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#1 |
Your UncleBen
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Indian Trail, NC
Posts: 590
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Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Hey guys. I was pondering on my new engine/tranny for my truck. This will be my daily driver so I need something will some power but also get decent mileage. My first thought was the 5.3L with 4L60E just because they are plentiful and cheap. But really want a LQ9 6.0L. Just wondering what you guys impressions are with these trucks and the 5.3L, good enough, pleanty of power, mileage? Stuff like that.
BTW this will be going in my 68 SWB C-10. Has a 4.10 gear in it now but I have a set of 3.55s as well. thanks CHRIS
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68 C10 shortbed -- Street/Strip ![]() |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Atlanta, Ga.
Posts: 1,050
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Subcribed
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I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do. |
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#3 |
Your UncleBen
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Indian Trail, NC
Posts: 590
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Here she is! I know everyone loves pics!
![]() This is the BEFORE pic! Getting ready to re-do brakes/suspension/steering/bushing throughout! Looking at the "Grand Slam" kit, already have the steering rack conversion so that will be going in as well! ![]()
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68 C10 shortbed -- Street/Strip ![]() |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I'm curious too. I see the silverados advertised at 12/18 mpg and I have personally owned one (2007 Classic, 5.3 auto with 20's) and it was pretty rough on gas.
How are you guys pulling 'decent' gas mileage out of them? I have a 350 / 3OTT pretty stock with a 1406 Edelbrock, aluminum intake, ramhorns and Flowmaster / 2.25 exhaust and it gets at least 20-22 on the freeway. My concern is the money it takes to build an older stock 350 or crate motor vs. the LS motor swap and ECM costs of reprogramming, etc. Is it just a cool factor? I'm just not seeing it. No disrespect, .. please help me understand. If there's something I'm not seeing, please school me. Power is power. It takes gas to make power. 400hp and 25mpg doesn't happen easily regardless. .. LS or an old school v8 ? Not meaning to open a can here .. just discussion.
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#5 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hideaway, TX
Posts: 4,950
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
[QUOTE=CC69Rat;5280021] I have a 350 / 3OTT pretty stock with a 1406 Edelbrock, aluminum intake, ramhorns and Flowmaster / 2.25 exhaust and it gets at least 20-22 on the freeway.
I have never owned a 350 that got close to those numbers.
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71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400 |
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: winnipeg
Posts: 1,107
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
[quote=BB72CHEVKT;5280035]
Quote:
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: NW ARKANSAS
Posts: 258
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Yea, for me it's six of one half dozen of the other. IMO, the draw of the LS is the low 'initial' cost of better performing parts. To get a comparable sb, take a shortblock and add- better flowing heads- $1500 + roller cam and valvetrain - $800 + efi - $ ??? tune efi -$??? Or get the above in a stock LS from a local boneyard for less money.( are people really paying several grand for a used LS ? ![]() Myself, I'd rather upgrade my sb than swapping things around for a LS. |
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#8 | |
Vintage 4x4s
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Posts: 4,305
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
I am expecting mine to perform like a late 90's vortec but with more torque. If it doesn't I won't regret it anyways since my main goal was to keep the truck powered by original block. My dad had a vortec 97 K1500 and I think it was pretty much equivalent to my 99 5.3 K1500 for power and mileage though the 5.3 may be a little better on fuel- mine wasn't but it had 4.10 gears and the 97 had 3.73's. I think a lot of people are comparing the LS to a Gen 1 still configured with the original heads and flat cams. I'd like to hear more thoughts about how the late 90's vortech 350's compare to the 5.3's. If you want the potential for high hp I'd say go 6.0 liter with a cam, tune and headers since like I said, the stock 6.0 is where I'm at now with many upgrades to the SBC. Although, I won't know for sure until we dyno it in a few weeks- maybe it will surprise me and exceed 360ft lbs and 350hp. One other thing, the LS's have piston noise at cold startup- it doesn't hurt anything and these engines still run forever but some people are bothered by it.
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ![]() 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 |
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#9 |
Your UncleBen
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Indian Trail, NC
Posts: 590
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
This is a total open discussion for me. Because I have been leaning toward an LQ4 or LQ9 6.0L version. I kinda wrote off the 5.3L pretty early but I wanted to see what other people think that actually have this engine setup and running it. 5.3Ls are plentiful and super cheap. So I am going back and forth... haha
thanks CHRIS
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68 C10 shortbed -- Street/Strip ![]() |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Red Deer ab canada
Posts: 1,250
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Here's the facts I've experienced; 1972 Chev 2wd-350cid/350 trans/3:08 gears all stock-17-19 mpg highway, 1995 GMC 4X4-350cid/4l60 trans/3:73 gears-22-23 mpg, 2003 GMC 4X4-5.3l/4l60e/3:73 gears-16-18mpg, current 1998 GMC 4X4-350/4l60e/3:73 gears-20-22 mpg.
