Swap time?

[Wagonbacker9]

Well, I'm now convinced that my trans is on its way out. I've been contemplating a 4.8/5.3 swap for a while and I figure this is probably my chance. So there are 2 ways I can go...

1) Put together a budget setup, run MSD ignition and a carb, and figure out how to get the stock ECU to control the trans, and either swap in a fresh one, or rebuild this one while its blown apart

2) swap in a complete 2000+ engine and trans with ECU, etc. Unlocking the ECU is no problem, I already have HPTuners and 2 credits waiting.

Budget is a concern as I've got a kid on the way, I think the complete option 2 package would cost me about 3 grand and I don't know that I'm prepared to go there. If the truck makes it til tax time next year I could probably swing that, but I would call that questionable at this point. However, adding up all the crap I'd have to buy to make option 1 into a runner, I'm not sure how much cheaper it would end up being.

So... I open it for your thoughts.

 

[bluex]

If its going to be your daily I would go with option 2. That would be a much more reliable setup.

I would actually go option 2 anyway since going to carb would be a step back IMO and I don't think you would save very much money.

If your not set in stone on an LS setup, brand new stock GM crates are around 2k...

 

[Wagonbacker9]

doing research today, i just found a full DIY for harness modification. I'm all in, full electronic control it is. I think I may be able to get a harness and ECU for $150... which would be fantastic. I can use my HPTuners to remove the anti theft (and tune the shift points etc while I'm at it... haha)

Anyone have a line on a cheap 5.3l with all the accessories, and/or a lower mileage 97+ 4l60e?

 

[Wagonbacker9]

If your not set in stone on an LS setup, brand new stock GM crates are around 2k...

LS swap is cheaper. Harness and ECU are en route, and I just located a 2500 stall for cheap. Next to find item is a ZO6 cam. Trying to stage it for a turbo setup down the road, but not sacrifice a whole lot if that doesn't happen.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

Corvette servo ordered, I believe I've sourced a 4l60e, as well as possibly a small stall. Still need to track down a ZO6 cam, and a complete 5.3l for that matter.

 

[DRAGGIN95]

Should be really nice when your done!

 

[Wagonbacker9]

slight change in plans. I sourced a LS1 rotating assembly, and am picking up LS1 heads tomorrow. I will most likely be building a poor man's LS1.. unless I get a block thats in such good shape I can't justify blowing it apart. If I do, I'll just hold onto the parts to build another engine for it. LOL

 

[DRAGGIN95]

Either way you can't go wrong!

 

[Wagonbacker9]

valves got into the pistons on 4 of the cylenders, so I'm not sure if I can use those, but for what I paid even if I need new pistons I'm happy.

 

[Blue 04 Z71]

Where did you get your harness from?? I want to do this swap in my 89 c2500.