Looking for Advice on Stand Alone LS Harness for My Swap

Modifications & Upgrades
1

Considering a Stand Alone LS Harness

I’ve been diving into the LS swap world for my project car, and I’ve come across the term “stand alone LS harness” quite a bit. It’s clear I need a good wiring solution to simplify things under the hood, but I’m not quite sure where to start.

Why a Stand Alone Harness?

It seems like going with a stand alone harness is a smart move if you’re looking to:

  • Minimize complexity in your electrical system
  • Avoid the hassle of integrating with the original wiring
  • Maintain a clean engine bay with fewer wires sticking out everywhere

Questions I Have

  1. What brands do you recommend? I’ve seen a few options but want to hear about real-world experiences.
  2. Are there any specific features I should look for? Like plug-and-play capabilities, durability, or weather resistance?
  3. Is installation straightforward? Any tips for beginners like me?

My Setup

For context, I’m working on a 1990 Camaro with a Gen III LS engine. I’ve done a few mods already, but now I want to tackle the wiring.

Seeking Your Expertise

If anyone has insights or personal experiences with stand alone LS harnesses, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What should I watch out for? What mistakes should I avoid? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your input!

2

I’m looking to swap an LS into my '90s pickup and need a reliable harness. I’ve heard that stand-alone LS harnesses are great for simplifying the install. Any best practices to share?

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3

Definitely check for compatibility with your vehicle’s wiring. I had a tough time with a harness that didn’t match up. Also, ensure to label everything during install—it helps a ton!

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4

I agree with @gardnernicole. Labeling is essential! I also recommend a quality soldering kit for securing connections. It pays off in the long run to avoid wire issues later down the road.

5

Great point! I didn’t do that on my first swap, and it was a nightmare. What type of harness do you guys recommend?

6

For my swap, I used a Painless harness, and it worked wonderfully! A bit pricier, but you get what you pay for. Keeping everything neat is the key!

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Exactly! Just make sure to double-check all grounds as they can cause a world of hurt if overlooked. What’s the vehicle you’re working on?

8

I’m putting an LS in an old Camaro. So far, I’ve mostly dealt with the wiring. Besides checking ground connections, what are common challenges I should expect?

9

I found that cooling issues often crop up when swapping an LS. Pay attention to radiator and fan setups. And don’t forget about the fuel system!

10

So true! I had to redo my cooling setup, which was no fun at all. But hey, the journey is half the fun, right?

11

True, @harrismelissa! I always say, if it doesn’t make you scratch your head, are you even building a car? :joy: All joking aside, keeping a clear head during frustrating moments helps.

12

Hey everyone! I’m looking for some advice on standalone LS harnesses for my swap. What diagrams do you recommend?

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Check out the ones from Painless Wiring! They have a great selection and detailed instructions for LS swaps. Just make sure your LS engine matches the harness type.

14

I second that! I’ve used their kits before. Also, the LS1 swap diagrams from Holley are pretty helpful for troubleshooting specific setups.

15

The LS configurations can get tricky based on your vehicle make. What model are you working with, rmueller?

16

I’m swapping into a 1990 Camaro. Anyone faced compatibility issues with this setup before?

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17

I’ve done this swap! The Camaro’s wiring can be a challenge. Just ensure you label everything and double-check connections. It saves a ton of headaches later!

18

You guys are making this sound way more complicated than it needs to be! Why not just throw in a 5.3 and call it a day? More power, less fuss!

19

If only it were that simple! Every detail matters in a swap, especially with the wiring. I learned that the hard way!

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You’re right, bartonkristen. Attention to detail can be the difference between a smooth ride and a garage project that never ends. Anyone else have wiring diagrams they could share?