My opinion was the 5.3 was guttless in low rpm's and gas mileage wasn't what I expected.
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1972 factory 2 Wheel Drive Blazer-Sold 1972 K10 4X4-Sold 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne/10-Sold 1970 Chevrolet C/10-Sold 1968 GMC 4X4-Project 1968 Chevrolet C/10 Pro Street 1970 GMC 3/4 Ton-Parts 1997 2WD 2DR Yukon-Sweet http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335664 |
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#11 |
Restoration Virgin!
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Huntersville, NC
Posts: 8,298
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
great question and input...keeping them coming!
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Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present |
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#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I have a 5.3L in my 68. Compared to the sbc I've had in these trucks (327, carbed 350, tpi 350, tbi 350) there is no doubt that the 5.3L is way better.
My truck has 4.10 gears and the 4L60E and doing 75 I'm getting about 16.5. However, I had a '05 CCSB Z71 with 3.42 gears (and 32" tires) and I would get 20+ mpg out of that in WA where the speed limit was mostly 60. Also, with the 5.3L, you can bore it out to a 5.7L and use the stock LS1 pistons in it (same stroke as the LS1). IMO if you don't have an engine or your old sbc engine needs a rebuild, you'll be happier with the 5.3L. |
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#13 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I drive like a papaw, 65 on the freeway. I'm pretty easy on it I guess. But I was shocked too. It is the GMC in my build thread. I promise man, I clocked it. Gallons vs. mileage. I drove the truck 312 miles home, the day I bought it. It came out to 24mpg honestly .. but I'm guessing 20 respectively.
I have also had a hot 350 on a 69 Camaro that no, .. it was more like 8-10mpg cause I drove the pee out of it. I have owned a newer Transam with an LS motor, etc. I have seen both sides and I like them both. I'm considering an LS in a C10 one day too. I like them just as much as the next guy and I have watched some crazy power (LS Fest) out of these motors. Much love for them .. really.. I simply don't know as much about them as I do the old Big Blocks. I also know there's 14,000btu's of power in one gallon of gas. (12,000 BTUs with Ethanol at 10% mix) .. I'm not talking octane .. So really? Are you guys seeing 25+ mpg out of hopped up LS motors? I'm asking ... Cause if so, I just might go that route if the old 350 ever lets go.
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I got 33mpg out of my 99 corvette with 3.42 gears and a 6 speed. But that weighed <3000lbs, had full exhaust and a tune so it doesn't really compare to trucks, but I was pretty happy with a 400HP ride that ran low 12s and respectable mileage.
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
How much would an LS swap cost vs an older 350 MILD rebuild, 600 holley or something built for mileage and a 700r / 200 swap? Im asking, not being facetious.
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) Last edited by CC69Rat; 03-28-2012 at 02:42 PM. |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: VA
Posts: 284
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
This is just my opinion, after helping with several LS1 swaps over the years (those tend to cost a bit more than the 4.8/5.3 engines). It all depends on what you have, and what kind of deal you can find.
If you can score a decent 5.3 w/ tranny, wiring harness, PCM etc for less than $3K then I personally think the swap is worth it. If your are doing this to replace a good running engine, then it's not really cost effective. You also have to price in whether or not your doing the wire harness yourself or buying a ready made harness. Then programming for your PCM. If you plan on headers, they seem to get a bit pricey. My son's truck is low buck for sure. And it will keep the 6 cylinder for now, but I'm keeping my eye open for a deal on a 305/350 TPI setup. I'm rather familiar with them, complete systems can be had for cheap, you can adapt a TBI truck / car wiring harness.
