What the hell motor should I put in my truck...

[Blue85]

Shouldn't you look more at torque than power? How much torque does that ectotec make off the line with no boost? Would you end up running lower gears and keep the revs up to have useable torque? Then will it even get that good of mileage? There are a million variants of ecotecs and I think the big power ones were only offered in smaller quantity cars.

I've always wondered what one of those ecotecs with the "flat top" torque curve could do it it was re-tuned. They must limit torque to the rating of the transmission.

Maybe I missed this, but is the 4.8L LS engine out of the running?

 

[Stomis]

No I'm basically between a 4.8 or a 3.8sc at this point. The Ecotec was a nice thought until I remembered I'm strongly considering a camper.

Ecotec pulling 33s and a 2000lb camper, probably no bueno and I'm not willing to build it to take the gamble.

 

[Smokinthehippies]

While there is something to be said for doing something new and whacky. There's always more fun in doing a swap your already familiar with and all the parts needed are easily available. 4.8 all the way

 

[Stomis]

While there is something to be said for doing something new and whacky. There's always more fun in doing a swap your already familiar with and all the parts needed are easily available. 4.8 all the way

Well the 4.8 would definitely be the cheapest at that. The 4.8s are all over sub 90k miles for $500. No adapters. Only dilemma is ease of working on it in an s10 but I could probably get over that. Obviously any of the other swaps would require a harness trim and reflash too.

I know I would never have to fear being underpowered pulling a camper either especially since Im looking at the smaller 15ft non pop ups...

 

[Smokinthehippies]

It seems like for everything your looking for the 4.8 is the logical solution. So pretty much we are just looking for uncommon options to try and sway you away from the "standard/smart" choice? At which point I say 4bt or 6.5.

 

[Stomis]

It seems like for everything your looking for the 4.8 is the logical solution. So pretty much we are just looking for uncommon options to try and sway you away from the "standard/smart" choice? At which point I say 4bt or 6.5.

I think Im doing it to myself lol. Generally the consensus was 4.8 or stick to the 3.8 s/c idea. My friend has been telling me to just stick a 4.8 in it for about 2 years now...

 

[Smokinthehippies]

I think Im doing it to myself lol. Generally the consensus was 4.8 or stick to the 3.8 s/c idea. My friend has been telling me to just stick a 4.8 in it for about 2 years now...

I'm thinking that's the smart money. Plus you've got the experience from the street truck where it should be easy breezy. Plus you'll be able to have "matching" engines between your rigs.