5.3 swap into 65 advice. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cb1965 · 09-13-2013, 05:49 PM

I can get a 2001 suburban cheap. It has high mileage, 180,xxx. Is it worth it to swap the engine and transmission into a 65? Is the mileage a deal braker or are these engines good for a lot more. I think I could also use the front seats but not sure. Any input and advice greatly appreciated. Thanks
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tinydb84 · 09-13-2013, 06:02 PM

How cheap? I have seen them run upwards of 300k. I believe they are factory rated to 200k. You could sell the burb to the junkyard after to recoup some of the cost.

Im in SJ too. What part are you in?

donthekawguy · 09-13-2013, 07:16 PM

Check some of the ls forums and find out the weak spots on the 5.3 and while it's out fix them. With a cam, headers and reflash those motors are good for around 400 hp. I have one in my garage that my son picked up for $200. He's tearing it down to see if there are any issues and just doing a basic rebuild on it.

cb1965 · 09-13-2013, 08:29 PM

Well it's my uncle that has it and we still haven't worked out the details but it might be a trade. I have a Buick that I don't really use and he seemed interested in it. I'm on Capitol and berryessa off 680. If they can reach the 300k mark in good order I might just do it. Ill do some more digging and see what I come up with.
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65 wonton · 09-13-2013, 09:04 PM

Go to the LSx swap section of this board, LSswap.com and some of the LS sites. Rumor has it that if not abused these engines last a long time (250-300K). There is a lot more to canabilize from the donor than the engine. Wiring, guages, senders, brakes, rear end, tranny, interior, A/C, wiring, steering column...

Scrap what you don't use.

I'm going the route of a '98 T/A into a 66.

Dave.

tinydb84 · 09-13-2013, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb1965

Well it's my uncle that has it and we still haven't worked out the details but it might be a trade. I have a Buick that I don't really use and he seemed interested in it. I'm on Capitol and berryessa off 680. If they can reach the 300k mark in good order I might just do it. Ill do some more digging and see what I come up with.
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Im doing an LS swap in my 75. I have a 66 too. If I finish first (at this rate...never) Ill lend you a hand

cb1965 · 09-14-2013, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Im doing an LS swap in my 75. I have a 66 too. If I finish first (at this rate...never) Ill lend you a hand

Sounds good. Maybe I can drop by to check out your progress sometime and lend a hand if you need.
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**Clyde65** · 09-14-2013, 09:20 AM

180K is a little high but if your only doing a cruiser and you know the motor's history, then go for it.

09-13-2013, 05:49 PM	#1
cb1965 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: san jose, california Posts: 508	5.3 swap into 65 advice. I can get a 2001 suburban cheap. It has high mileage, 180,xxx. Is it worth it to swap the engine and transmission into a 65? Is the mileage a deal braker or are these engines good for a lot more. I think I could also use the front seats but not sure. Any input and advice greatly appreciated. Thanks Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '66 chevy lwb c10 '65 chevy lwb c20

09-13-2013, 06:02 PM	#2
tinydb84 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Jose Ca Posts: 2,871	Re: 5.3 swap into 65 advice. How cheap? I have seen them run upwards of 300k. I believe they are factory rated to 200k. You could sell the burb to the junkyard after to recoup some of the cost. Im in SJ too. What part are you in? __________________ David Used parts build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=638991 My brother's Nova: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=727985 Rear suspension rework: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=750557 Instagram: myfabguy

09-13-2013, 07:16 PM	#3
donthekawguy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Rathdrum ID Posts: 1,129	Re: 5.3 swap into 65 advice. Check some of the ls forums and find out the weak spots on the 5.3 and while it's out fix them. With a cam, headers and reflash those motors are good for around 400 hp. I have one in my garage that my son picked up for $200. He's tearing it down to see if there are any issues and just doing a basic rebuild on it. __________________ 66 shorty

09-13-2013, 08:29 PM	#4
cb1965 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: san jose, california Posts: 508	Re: 5.3 swap into 65 advice. Well it's my uncle that has it and we still haven't worked out the details but it might be a trade. I have a Buick that I don't really use and he seemed interested in it. I'm on Capitol and berryessa off 680. If they can reach the 300k mark in good order I might just do it. Ill do some more digging and see what I come up with. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '66 chevy lwb c10 '65 chevy lwb c20

09-13-2013, 09:04 PM	#5
65 wonton Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Highland, KS Posts: 124	Re: 5.3 swap into 65 advice. Go to the LSx swap section of this board, LSswap.com and some of the LS sites. Rumor has it that if not abused these engines last a long time (250-300K). There is a lot more to canabilize from the donor than the engine. Wiring, guages, senders, brakes, rear end, tranny, interior, A/C, wiring, steering column... Scrap what you don't use. I'm going the route of a '98 T/A into a 66. Dave.

09-14-2013, 09:20 AM	#8
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: 5.3 swap into 65 advice. 180K is a little high but if your only doing a cruiser and you know the motor's history, then go for it. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*



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