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,523
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Subscribed. I've been debating this myself
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Best Regards, Leon M. Instagram: @TheDirtyDianah
Bagged | 6.0L LS | T-56 (6-Speed Manual) | Turbo Burnout/Rolling Video: Chevy C10 Stepside 6.0L LSx & 6-Speed Manual |
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#18 |
Vintage 4x4s
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Posts: 4,305
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Keep in mind when looking at mileage that most of the trucks today that the 5.3's push around are much heavier than a 67-67 swb 2x4. You'll see good performance and mileage in the older truck that weighs what, 3500lbs? Compare that to the typical 99 to 07 classic ECSB 5.3 4x4 that is 5000lbs. Phat tony points out that the late 90's vortech's are betterr in efficiency. My experience is that they are very similar to the 5.3. The thing about the LSX's is that you can add a cam and tune and make 400hp pretty easily. They are good motors and seem to last longer before rebuilds. The stock tunes are pretty crappy but a 200 dollar tune goes way further than 200 spent on an older 350. I am building my original 350 with roller cam and Vortech heads to keep my truck numbers matching and I am aware that I am spending more money and getting similar performance to if I just swapped in a stock LSx, however it will be a bit of a sleeper, its a tad more interesting IMO, and there is something appealing about not having all the wiring and computer.
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67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ![]() 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6 Last edited by Vintage Windmills; 03-29-2012 at 10:51 PM. |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: VA
Posts: 284
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I wondered how the weight stacked up on the new trucks versus the old. I had a '03 GMC Z71 with the 5.3 and it wasn't horrible on gas.
To me it's all about the initial investment + investment needed to get it up and running. But I'm cheap.
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Where are you finding these cheap (low priced) LS motors? Everything I find is $3k range and it has a boatload of miles on it. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right place.
I have looked .. I like the LS motors and I have the prime candidate for one if the numbers motor ever gives up. but, I'm not about to change a high nickel 0010 block for an LS unless it makes sense. At 4.50/gl - 20mpg = ~.22 or .23 per mile. 30mph = .15 per mile. At .07 difference per mile - For every $1000 additional you spend on the swap, it takes you 14,300 miles to offset the difference. Yes, older gen small blocks can be had pretty cheap and parts are plentiful .. but to find an LS2 / T56 swap out of a GTO for $3k (?) Is that possible? I don't know .. For $3,000 I can build a 350 than will hang with it. Just thinking Apples to Apples. (Cost wise) In no way stirring the pot one way or the other, cause I like both ! ![]() That would be a cool show actually. Take an equally prepared C10 body, and a $5,000 budget. One with LS, one with First Gen stuff. See who wins, kinda like that Supercar show with Tanner Felts. Slalom, braking, 0-100-0, etc. That would be interesting.
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Independence Mo
Posts: 4,119
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I like the drivability part myself, if it's -20* out or 100*, you just hit the key and it starts. Altitude doesn't affect it, and I've never had anything close to an overheating problem even wirh the A/C on idling.
My truck in my avatar is bone stock,'71 swb 350/350 3:07 gear with a rebuilt quadrajet and my mix of city and hiway driving always gets me 12-13mpg. It will get a swap when I get time!
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My '72 short bed build. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...6-0-4l80e.html 5.3 swap into my RUSTY '71 C10 http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...71-c-10-a.html |
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#22 | |
Your UncleBen
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Indian Trail, NC
Posts: 590
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
I wouldn't even look at any of the all aluminum motors like that are in my Pontiac G8 because they sell for around 5,000. I am looking at Iron Block, aluminum head motors with reasonable mileage on them. lata CHRIS
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Central OK
Posts: 396
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Why do this swap unless you’re going for something like the stock z06 vette LS7 motors that are 500+ hp stock? The 5.3 is an ok motor but for the money/time/trouble I don't see what the point is. Get a set of good flowing heads, that is all the LS motors have going for them except maybe they are a little lighter.
My vote is no on the LS swaps and I did research it extensively when I swapped my last truck from I6 to 350. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Independence Mo
Posts: 4,119
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
I think alot of people are just intimidated by the computer, yet everyone commenting here is on one!
Seriously though, you were not born knowing how to set the timing on a 350, you learned it. And before someone mentions the special equipment needed, you weren't born with a timing light, dwell meter or a vacuum gauge. Sure the newer stuff costs a little more, but that's lilife, things go up. Im sure if you all head over to the HAMB, you will find guys that say the flathead Ford is the greatest engine of all time and thatyyour SBC is too modern. Probably what people said about the SBCin these trucks when they were new, "these new trucks with their vacuum advance, automatic transmissions and power steering brakes and air conditioning, how are we supposed to work on them?!" Posted via Mobile Device
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My '72 short bed build. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...6-0-4l80e.html 5.3 swap into my RUSTY '71 C10 http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...71-c-10-a.html |
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#25 | |
Your UncleBen
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Indian Trail, NC
Posts: 590
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Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?
Quote:
lata CHRIS
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