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More economical motor upgrade/swap

dhcomp

dhcomp

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Hey guys,

After a lot of reading, the 6.0L swaps are looking a little too expensive for my tastes.

What else is out there, besides just doing a 290hp 350 crate motor bolt in?

I would think dropping a Vortec 5.7 or 7.4 would be less work, and could possibly work with my 4l80e.

Could i hookup the 5.7/4l80e or 7.4/4l80e computer out of a 90's 3/4 or 1 ton to the trans in my truck?

At that point, the only major upgrade i would need is a fuel pump.

Any input? I am looking for more power (after i regear), and am thinking through my options.

Thanks!
 
I've been pricing out stuff lately, comparing an LS swap vs replacement crate vs rebuild what I have.

Honestly, the price to do an LS swap is so close to a crate replacement I don't see any reason not to just swap in the LS. Take into consideration I'm not looking at 6.0s either, more interested in a 5.3 for my needs. 5.3s seem to be more common and cheaper around here.

Now, looking at your title again, you say "economical". Is that to do the swap or are you talking about power and mileage. My thoughts immediately go to the latter, hence my ramblings of the LS swap.
 
Not looking mileage, looking cost. Who has the link to that large LS motor swap thread?

The one i was looking at was being swapped from a carb setup, so the pump/tank requirements were a lot greater.

This truck is a weekend travel/tow rig. 90% of its life, its headed up the mountain loaded down, towing a boat, 4x4 to the snow, etc. Power is a lot more of a concern, although really, with gears and a 6.0L, i bet i'd get better mileage than i am now.

My issues is that i am picky. Everything needs to work as planned. Having a 4l80e complicates the swap, cause its computer controlled. I need to have all gauges, etc working like factory.

Beyond that, i need to be able to make this happen in a matter of a couple of weekends, as i use this truck all the time. Not a DD, but next in line....
 
I think you should really re-consider an LS swap, even if just a 5.3.

Here's a complete, ready to swap in 127k mile 5.3 for $850-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-3-..._Accessories&hash=item2eb5de3801#ht_644wt_939

They go up and down based on milage and year.

Wiring harness, computer tune, whatever flex plate you need and possibly a fuel pump and your done. Alot of the 6.0's came from 2500's, so the computers will work with your 4l80E.

I've been seriously considering talking to the same guy about a 6.0 for my V3500. His engines are complete with all accessories, ready to swap in. Been eyeballing one of the LQ9 engines.. :whistle:
 
So you are telling me that yes, a newer 4l80e controller will control my trans?

If so, maybe i'm over thinking this, and should go with a 6.0L.

I've driven a 1500 burb with a stock tuned 5.3......and if i'm gonna do it, i'll go 6.0L.
 
Who can find that full LS motor swap thread? I can't find it.....


Pacific Fab told me my front axle will hit the 6.0L oil pan w/o a lift.

Can anyone confirm this? Solutions besides a lift?
 
I've been kicking this idea around too for a bit. Which oil pan hits the front axle and how much of a lift is needed to clear the oil pan? I'm assuming the oem pan, guess I'll really be screwed or up higher if I go with the large capacity pan. Best read the tread!!! I'm going to start reading now!
 
To be honest, I have been researching this topic in vast detail. I have been thinking of doing a 6.2 or bigger with a 6 speed transmission. I have never had a big toy like that, its on the bucket list, so thought might as well use it for fun and utilitian as well.
 
I say get the HT383E and then do the upgrades to the TBI to support it

you'll have a NEW engine with warranty for about the same price as LS swap with a USED engine with no warranty
 
Not to mention all the wiring,exhaust,and oil pan issue that come with an LS swap
 
yellowK20 said:
I say get the HT383E and then do the upgrades to the TBI to support it

you'll have a NEW engine with warranty for about the same price as LS swap with a USED engine with no warranty
Click to expand...

Definitely curious about this option too.

Is there a good thread on the TBI mods needed?

Is there a way to stay smog legal in CA with the 383?

Keeping my AC is a BIG cost of the 6L swap, as i'll need to convert the rest of the system to 134a.
 
the HT383E is emissions legal engine for 1996-up vortec equipped trucks. pretty sure it would be legal for your application to but I'm not up on Cali's smog laws.


As for the mods needed there are multiple threads on thirdgen.org about that engine. the 2 I have done we got a reburned chip, throttle body,and fuel pressure regulator and it ran great.


You will need to buy the Vortec TBI intake from GMPP
 
Darren, keep in mind that doing any kind of engine swap (other than what was optioned for your year burb) will require you to take it to a state referee for the first time to smog it. Also keep in mind that you can "upgrade" the engine but California says it MUST be the same size or larger and the same year or newer than the vehicle it's being swapped into.

I really think you're thinking too far ahead at this point, you REALLY need to do gears FIRST then decide if you need more power. The easy swap would be going with a 454 from a like year Burb as then there is no referee to deal with since a 454 was an optional engine in your year Burb.
 
4X4HIGH said:
Darren, keep in mind that doing any kind of engine swap (other than what was optioned for your year burb) will require you to take it to a state referee for the first time to smog it. Also keep in mind that you can "upgrade" the engine but California says it MUST be the same size or larger and the same year or newer than the vehicle it's being swapped into.

I really think you're thinking too far ahead at this point, you REALLY need to do gears FIRST then decide if you need more power. The easy swap would be going with a 454 from a like year Burb as then there is no referee to deal with since a 454 was an optional engine in your year Burb.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the input Scott. Motor issues, along with having a hard time finding axles to swap, have got me thinking of doing both in rapid succession....if not moving onto another rig. Actually went and test drove a different burb, but at the end of the day, i'd be buying another project. Why not stick to the one i've got?

Gears will definitely come first. From there, we'll see what happens. Yes, i agree, i'm starting to get over my head. If i could fix this damn hesitation / surging issue i've got, i'd be a lot happier!

Thanks for all the input guys!
 
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