Got an idea, wonder if you guys think it will work?????

[BarryB]

I've got my 99 GMC Suburban, 5.7 (350).. My work van 07 express has the 4.8 Ls motor. runs good and pulls pretty decent for what it is. AND for as much weight I carry around in my van daily. It gets pretty decent MPG.

my idea would be find a decent 5.3 or even a 6.0 and put it in my burb. But just wondering about using my guages and my transmission being able to shift.
Has anybody done this swap into a 96-99 truck , burb or tahoe?

Sure I could probably go get a newer suburban, but that would be the easy way out. I would also have to have a car payment which definitely do not want.
Shoot me your ideas and opinions, help me decide what to do.

[gramps]

Go with the 6.0, lots more tq to play with. You will need the computer and harness from donor vehicle, and a Trans controller for your transmission.(the ECM from the lsx motors won't control your older Trans)
Slight mod to the flex plate to mount to your tq converter(think its just enlarging or elongating the bolt holes so they line up) and fab some motor mounts. Should be easy enough.
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[BarryB]

thanks, After doing a search and see. I found a guy that builds PCMs for these trucks that is supposed to increase the power and mpgs. He's a member here also. lextech I think is his screen name. very knowledgable about the PCM's and wiring that needs done on a swap like i mentioned.

[scotts62]

Also check out the LSX swaps section here on the forum.

[bwood]

Here is a pretty good write up on putting one in a 96 Tahoe. This is from the Street & Performance website in their LS install section.

LS into 96 Tahoe

[BigBlocksRule]

I've seen a lot of these swaps, the couple of guys I know personally said their budgets got blown within the first week. There are a lot of little things that will nickel and dime you to death. Stroke what you have, add headers, 411 PCM swap and tune and you'll be money ahead with about the same power.

[LEEVON]

On the positive side of the LS swap in the GMT400's, your fuel system needs little or no modification.

[Billett]

Originally Posted by BigBlocksRule

I've seen a lot of these swaps, the couple of guys I know personally said their budgets got blown within the first week. There are a lot of little things that will nickel and dime you to death. Stroke what you have, add headers, 411 PCM swap and tune and you'll be money ahead with about the same power.

This happened all the time to the s10 guys I know that did it. The engine you can get for cheap. it's all the little parts that you need to make it work that end up costing a fortune. I still think it's a great engine and an awesome swap for the older trucks, but as new as yours is it may not be worth it. If you do decide to go for it add another $2-3k minimum to your budget for unexpected things.