Escalade 6.0????

[bld2186]

I am rebuilding a '72 Cheyenne and am looking for motor. I have an opportunity to buy 6.0 litre engine and completely rebuilt transmission out of an '04 Escalade. Engine has 20K miles on it and the transmission was rebuilt and converted from 4WD.

Asking price is $3K and I think it's a great price but do I want this engine in my truck? Why not?

[Captkaos]

I would say you DO want it and can't come up with any reasons why not.

[bill_in_sd]

Like most modern engines, make sure you have the whole wiring harness that connects the engine to the computer. The transmission may also have it's own computer, so don't forget that too.

If you try to buy the computer separately, expect to pay $$$.

The specs on that motor look great - 345hp. 13 mpg city/ 17 highway.... (at the escalade weight)

Bill in SD

[BigTex]

Thats a great motor to use. Does it come with all the accessories, intake, wire harness, fuel system, throttle body and PCM (computer)? If not, you'll need them.

The 4L60E transmission has its weaknesses but should handle most peoples needs. Why was it rebuilt? Was a real professional shop used for the rebuild?

Things you'll need to address:
Fuel system - a fuel pump with regulated output at 58 psi.
(04 pump and regulator is located inside the fuel tank)
Motor and trans mounts, driveshaft length
Wire harness modifications and PCM programming
Gauge cluster compatibility
None of your existing motor and accessory parts can be used

[BigTex]

The PCM handles both engine and transmission functions.

One other note - All 02+ escalades are fly by wire, meaning they have an electric throttle body (no throttle cable). If you stick with that, you'll also need the accelerator pedal assembly and associated throttle control computer.

You'll also need the MAF (mass airflow sensor).

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by BigTex

The PCM handles both engine and transmission functions.

One other note - All 02+ escalades are fly by wire, meaning they have an electric throttle body (no throttle cable). If you stick with that, you'll also need the accelerator pedal assembly and associated throttle control computer.

You'll also need the MAF (mass airflow sensor).

From threads I've read, he could swap to an earlier LS1 throttle body & use 'traditional' EFI style throttle linkage which is compatable w/these trucks.

[BigTex]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

From threads I've read, he could swap to an earlier LS1 throttle body & use 'traditional' EFI style throttle linkage which is compatable w/these trucks.

That is correct. You'd need to get a 1999-2002 PCM (has different amount of internal flash memory), a cable operated throttle body, wiring harness thats setup for that model PCM / TB, and tuning.

[shifty]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

From threads I've read, he could swap to an earlier LS1 throttle body & use 'traditional' EFI style throttle linkage which is compatable w/these trucks.

Yup. But lokar sells a pedal to adapt. It's a hell of a lot easier to keep the drive-by-wire and use an aftermarket pedal than to try and adapt the linkage and physical cable.

[pcmcobra]

Do It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ghetto_superman]

oh yes. do it!!

[bld2186]

Thanks for the feedback.

I can get most of the accessories with the motor. I may have to buy the computer but I think that should only be about $300. The transmition wasn't fully rebuilt but converted from 4wd so it should be fine. All the work was done by a reputable local shop I am familiar with. I'm really not worriesd too much about that...I'll be rushing to get this done in time for SEMA and I want to make sure I do everything right and not have to make too many corrections...........

[centsless]

Do it... I know for fact that in the Escalade, they fly I can only imagine in a truck.....

[brak]

I don't understand....

Why would there be any question???

[shifty]

You wouldn't be the only guy around here that's done it.

[sighlurr]

I like the idea, just know that the GM 6.0L's that they used in the Denali and the Escalade are notorious for piston slap. Doesn't mean you'll throw a rod, but I've heard a couple of these and they do get loud. Just an FYI...

[BigTex]

The Denali is an LQ4 6.0 while the Escalade is an LQ9 6.0. Physically the same block and displacement, but the LQ9 has a stronger rod and flat top hypereutectic piston. The Denali has a cast dished piston and a rod with a little less strength. Most 'piston slap' issues are nothing more than carbon buildup on the face of the piston that comes in contact with the surface of the head at startup making a tapping sound. Once the engine warms up to operating temps, its no longer heard. This was more common on the earlier dished piston motors with EGR and poor PCV setups where carbon buildup could form pretty quickly. Most of these issues were resolved before the LQ9 hit the market, so you'll hear of very few people with LQ9's complaining of this problem.

