Best and easiest late model engine for a swap?

[nicke]

Hey guys, I am looking for some ideas on late model engines that would swap into our trucks wilth only minor modifications. Also I would like to know what is required and needed to make it happen. I have a 71 C20 with a 350/350, and I plan on keeping the trans.

Thanks for the help ideas...pics would be greeat too!

[brothers69c-10]

Asuuming by late model you mean fuel injection, i would suggest a 350 out of a 87-91 suburban oor blazer, and i think the truck engines were the same in those years. These engines are basically the same as your old one just with throttle body injection and alot of times you can pickup a whole suburban or blazer for around $500, pull the wiring you need and the engine and scrap or part out the rest and make some money back. I've seen it done, won"t really have to modify anything it will just be figuring out the wiring and i think they make aftermarket wiring looms now for lots of applications.

[Ackattack]

Best and easy are both pretty vague when talking about late model engine. But here are some of my opinions:

I think the GenIII engines are great. I've had many of them in stock cars (3 Firebirds with LS1s, Corvette with LS1, 05 Silverado with 5.3L and G8 with 6.0L L76) and now my 68 has a 5.3L in it. To get the engine in, it really doesn't require any permenant modifications. Just use some adapter plates for the motor mounts and possibly move your transmission mount (assuming you're using a OD tranny). The wiring can be complex, but there are companies that can sell you a simplified version that you literally just plug in.....just depends how much you want to spend.

On the more classic SBC scene, I put a TPI 350 (L98) from a 88 Camaro in my 72 GMC pickup with a 700R4. I used a painless wiring kit for it, and it wasn't too difficult. I got 18mpg with this engine (I have gotten 22mpg in my 5600lb '05 with a 5.3L...so figure that one out)

Overall though, the 5.3L wasn't much more work though.

Another option would be a Vortec 350 from about 95-98 full size pickup/tahoe/etc. These are pretty good engines, but the wiring stuff is just as complex as the GenIII stuff and this (IMO) is an inferior engine.

So I think you know where my vote is.

[72 cheyenne pdx]

Is there anything wrong with your current engine set up? You could, for the $$$$ go with RetroTek. They make Carburator looking TBI set ups. They make a 750CFM version for like $2000.00 It is a complete set up with CPU and harness. I am unsure if that is the most economically way, but it is an option.


Good Luck.

[usmcchevy]

Sounds like this would work for you.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...vy-pickup.html

[nicke]

Originally Posted by 72 cheyenne pdx

Is there anything wrong with your current engine set up? You could, for the $$$$ go with RetroTek. They make Carburator looking TBI set ups. They make a 750CFM version for like $2000.00 It is a complete set up with CPU and harness. I am unsure if that is the most economically way, but it is an option.


Good Luck.

Yes, as I was driving, Something knocked a hole in my oil pan, and I lost all my oil. After not long, she blew and siezed up while driving oin a freeway. I have yet to dig into what is messed up, but I am figuring on total loss. The engine was tired to begin with so I figured this would be a good opportunity to put in something a little newer.

[Sinister]

L-31 Vortec. 350 with Vortec heads and a roller cam, 1 piece rear main seal. Just need a new flexplate/flywheel and intake.