If I did the 80e swap it would bolt up to the 6.0 just like the 5.3 since it is the same outside right? With the new flywheel, driveshaft shortening and all that? Like with either motor I still use the same parts on the trans to bolt it up? Just pop and go once the trans is in working? I'm just trying to get an idea of the starting point which doesn't seem to be the engine but more likely the transmission.

 

What truck are you working with?
for an Extended cab 2wd its easy, go to jackson powertrain and get a th400 long slip yoke, trim 5/8" off it and get them to put a ujoint in it to fit your DS.. ask for Danny.

The 80E is a easy swap, especially on your 99.
I live down in Crystal springs, so lemme know if you need some help. might can walk you thru how to do some of the stuff.

If it were me, id do a 6.0/80E swap at the same time.

ive been running a 2004 LQ4/80E for 4 or 5 years now i think.. its got a Isky turbo cam in it, use to have the STS turbo on it.
I couldnt ask for more, but its no 500hp. yet

 

lq4/80e

 

If you can weld and gather parts, you can do an 80E swap for about $2000 including a stall.
Prolly be better off goin with that and a stock 6.0.. save up enough and then go with heads/cam/upgrades from there.

 

Sorry it took so long for a response I've had a lot going on the last few days lol. My a/c compressor went out and had to replace it and all that goes along with that. Might be getting a different job than I expected too which would considerably raise my budget for the build. It is a 99 extended cab 3dr 4x2. I had completely forgotten about jackson powertrain being close to home, I've heard some of my friends talking about it and just slipped my mind. I do think though that I will just try to get the 80e trans built and put in at the same time I do the 6.0 to not have to pull anything back off, but if I can find good enough prices I can probably do the 6.0 w/ cam and 80e all at the same time plus a mail order tune to hold me over til I do everything else like heads and intake etc. Any help with the build from someone who knows more than I would be greatly appreciated lol.