engine swap

[ggtsvnv]

Looking for some opinions on an engine swap. I have an 87 short bed with a 305 and want to swap it out. My choices are go with a 87 to whenever 350 that will bolt right in and and switch the computer system to the 350. Or go to an LS engine: I would like to do a 5.3 LS engine but have concerns with getting all of my factory gauges working. What opinion do some of you have? I'm not in a hurry and looking to start getting the parts together and do it in the fall.


Thanks in adavance

[low82c10]

I did a 5.3 install, best money spent. Mine is a 82 only gauge that doesn't work is my speedo due to my electronic trans. Which I think there is a part to make it work but its like 300 bucks.
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[andrewmp6]

You have options like this http://www.gaugeguys.com/cablex.htm or you can change the tail housing on the trans but the kit cost more and you gotta open the trans.The long shot im not sure on the 91 crew cab was the old body style and had a 4l80 in it.But im not sure which style speedo it used,If its electronic you could just take the gauge cluster out of one of them if you can find one.

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

Personally I would do the 87-92 350 swap, pretty much a direct bolt in.

I have never done an LS swap but from driving a 2004 Express van with a 6.0L I can tell you they are an amazing motor.

90-91 Suburban & Blazer (old body style) used a electric speedometer


-Sam

[Desert1957]

I had the same situation with my 87, blown up 305 engine. A friend had a super low mileage 1992 5.7. Did the swap, upgraded to 5.7 TBI injectors and burned a new prom for the computer, RV style cam.

What a huge difference in power and torque, no loss in gas mileage either.

If you can afford to do an LS swap it would be nicer but much more $$$

Desert

[king-918]

Go LS
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[low82c10]

go with LS

[ggtsvnv]

Deseret & Sam thanks for the input that is how I kind of feel that the 87 to 92 350 swap might be the easiest to do;

Andrew thanks for the link; that seems to answer the questions about spedo hook up.

Those of you that have done the LS swap what concerns are there or is it pretty much a bolt in job. What I'm concerned with is issues with motor mounts, radiator, trans cross member, fuel delivery, or other issues that need to be solved?

I love LS engines and have driven many; I enjoy the power and fuel efficiency of them. One last question has anyone swapped a newer 6 speed auto into one of these trucks?

[andrewmp6]

On some swaps the ac compressor is mounted low and gets tight on space,But they do sell brackets to top mount it.As far as trans most are 4l60 and 4l80 but anything could fit.

[BagrX2]

Originally Posted by ggtsvnv

Deseret & Sam thanks for the input that is how I kind of feel that the 87 to 92 350 swap might be the easiest to do;

Andrew thanks for the link; that seems to answer the questions about spedo hook up.

Those of you that have done the LS swap what concerns are there or is it pretty much a bolt in job. What I'm concerned with is issues with motor mounts, radiator, trans cross member, fuel delivery, or other issues that need to be solved?

I love LS engines and have driven many; I enjoy the power and fuel efficiency of them. One last question has anyone swapped a newer 6 speed auto into one of these trucks?

I bought a 82 swb a couple of weeks ago and have been doing research into the the ls swap. At the moment I have a 400ci with a tbi setup on it from a 305 or 350 on it, no idea why, just something the previous owner did. Anyway, from my looking around I think I can answer some of your questions.
For motor mounts many like these - Chevrolet GMC Truck Blazer Suburban 73-87 2WD LS1 Engine Mounts
For fuel many have said walbro 255lph pumps work like this
in tank - Walbro Electric In-Tank Fuel Pumps GCA758-2
or in line - Walbro High-Pressure Inline Fuel Pumps GSL392
Not to sure on the other stuff you listed.

[Jonboy]

Start here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456787

then here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=457939

Those links will answer pretty much all of your questions a few times over. Be careful, it is a TON of reading!!!

[ggtsvnv]

BagrX2 & johnboy thanks for the links that is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Now I got to get reading

[BagrX2]

Originally Posted by ggtsvnv

BagrX2 & johnboy thanks for the links that is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Now I got to get reading

No problem. I get to keep reading here myself.
It would be nice if at some point someone just makes a go to parts list for the swap. Have they?