Is a 5.3 LS the Perfect Swap… or a Terrible Idea? | El Camino Build - MotorFiles EP.2

MotorFiles EP.2 – The LS Swapped El Camino (Questionable Decisions Included) 🔥

In Episode 2, I give a full walk-around and build rundown of my 5.3L LS–swapped 1981 El Camino G-Body. This is not a show car. It’s a garage-built, learn-as-you-go project where modern LS reliability collides with an old GM chassis… sometimes gracefully, sometimes not.

What’s in this episode:
Why a junkyard-friendly 5.3 LS just makes sense
How it fits in a G-body (and where it barely fits)
Mounts, wiring, fuel, cooling, exhaust — the highlights and the headaches
What worked, what didn’t, and what I’m pretending was “planned”
-How the LS swap completely changes the personality of the El Camino

This build is about learning by doing. No professional shop. No blueprint. Just figuring it out one bolt at a time and calling it a win when the thing starts, idles, and doesn’t leak too much.

What’s coming next:
More wrenching, more upgrades, more testing, and probably more things breaking. Future MotorFiles episodes will dig deeper into driveline, suspension, tuning, and actually driving this thing the way it was meant to be driven.

If you’re into real garage builds, imperfect progress, and having fun with cars and bikes, hit subscribe and follow along.

Links to My LS Swap Recommend Parts
Holley 302-2 LS swap Oil Pan
https://www.holley.com/products/ls_po...

ICT Billet SBC to LS Engine Swap Bracket Set
https://www.ictbillet.com/products/sb...

ICT Billet LS Truck Alternator and Power Steering Kit Driver Side
https://www.ictbillet.com/products/ls...

-ICT Billet LS Truck Manual Belt Tensioner w/ Pulley LSX
https://www.ictbillet.com/products/ls...

-Texas Speed 4.8/5.3 LS Chopacabra Cam Kit
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-26705-t...

-Fasster LLC Billet Fuel Rails and Steam Port Vent Kit
https://fasster.com/

CX Racing Universal Cold Air Intake
https://www.cxracing.com/air-intake-p...

-Remflex 2049 Exhaust Manifold Gaskets
https://catalog.remflex.com/CHEVROLET...

-Michigan Motorsports 1997-2006 Mail Order Tune
https://www.michiganmotorsports.com/m...

-Holley 16-105 Hydramat
https://www.holley.com/products/fuel_...

-Optima Redtop Battery
https://www.optimabatteries.com/produ...

-Moon Eyes Gauges
https://www.mooneyesusa.com/MOON-Auto...

#Motorfiles #ElCamino #GBody #LSSwap #5.3LS #GarageBuild #ProjectCar #QuestionableDecisions #BustedKnuckles