2000 Suburban 5.3 LM7 Engine Replacement

[Tynan918]

Need to remove and replace the LM7 5.3 Vortec engine in my 2WD 2000 Suburban LT. It has a spun rod bearing that is not fixable without removing and rebuild. I need to remove it and swap it with a good used engine of the same type.

I only want to direct swap this engine with the same model engine, an LM7.

I've swapped Gen 1 SBC engines before, but this will be my first Vortec/LS swap.

What do I all need to remove from the engine in this year make and model of vehicle to remove it ?

Do I need to also replace any ECM or PCM or reprogram anything to complete the swap, or I just swap the engines ?

 

[strutaeng]

You don't have to worry about ECM. Just unplug the battery and proceed as usual. I found that looping some bungee cords from the engine wiring harness from the hood underside helps. I used 2 bungee cords. I recently removed and replaced my 06 Suburban LQ4 2wd for freshen up job. The hood you can remove the bolts and angle it more open. I used 2 pieces of wood to prop it as I got closer to the firewall on removal /installing it. Gains more clearance on your engine hoist boom.

Also, remove the air compressor bracket and move the unit off to the side. You don't need to remove any hoses and worry about refrigerant recharge. Same with the PS pump.

If you remove the intake it makes it a little easier with clearance and you can access the top bellhousing bolts from the engine bay.

As far as replacement, include the L59. It's identical to the LM7 but with flex fuel capabilities. Just keep your intake because the injectors are different flowrates and I think sometime in 2002(?) they deleted the EGR.

I hope this helps.

 

[Fless]

It would be a good time to check the motor mounts, and replace if needed.

 

[Tynan918]

You don't have to worry about ECM. Just unplug the battery and proceed as usual. I found that looping some bungee cords from the engine wiring harness from the hood underside helps. I used 2 bungee cords. I recently removed and replaced my 06 Suburban LQ4 2wd for freshen up job. The hood you can remove the bolts and angle it more open. I used 2 pieces of wood to prop it as I got closer to the firewall on removal /installing it. Gains more clearance on your engine hoist boom.

Also, remove the air compressor bracket and move the unit off to the side. You don't need to remove any hoses and worry about refrigerant recharge. Same with the PS pump.

If you remove the intake it makes it a little easier with clearance and you can access the top bellhousing bolts from the engine bay.

As far as replacement, include the L59. It's identical to the LM7 but with flex fuel capabilities. Just keep your intake because the injectors are different flowrates and I think sometime in 2002(?) they deleted the EGR.

I hope this helps.

Yes this helps, thank you for the detailed clarification.

 

[ZEUS1]

May be over kill, but here is how i am doing mine. This made it easier in my opinion.

 

[NardDog]

I replaced my 03 lm7 flex fuel with and 01 lm7 glex fuel. Plug and play. Of course while it was out I replaced every gasket and seal.

 

[NardDog]