ive got a 1997 chevy K1500 with about 107K miles and its in need of a new engine. Somehow the block is warped and/or cracked making it impossible to retain coolant. the truck has a rebuilt tranny, slighly upgraded, and the rear end is being rebuilt with 4.11s from 3.42s. to even drive the truck it will need a new engine dropped in, problem is i have just dropped alot on the new rear end and gears so money is kinda tight. i know that i can find numerous half and fully assembeled crate engines, 5.7 and 383, but i think that may be out of my budget. my question is what engines from other vehicles will "drop it" with realitive ease? I know that i can find another vortec truck, but what are some of my other options, I.E. camero engines, older vette, etc. im not looking for huge hp and torque numbers but the 5.7 with 3.42s, high flow cats, dual exhaust, intake, free mods, and W4Me tuning was less than deseriable (sp) performance. so to restate and clairify, what engines from other chevy vehicles will be a good swap into my Z71? any imput will help, im here to learn.

barrett

 

A camaro engine swap whether its TPI, LT1, or LS1 based will be the same price as a new 383. Looking at your trucks sig, I would suggest a 383 b/c of the torque. Should help get that thing moving out of the hole easier. The GM 383 is nice but $$$. If you look at other companies like Nelson engines, Smelding, etc...they might have some better prices for you. Just don't go radical with the cam. A good 214/220 cam would give your truck a great powerband and keep the mpg up and torque where you need it.

 

i dont know if it was clear but i was refering to finding a used engine from a camero. but that may lead to the same problem i have now which is a busted up truck that wont run ten minutes with out a problem. im looking into houston area engine builder/rebuliders to find some prices, numbers, etc. but i dont really know what im looking for as far as cam duration, heads, etc., the more techinical stuff. i have also learned to love the search feature but dont have alot of solid information. if i do end up with a crate engine i think i will want it pretty complete to keep alot of the guess work out and costs down, Correct??

 

What's you budget? You can get a rebult L31 Vortec 350 for around $1800 bucks from most auto parts stores.

Or you can get the 383 Vortec from GM that is a bolt in and will work with the stock PCM.

 

get the 383 from gm performance parts............... bolt on and play

 

I was referring to a used engine in the L98, LT1, or LS1 comment. In all honesty, I would just get a 383 and stick in there. But like the others, what is your budget. I am currently building my second 383 for my truck and many 350s so I can be a bit more helpful if I knew a budget.

 

well i would have to say somewhere around 2000 to 3500.....is it even possible? and in addition i would have to say that the cost would have to the lowest possible. the problem with the truck is that the block is warped, and i do not know how it happend. many of the parts on the truck have already been replaced but none of the rotating assembly. would i have the option to just pick up a new block, crank, etc. and reuse my heads, intake manifold, etc.? or would the cost be just as high as a crate engine?

barrett

 

If your components are still good on your rotating assembly then you could just get a new block yes. While you are at it, you could up the compression a little and throw in a nice cam. You can get a 383 with vortec heads for about 3k if you build it yourself and less. You can get a nice 383 kit for about $900 and have a machinist do it for you and just put your vortec heads back on it and injection system. You will need a cam, timing chain, etc but you could only have about 2k in it if you do it that way. Not to mention, the torque increase.

 

so it would be possible to take a 383 block and reuse my vortec heads, intake manifold, and injection assuming they are all in good condition??? this sounds pretty good to me. how many new parts would i need if i just get a block? you mentioned a cam, timing chain, and something else. im just trying to get a somewhat accurate parts list so i can get a better idea of prices, cause thats what it all comes down too. thanks for the help adn im sure ill have some more questions.

barrett

 

Ok....lets see here:
For short block:
You will need a engine block - $200
383 kit - $900 (comes with bearings, piston rings, balancer, flexplate, etc)
You will need new gaskets - figure about $200(its a high estimate)
Gaskets needed: oil pan, head, headers, intake, timing chain, and rear main.
Timing chain - $60
Camshaft - $250
Valve springs for the cam(you need new one's anyway...its a good idea)
Retune
Oil
Lots of engine cleaner

I have a 383 kit but the sale is pending on it for $400.

Send me a PM and I'll tell you about the best place to get a 383 kit price-wise. For compression with your 64cc heads, I wouldn't go over 10:1.