i got a 68 chevy p/u and i`m going to swap in a 5.3 or a 6.0. can someone give me some pros and cons for each motor? also, what are some good bolt on performance parts for these motors. and finally, what rear end gear and tire combo work best for decent performance and fuel mielage? thanks

 

I think your idea is a very good one, nice new motor for a retro truck. Sweet. The 6.0L is going to produce more power of course and if you go with the 6.0L that comes in the Escalades, they are around 345hp at the crank. Pretty nice numbers. Headers, a nice exhaust and the usual modifications to intake and such will gain you horsepower as well. Tuning, etc, its never ending. My truck has a 6.0L in it and has the 12 bolt Dana 60 rear end with 4.10 gears. It turns some pretty good rpm's and burns gas like crazy, but the 4.10s give it a nice punch. Best of luck to your project man

 

definately go with the 6.0. the added torque will help move that old iron down the road and there won't be that much price difference between the two.

that is an EXCELLENT body style!! JMO i had a '71 4x4.

 

I'd like to get a 6.0, but they seem hard to find. I have seen 5.3's on Ebay for around $600 to $700. It depends on what you want to do. For just crusin', a 5.3 would be plenty, and a lot cheaper. But there is no replacement for displacement. Get the 6.0 if your out for power. Good luck, and keep us updated on that kick a$$ project!

 

thanks guys. the local yard has 5.3`s with trans,all acc.,exhaust manifolds,sensors and computer, and wireing and everything else i need for $3,500 and 6.0`s for $4,500. i told the guy what i was doing and he said the price included everything needed for the swap. they sell alot of motors for swaps so they know what people need. thanks again and i`ll keep you posted.

 

my big question is, who do you have modify/combine the wiring harness for the 68' truck and the 6.0 engine harness and what is the price like??

 

i found a company called speartech.com that modifies the computer to work in older cars. if i remember correctly, it`s around $400-$450 to modify the stock harness and computer or $750 for a new one set up for the older vehicles. i`ll just send in the stock one to be modified. i`m still doing research on this swap to see if it`s the way to go. i`m still thinking of the car ls1 or the lt1 but i can get the truck motors cheaper. i`m not rushing into it just yet but i am definately going with a injected motor.