I have been contemplating which swap I want to do. Its on the truck in my sig.

My choices are between Cammed LSx(5.3, 6.0, LS1) and a turbo 4.3(specifically a syclone turbo set up). This is my only vehicle and will be driven daily as well as every weather condition(TX, so not really snow).

Ive done a V8 swap on an S10 before, so I know what to expect. This thread is just an idea of what other people think, maybe someone will have a brainfart and give me inspiration or other reasons to do one or the other.

The turbo set up would roughly consist of:
Syclone Exhaust Manifolds including downpipe- $300
Turbo(preferred new/used stock Syclone or other)$300-$700
Complete Tune $400-$500
4.3 MPFI Marine Intake- $300
Accessories for MPFI Intake-$300
Intercooler- $200-$500
Full stock of gauges-$500-$600
Plenty of intercooler piping-???

Some of the oil/water lines from stock Syclone could be used but some will have to be made. I haven't really priced intercoolers, so not 100% on prices nor any BOV prices. There are many other little things still need pricing here. Oil pan would have to be dropped to weld in the turbo drain plug, as I believe Ive read the pan is to thin to drill and tap and fitting? I could use my current drivetrain, no cutting either.

This swap could be done in a few days, but also in stages with the truck still drivable. With great tuning about 8psi about 250rwhp-280rwhp on stock motor(maybe a bit hopeful) Still could be put back to stock. Would be awesome to hear the BOV pulling up to someone.



LSx-
5.3- $500-$800
6.0-$600-$1000
LS1-$900+
LS2 oil pan, pickup pump-???
224 cam-$250?
Swap headers, frame mounts, motor mounts-$400-$500
Complete harness-$800+
Tranny- stock/FLT- $500-$3000
Plenty of fittings-$200
A/C bracket/compressor-$385
Minimum of $5000 on this kind of swap. Would a bit of time to save and complete, as well as downtime in the garage. Would have plenty of power(300rwhp+) good mileage. Would be awesome to hear that cammed V8 from such a small truck.

So far this is all I can remember right now. Plenty I forgot Im sure.

Let me know what you guys think, opinions, prices, parts, whatever, thats why I made this thread. I will add some pics soon.
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Electronic cigarette

 

Obviously the V8 is going to offer more potential and a turbo'd V8 even more but I would be seriously tempted to make a "stockish" turbo'd V6 and see what I could get out of it before swapping engines. That's just me, I always try to get the most out of what I was dealt with, sometimes the rewards are amazing

 

I went this route myself and now have had second thoughts. I did the 4.3 V6 turbo mod along with the converted 2114 Edelbrock intake. I think now that I would have spent less $$$ and work on a V8 swap. The stealth look of the V6 is somewhat of a consolation thou. Good luck on whatever direction you take. I guess it would be easier for you to do the V8 swap since you know what's involved. PEACE>Tony

 

Answered on Mys10. B94350 hunt around on this site for info on the physical build up of the motor but as for swapping information, there is very little.

 

Just out of curiousity, isn't a Gen 1 small block far easier to do in a S10?

 

Yes a Gen 1 is a easier swap since the S-10's 4.3 is based off the 350, but the LS will fit but you usually need oil pan mods. Or you can cut out and weld in a new smaller cross member. Along with the motor mount conversion plates.

I would go with a 350 myself since it would be as bolt in as it gets, and if he wants to stay with fuel injection his guages will still work.

Then again a basic 5.3 can get over 450 horse with a bigger cam, carb, and headers. Where as a 350 can get over 400 horse with a big cam it usually won't run nearly quite as well for a daily driver. So here is where the 5.3 will win the day.

 

The 350 would be a MUCH easier swap, but to equal the power i would make with a bolt on, cammed 5.3, would cost almost as much as building the 5.3. The LS motors are stronger and will get much better mileage. Plus I can spray a stock 5.3 without worrying too much. The LS would also have much better drivability compared to a cammed 350.
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GLASS PIPE PICTURES

 

I like the idea of a boosted 6, but for the price, I wouldn't hesitate to put a 8 in there. Jmo

John

 

imho go with a cammed 5.3...

 

For all the trouble, and it is alot of trouble, I did a 350 swap myself...by all means do the 6.0. The end result would be just unreal.