Well,I've officially decided the direction I wish to go with 'Blackie'.
Starting this summer,I will begin the process of swapping in a V8.
I know a few months ago,I wanted to mod the 4.3,but that just isn't gonna yield the power levels I'm looking for. Also,a V8 sounds way better.
I've decided to go with an Aluminum 5.3 V8(B Code engine). Why? Because they are cheaper then the LS1,which they are based on. They are also more torquey. The only difference between the LS1 and 5.3,is the bore and stroke. Also,different heads.
But,onto the question.
How hard should swapping in a V8 really be? From what I've read it's really simple. I've relayed said information to my dad,who was paranoid about this part. But,I thought I'd ask anyway.It seems pretty straight forward(Relatively speaking).
So,how hard should it be?
&
Any advice?
Look at it this way, things are never as easy as they seem, first off will the 5.3 mount right into your truck? or will you need a special piece fabricated for that purpose, then what kind of ECU will you use to run the 5.3, will your tranny handle the torque??? Will you need to beef it up??? Will you be keeping your A/C? In my honest opinion any kind of engine swap like this seems like it would be expensive, if i was you id save and get Turbalt or a new Camaro SS and keep your truck as is.
I would go onto a forum and talk to someone who has already done this and see what he or she says. I will say this, you can't have enough tools for this. I have an entire screwdriver set that I got, a wrench set, breaker bar (spend the money on a good one! It became my favorite tool!) any size and kind of needle nose pliers or any pliers for that matter including vice grips. You can pretty much do just about everything with hand tools as I've found out. I don't know if you will need a new sub-frame. I honestly don't know much about your truck to comment but research is key dude. You may have to do a lot of reading and will probably have to buy a ton of stuff that pertain to the engine and drive line. A lot of upgrading will be needed of parts that you think you may not need to. Other than that, good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing your build process!
SRTChallenger-Man;205282 Wrote:Look at it this way, things are never as easy as they seem, first off will the 5.3 mount right into your truck? or will you need a special piece fabricated for that purpose, then what kind of ECU will you use to run the 5.3, will your tranny handle the torque??? Will you need to beef it up??? Will you be keeping your A/C? In my honest opinion any kind of engine swap like this seems like it would be expensive, if i was you id save and get Turbalt or a new Camaro SS and keep your truck as is.
The 5.3,or any LS based engine,will mount into the truck,I just need the mounting brackets made for the conversion. An LS1 ECU will run a 5.3,as they are basically the same ECU. But,I'm sure the 5.3 ECU is cheaper. Yes,the 4l60E will handle the torque and even bolt right up. As the 4.3 is based on the 5.7 Vortec and all GM V8's,Newer style,share the same transmission bolt pattern. Also,the 4l60E was used in basically everything GM made that was RWD. So,No,I will not need to beef the tranny up....until I mod the engine out :WINK:
A/C,I can keep as well
RotaryKing aka Rev;205283 Wrote:I would go onto a forum and talk to someone who has already done this and see what he or she says. I will say this, you can't have enough tools for this. I have an entire screwdriver set that I got, a wrench set, breaker bar (spend the money on a good one! It became my favorite tool!) any size and kind of needle nose pliers or any pliers for that matter including vice grips. You can pretty much do just about everything with hand tools as I've found out. I don't know if you will need a new sub-frame. I honestly don't know much about your truck to comment but research is key dude. You may have to do a lot of reading and will probably have to buy a ton of stuff that pertain to the engine and drive line. A lot of upgrading will be needed of parts that you think you may not need to. Other than that, good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing your build process!
All the tools I need will be at the shop where I work...Thank God.
My boss even told me,he would help me with the swap
But,no I will not need a new sub-frame. That much I know
96s-10ss;205289 Wrote:SRTChallenger-Man;205282 Wrote:Look at it this way, things are never as easy as they seem, first off will the 5.3 mount right into your truck? or will you need a special piece fabricated for that purpose, then what kind of ECU will you use to run the 5.3, will your tranny handle the torque??? Will you need to beef it up??? Will you be keeping your A/C? In my honest opinion any kind of engine swap like this seems like it would be expensive, if i was you id save and get Turbalt or a new Camaro SS and keep your truck as is.
The 5.3,or any LS based engine,will mount into the truck,I just need the mounting brackets made for the conversion. An LS1 ECU will run a 5.3,as they are basically the same ECU. But,I'm sure the 5.3 ECU is cheaper. Yes,the 4l60E will handle the torque and even bolt right up. As the 4.3 is based on the 5.7 Vortec and all GM V8's,Newer style,share the same transmission bolt pattern. Also,the 4l60E was used in basically everything GM made that was RWD. So,No,I will not need to beef the tranny up....until I mod the engine out :WINK:
A/C,I can keep as well
Its like they built the truck with conversions in mind
from what youve told me seems like you need your Engine,mounting brackets and wires and electrics and youll be good to go, besides the other minor things like belts, hoses etc.... im not trying to be a debbie downer but my car has ruined the tuning sceen for me, i have a full set of tools in my own tool box that i almost never use besides routine stuff, fucking hate that damn car, cant do anything fun to it, so i apologize if i came off as a jackass in my first post.
