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RJFguitar's resto-mod - went offroad

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Hobbs switches open and close contacts on fluid pressures. They are fully automatic. Not dash switches.
 
I just found a 5.3L with 83K on it, comes with accessories, air box, radiator, pedal, wiring harness, other odds/ends and I think I can get it for $550.

I wanted to go Cummins, but really, by the time I dump $4k into building a trans for a 500HP Cummins, I'm going to be over what I want to spend.

I really wanted to go with a 6.0L, I mean why not, same small block but with more power, but I am not seeing much for them around. When I do they are expensive.

I'm thinking this 5.3 for $550 is a pretty good way to go.
 
You will like it. It will be fun to drive. May not be a race car, but a blazer isn't meant to be that. Its meant to be fun to drive, and fun to drive off-road. You will get that with the 5.3. And cheap! Which makes it more fun.
 
rjfguitar said:
I just found a 5.3L with 83K on it, comes with accessories, air box, radiator, pedal, wiring harness, other odds/ends and I think I can get it for $550.

I wanted to go Cummins, but really, by the time I dump $4k into building a trans for a 500HP Cummins, I'm going to be over what I want to spend.

I really wanted to go with a 6.0L, I mean why not, same small block but with more power, but I am not seeing much for them around. When I do they are expensive.

I'm thinking this 5.3 for $550 is a pretty good way to go.
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If you don't want it, sell it to me! My motor is tired and Im tired of not passing smog :doah:
 
Is it a dbw or dbc because that can make a big difference in the final cost of what it will to do the swap. If you have a 700R4, there is no good way to hook up the TV cable on a dbw. So you have to try and change to dbc or get a newer tranny.
 
01 = dbc

and don't be afraid of the 5.3 . lots of guys on ls1tech.com say good cam / springs / headers get you around 150+hp with the retune.

and that's all cheeper than the price difference of a 6.0 .
 
What headers should I go with that fit? Preferably long tube. If anything at least for that header sound.:whistle:

I'm not real sure if I can afford to do a cam or not. My financial situation has weakened in the last year so I do have to watch what I spend.

As far as power, if I'm not happy with the stock 5.3 with a good tune and headers (I'm assuming I'll have about 350HP), I could always add a supercharger down the road when I could afford it.

Besides, Pacific Fab wants like $1500+ for a cam change.:confused:
 
I used Street & Performance headers, they fit great but are not full long tube headers. They do have v clamp collectors with O2 bongs in them
IMG_1195.JPG
You should get 350hp+ easy with headers and a good tune, add a cam swap, should give over 400hp.

IMG_1195.JPG
 
Talked to Pacific Fab this morning and am looking at

$500 for them to re-work my factory harness or $725 for a brand new plug and play harness

$300 for their crossmember kit

$400 for their fuel system kit that includes a new high pressure in tank pump ( this means I am going to have to swap out my tank)

$150 for ECM reflash

Looks like $300-500 for headers

$75 for motor mounts

$1700 for a cam kit that includes new valve train and installation. Approx 100HP gain

$800 for a Z06 cam swap, about 45HP gain.
 
rjfguitar said:
Talked to Pacific Fab this morning and am looking at

$500 for them to re-work my factory harness or $725 for a brand new plug and play harness

$300 for their crossmember kit

$400 for their fuel system kit that includes a new high pressure in tank pump ( this means I am going to have to swap out my tank)

$150 for ECM reflash

Looks like $300-500 for headers

$75 for motor mounts

$1700 for a cam kit that includes new valve train and installation. Approx 100HP gain

$800 for a Z06 cam swap, about 45HP gain.
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sounds like way too much! You should sell me the motor! :D
figured its worth a shot :rolleyes:
 
Forget the Z06 cam, its for the birds. Go aftermarket or go home!
 
Keven from PF said there is a 50HP difference between the 5.3 and 6L. I am again questioning if I should hold out for a 6L. :doah::haha: Since in theory it would cost $800 just to get the 5.3 up in power where the stock 6.0 is.

Keven said with no smog, and headers a stock 5.3 will be right at 325HP, a 6L about 375.

I am really still thinking I should go ahead and grab this 5.3. 83K for mileage is pretty decent really and the price is good.

He also said not to bother with my tank and an inline pump. That I should just bite the bullet and change the tank with an intank pump.

What is the story on the corvette filter/returnless deal?
 
rjfguitar said:
Keven from PF said there is a 50HP difference between the 5.3 and 6L. I am again questioning if I should hold out for a 6L. :doah::haha: Since in theory it would cost $800 just to get the 5.3 up in power where the stock 6.0 is.

Keven said with no smog, and headers a stock 5.3 will be right at 325HP, a 6L about 375.

I am really still thinking I should go ahead and grab this 5.3. 83K for mileage is pretty decent really and the price is good.

He also said not to bother with my tank and an inline pump. That I should just bite the bullet and change the tank with an intank pump.

What is the story on the corvette filter/returnless deal?
Click to expand...

He's right, in tank pumps are the way to go. Far more reliable and 100% trouble free once installed. Inline pumps are loud, you will get air when your tank gets low, and run hotter meaning less life expectancy.

This is coming from a guy who's run both. I will never run an inline pump again.
 
And with twin turbos the 5.3 can also make 750 hp. Just like a 6.0L !

rjfguitar said:
Keven from PF said there is a 50HP difference between the 5.3 and 6L. I am again questioning if I should hold out for a 6L. :doah::haha: Since in theory it would cost $800 just to get the 5.3 up in power where the stock 6.0 is.

Keven said with no smog, and headers a stock 5.3 will be right at 325HP, a 6L about 375.

I am really still thinking I should go ahead and grab this 5.3. 83K for mileage is pretty decent really and the price is good.

He also said not to bother with my tank and an inline pump. That I should just bite the bullet and change the tank with an intank pump.

What is the story on the corvette filter/returnless deal?
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Luke, you're a big help.:haha:

I'm more flip floppy than a politician, on an engine plan with this K5.:doah:
 
way to much money for that stuff dam :doah::doah::doah:

go check out ls1tech.com hybrid/swap forum section . lots of good quality vendors in there . 1 i know does rework harnness for 250 if i recall. http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids-28/

and eagle mark here does pcm flashing .

you dont need headsers if on a budget . i did stock manifolds . check my 2wd build thread for pics and how to easy .

why engine crossmember ?

motor mount plates under 100 bucks to bolt to block and drop in .

fuel pump system = 87-91 tbi tank / sender minus pump / 96 c3500 350 vortec pump . pump clips and plugs in to 87-91 sender just like factory .

from what i have read cam swaps arnt bad at all on these . 1700 gets you what ? ? ? buy a whole motor for that .

someone is getting you for prices bad .

guys on ls1tech are doing junk yard parts turbo setups with single turbo and 550-650 hp easy . and still get fuel milage on the 5.3 motors.

also last i checked there is a few hp level 6.0 make sure you get the facts stright .

in 03 for my 5.3 @295hp and reg low power 6.0 was @335hp if i recall. yes the big 6.0 was another 20-30 hp .
 
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X2! Talking to pacific fab involves having lots of cash. They do great work, but if it was me, I would get your $800 motor on the road and running for no more than another $1000.
 
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