One other note of help to anyone looking to buy a 6.0 GenIII motor: Its my advise to stay away from the 1999 model LQ4 6.0. Its the only GenIII that came with iron heads and it has a slightly longer crank. In 2000, it came with aluminum heads like all the other motors and also came with the same crank dimensions as the other motors. That made the 1999 model be non-interchangeable with other vehicles. With that crank, you were forced to use the 4L80e transmission and have less power output do to the iron heads. You'll often see 6.0 motors on eBay that have iron heads, so be careful.

[68GMC454]

you should already have it at your house and getting ready to install..id get it..

[bill_in_sd]

Did I mention that I am jealous that you have the means, the method, and the time to do this?

Please post pics so the est of us can dream.....

Bill in SD

[bld2186]

Originally Posted by bill_in_sd

Did I mention that I am jealous that you have the means, the method, and the time to do this?

Please post pics so the est of us can dream.....

Bill in SD

Well, I'm not so sure about the time and I'm starting to doubt "the means" but I'll do my best.

The truck was bought brand new by my dad 35 years ago. He gave it to me and I drove it in high school. I parked it when I went to college in 87 and it's sat in his shop ever since.

I'll post some photos tonite or tomorrow. I'm taking the fenders/box/cab off now and am doing a total color change to silver (it was green). I'll work on the engine/trans install while the body's in the shop for prep work....Whew!

[shifty]

Hey bld -

Click on the link in my signature to the LS1tech site. Read my entire buildup thread. It will give you a lot of perspective on what you're in for.

I used a 5.7L LS1 in my truck. The intake and component layout in front (serpentine) for yours is different, and you will require two fuel lines to the fuel rail where I only needed one single line.

I have pictures of another member here (FirstGen) who put the same Escalade motor in his truck, which was the primary inspiration for my buildup.

I'm 95% done. I've been in stall mode because I busted a fitting on my fuel pump housing.

Tons of info on the GenIII platform at the "Conversions and Hybrids" forum at LS1tech where my build thread is located. I highly recommend signing up and reading the "FAQ" at the top of their forum. Learn from other people's experiences. 24 hours of reading now can save you 100+ hours of build time later.

[BigTex]

Originally Posted by shifty

..and you will require two fuel lines to the fuel rail where I only needed one single line.

If he uses the intake and fuel rails that came with that motor, he will only need one fuel line. 2004 and up trucks and SUVs moved to a returnless fuel rail similar to the LS cars.

[Sandemonium]

On my '06 LQ4 with 4L80E I have 2 fuel lines (Pressure / Return).

Not sure if it is only because my combination came out of a 2006 full size van, but just wanted to share that there may be instances where you can run into 2 fuel lines.

Good luck on the swap!

Bob

[BigTex]

Originally Posted by Sandemonium

On my '06 LQ4 with 4L80E I have 2 fuel lines (Pressure / Return).

Not sure if it is only because my combination came out of a 2006 full size van, but just wanted to share that there may be instances where you can run into 2 fuel lines.

Bob, are you 100% positive that was the vehicle your motor was removed from? Are you sure thats the intake and fuel rail setup that was originally on your motor? Was it an eBay purchase?

Per GM service manuals for an 04-06 v8 Express VAN: "The Fuel System is a returnless on-demand design. The fuel pressure regulator is a part of the fuel sender assembly, eliminating the need for a return pipe from the engine. A returnless fuel system reduces the internal temperature of the fuel tank by not returning hot fuel from the engine to the fuel tank. Reducing the internal temperature of the fuel tank results in lower evaporative emissions. An electric turbine style fuel pump attaches to the fuel sender assembly inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies high pressure fuel through the fuel filter and the fuel feed pipe to the fuel injection system. blah blah blah..."

[70rs/ss]

Sweet, looks like I only need to run one line, now to get the tank made, hoses run, wiring redone, motor mounts bought, some other stuff..., wow I am tired I better go rest a little!! Sweet, picts don't lie.

[shifty]

Originally Posted by BigTex

If he uses the intake and fuel rails that came with that motor, he will only need one fuel line. 2004 and up trucks and SUVs moved to a returnless fuel rail similar to the LS cars.

All I know is the truck motors have the high-rise intake (lack of better description) and all that I have ever seen in anyone's project require two fuel lines, one supply, one return.

There may be a year limit on this, but trust me, the dozen guys I know doing GenIII swaps on their trucks using truck/SUV motors can't be wrong.

This brings up a good point: When you start doing the swap, take everything everyone tells you with a grain of salt. Lots of people will tell you one thing, but you'll find it's another or there is some constraint or piece they leave out of it which is crucial to your project