If you decided this is exactly what you want, go crazy on it. Go all out on the best stuff, if you can that is. Do they offer a dry sump system for the 5.3L? You can mount the engine lower should you need to, polish the valve covers, wire it nicely, all that good stuff.
SRTChallenger-Man;205296 Wrote:96s-10ss;205289 Wrote:SRTChallenger-Man;205282 Wrote:Look at it this way, things are never as easy as they seem, first off will the 5.3 mount right into your truck? or will you need a special piece fabricated for that purpose, then what kind of ECU will you use to run the 5.3, will your tranny handle the torque??? Will you need to beef it up??? Will you be keeping your A/C? In my honest opinion any kind of engine swap like this seems like it would be expensive, if i was you id save and get Turbalt or a new Camaro SS and keep your truck as is.
The 5.3,or any LS based engine,will mount into the truck,I just need the mounting brackets made for the conversion. An LS1 ECU will run a 5.3,as they are basically the same ECU. But,I'm sure the 5.3 ECU is cheaper. Yes,the 4l60E will handle the torque and even bolt right up. As the 4.3 is based on the 5.7 Vortec and all GM V8's,Newer style,share the same transmission bolt pattern. Also,the 4l60E was used in basically everything GM made that was RWD. So,No,I will not need to beef the tranny up....until I mod the engine out :WINK:
A/C,I can keep as well
Its like they built the truck with conversions in mind from what youve told me seems like you need your Engine,mounting brackets and wires and electrics and youll be good to go, besides the other minor things like belts, hoses etc.... im not trying to be a debbie downer but my car has ruined the tuning sceen for me, i have a full set of tools in my own tool box that i almost never use besides routine stuff, fucking hate that damn car, cant do anything fun to it, so i apologize if i came off as a jackass in my first post.
Not to worry. Wasn't a jackass at all man
and
GM really did setup the engine bay of the S10 for V8 swaps. It's like they were about to put V8s in them and decided -Nah. Better not.
Hell,even the wikipedia page mentions V8 swaps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_S...gine_swaps
and
This website right here,is going to save me a ton of money and searching for specific parts
S10v8.com/store
RotaryKing aka Rev;205297 Wrote:If you decided this is exactly what you want, go crazy on it. Go all out on the best stuff, if you can that is. Do they offer a dry sump system for the 5.3L? You can mount the engine lower should you need to, polish the valve covers, wire it nicely, all that good stuff.
I plan on only using the best stuff Rev.
I'm not going to skimp on anything. It might be more expensive,but it will be worth it in the end. Also,they do offer DSO systems for the LS1,which would work with the 5.3. I even thought about getting one,but the oil pan that comes with it,won't work with the S10. (SN
know a DSO doesn't have an oil pan,per say,but I'm not sure what you call it)
But,not sure it will be worth it honestly. It's still a possibility though.
The only mods to the frame I know of is you'll have to notch the crossmember for the oil pan (at least to do an LS swap), and probably notch one of the frame rails for the AC comprossor.
Also, you'll more than likely have to get an LS intake manifold. The 5.3 has a taller one that won't fit under the hood.
Also, it's highly recommended to get a rebuilt 4L60E with a better sungear shell and install a Corvette servo kit. The shell and gear are known to shatter even with the power the 4.3 puts out., and the Corvette servo kit will give you firmer, faster shifts and it won't be so lethargic with kickdowns.
You'll need a lot of stuff, but it's a fairly simple process. Takes a lot of time and money, though.
Also, I know someone out there makes the wiring harness you'll need.
Sometimes we get fixated on how to best do something, and barely give thought to the why.
Is it a daily driver, cuz if this is a small, light RWD truck, and you add a lot more power, you will suffer the traction loss that comes with it, 24-7.
Just something to think about.
And at the end of the day, many vehicles will be quicker and faster anyway, and that too is frustrating.
My suggestion, lose it and start with something worthy.
no offense.
Sounds like a great project. If you are buying a high quality kit, it should be fairly hassle-free.
Peaches there's a guy up the road from you which I'm trying to remember his name. When it comes to this, he knows his stuff. Years ago he did a S10 V8 swap for a friend, he's also the one that transplanted the W30 455 c.i. into my '84 Olds Cutlass back in the day... it was also a V6 (3.8L). His place which is a Tire/Muffler shop is on the right about a mile before you get to the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock on 321... so it's literally 15 minutes from your house.
I'll find out his name and let you know... I need my 2nd cup of
Yep it worked!
Blowing Rock Tire & Auto - His name is Randall Silver
:2thumbsup:
ncguy;205342 Wrote:Yep it worked!
Blowing Rock Tire & Auto - His name is Randall Silver
:2thumbsup:
My grandpa knows him
Recognize the name