Alright im starting to get a list of stuff for a 4.8 to 4.8 swap next summer. I want to find a used engine around 20000 to 80000 miles to take me through college then after college i want to turbo it. My current engine has 224000 miles and its showing its age but will get me through the winter.

I just want to know what all goes into a engine swap. like how much will the total be? and all the fluids needed, and what are the neccessary specialty tools? im just trying to set it set up good so i have nothing to worry about.

so i just need a list of what i will need including fluids, tools, wires. everything!
Thanks!

 

if your gonna swap engines, swap in a 6.0 and turbo that

 

well the thing is i can get a 4.8 pretty cheap... and i like the idea of turboing a 4.8.

 

From someone who has been in your shoes....go with the biggest you can afford, or else you will regret it later. You can find LQ4s all day long for not a whole lot more than a 4.8. Even a 5.3 would preferred over the 4.8.

 

ya the 5.3 was on my mind to... so what are all the nessicaries for a engine swap?

 

engine lift
transmission jack is great
3 foot extension for transmission bolts
a few pans to help catch any fluids
8mm socket
10mm socket and ratchet wrench
11mm socket
13mm socket
15mm socket
3" and 6"-----1/4" and 3/8" extensions (ratchets too)
13/16 wrench/socket
1/4" air ratchet works wonders for the to small stuff
3/8" for the exhaust bolts
1/2" for the big stuff

roll your a/c compressor out of the way, roll the powersteering bracket out of the way also. take the radiator/shrouds/fan(s)/water pump off. unplug everything connected to the motor. i found it easier for me to take the trans loose and let it move back and down about 4" total so you dont fight it putting the new motor in. take your time and pull the water temp sensor, oil sensor before you pull the motor...less chance of you to break them.

1 gallon of anti freeze
oil filter
6 qts of oil
loc-tite for the converter bolts imho

 

ok cool! ive got most of that stuff except the engine lift which i knew i would need eventually. what about exhuast manifolds? do you take them off before?

 

Turbo the 4.8 that you have in there now. That way, when you blow it up, it won't be big deal...

 

but i have to drive that truck 700+ miles to go to college so i dont know how well my motor will like that