loki993

Ok Im in need of a cheap reliable DD and I was thinking that an older chevy would probably fit the bill. Heres the deal though id like it to have a little power and get decent mileage. I was thinking a 4.8 or 5.3 swap would be perfect. Im sure I can find decent low mileage 4.8s or 5.3s complete for probably under 500, close? what would it take to do this swap on a super low budget if its even possible. I should be able to cover any fabrication or modifying existing parts that would be necessary, I think. I figure it shouldn't be that hard to get the motor in a truck running. Im not sure about an older trans mounting to a newer motor. what do you all think? would a 4x4 complicate matters more? is this doable for a super low price?

iamkeniff

iTrader: (16)

3000-4500 depending on the parts you want.
here a 5.3 4L60E run around 1500
650 for wiring harness if you dont want to do your own
250 for fuel line an fittings
55 for fuel filter
55 for motor mounts if you dont have a 305/350 already
100 for adapter plates
150-250 for tune
and a few other parts.

loki993

ok. I have a few questions.

1. could the 5.3 be mated to the original OBS auto trans?? how about a stick?

2. I read your post about the swap, why did you use a vette filter? Can a different cheaper filter be used?

3. the stock OBS V8 motor mounts will work with the LSX motors?

4. what needs to be wired with the harness. I know it controls all the gauges and everything, but in a super super basic situation just to get the truck running wouldn't the harness just have to be wired to the ignition to work?

5. If the motor is left stock would it still need a tune?? I wouldnt think so, but im not sure.

iamkeniff

iTrader: (16)

a tune is simply to get the most out of your stock motor.
the filter has a fitting for your return line on the intake.
the manual tranny i dunno, if its te 4L60E then yes.
the wiring i have no idea, im just doing the simple way.
as for the mounts, your clam shell mounts bolt to an adapter then bolts to your frame mounts.

iamkeniff

iTrader: (16)

a tune is simply to get the most out of your stock motor.
the filter has a fitting for your return line on the intake.
the manual tranny i dunno, if its te 4L60E then yes.
the wiring i have no idea, im just doing the simple way.
as for the mounts, your clam shell mounts bolt to an adapter then bolts to your frame mounts.

ChevyLee

iTrader: (4)

You can pick up a 6.0 very cheap. I wouldn't waste my money or time on a 4.8 or 5.3

iamkeniff

iTrader: (16)

1,000.00 for a 6.0 with 65k vs 850.00 for a 5.3 with 1,000 miles. i couldnt pass up that deal. so its up to you what you want. out here they want an arm an a leg for a 6.0 with very low miles

loki993

yes the 6.0s have come down quite a bit, but the 5.3 is still a lot cheaper and with much lower mileage, like iamkeniff said. There is another project rolling around in my head that will probably get a 6.0, but this one if I decide to do it will have to be cheap and reliable, therefore the 5.3 will probably get the nod. I was originally thinking 4.8, because when I worked at the autoparts store they were even cheaper than a 5.3, but it seems there about the same now.

iamkeniff

iTrader: (16)

yeah why do the 4.8, the 5.3 is only a lil more expensive. id like to do a forged 5.7(5.3 block bored) with eads/cam/fast90 intake/3200 stall/3:90 gears/150 shot

loki993

I say throw a turbo or 2 on a 5.3 let er rip.