whats involved in a 80e swap? ive heard some crossmember fab is required. is that hard to do? what else is involved?

 

That's awesome! Any idea what your truck weighs? 4400 or so? My truck weighs 5500 with me in it across a certified truck scale.

 

Here is one thread on the subject:

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=424904

 

4600 lbs race weight with me in it. About 5100-5200 lbs loaded for work.

 

Where are you picking up 500-600lbs at?! Holy crap----are you a carpenter with all of your tools in back---lol!?

 

I too have a 65e and I think I will do a 80e swap. I broke a fully built 65e and dont want to flush the coin down the drain with another one....plus I plan on a turbo down the road.

 

If that is your avatar, I can see why

Yep, I think an 80 is in my future....

 

Your truck & my truck are similar in size & weight, and I've had "some trouble" getting any 4L60E to live with my 5.3/Maggie combo. I'm sure more cubes & a bigger blower would just make it break more frequently.

You should consider the 80E swap. I'm already starting to collect parts.

 

I install alarms for a living. With tools and supplies the bed is damn near full. All that junk adds up.

 

If you are planning on such an engine then trying to go with a 4L65E is like trying to reinforce a wet paper bag. A stock 80E with only a shift kit should be good for 600-700 hp I would think. Mine had tons of trash in the pan and 130k on it when I put it in but it has still worked great and I have tried to break it. I'm not making that much power, maybe 400 if I'm lucky but so far even with a weak direct clutch it still has not let me down. Hard parts are available to make them hold into the 1200 range, maybe more.