(Vehicle Anti Theft System) , that's all that's needed to get a running engine, and a few other changes that just turn off trouble codes since it's not connected to all the electronics that the stock 5.3L truck has in it. The extra stuff is just so the codes don't come up so it's easier to troubleshoot if I need to, less clutter when I read the trouble codes.

[@ketotrucker3528]

@@wilsworkshop thanks!

[@23steph13]

Can I run a Ly6 with gen 4 harness and 58x crank, 4x cam, gen 3 intake/throttle body/heads, 6l80 Transmission?

[@wilsworkshop]

Yep, it will need to be tuned for the gen 3 parts, but anything's possible with the right computer setup.

[@23steph13]

Thanks. Can I use the blue/green ecu?

[@wilsworkshop]

Nope, you need a Gen 4 for a 58x.

[@23steph13]

E38, E40?

[@wilsworkshop]

Either one, both are gen 4 V8.

[@subarutime5089]

Im doing a wire harness swap from front to back and i dont know what none of this crap is lol

[@03nike80]

!

[@wilsworkshop]

$

[@ernestkoranteng2400]

Hello, really need your help, I have Nissan note e11, electronic throttle body, but it keeps going off which many mechanics are not able to repair, we've changed the ECU and other boards but it still doesn't respond, it loses power supply to the the throttle,,, can you help me out with solution???

[@scottloutner5253]

Simple..plain English. I needed for my z28, 6.0 stock swap