Need help spending $4500 on 69 step

[b-rad]

Originally Posted by casterbuster

Maybe if you weren't giving that baby cigarettes... I would and thanks for your service.

aw man it almost worked lol

[casterbuster]

Where are you finding these engines and transmissions for these prices? Also what about electronics? Are you using the in cab fuel tank? Oh no, my head is spinning. Is there a set by step low budget Ls build i can look at somewhere? So, what everyone is saying is I could go LS motor 4l60le, or 4l80e for all under 4500, wow

[Mad Rods]

If you just want to get it on the road you could buy a gm goodwrench crate engine from jegs or summit and upgrade the packages from 1500-2300 depending on package & a tranny from 600-1000 for a decent one. With the right components like stall,headers,msd,cam,intake& carb your truck will have plenty of power for street use and sound sweet as hell. Or you could just spend all your money on zz4 350 fast burn. Good luck

[Ackattack]

Originally Posted by casterbuster

Where are you finding these engines and transmissions for these prices? Also what about electronics? Are you using the in cab fuel tank? Oh no, my head is spinning. Is there a set by step low budget Ls build i can look at somewhere? So, what everyone is saying is I could go LS motor 4l60le, or 4l80e for all under 4500, wow

Ok, $4500-$1200 for A/C = $3300

you can diffenatly get a good running 5.3 and 4L60E up and running for that much.

It's really not that hard at all, and with $3300 I think you could even get an aftermarket harness to make it all that much easier. You could do it for less if you want to take the time to modify a stock harness.

As for a fuel pump with the factory in cab tank, I'd just use a frame mounted pump and then use the corvette fuel filter/regulator.

I got LS1 camaro stainless steel headers for less than $400 off ebay and they fit like a glove. I did have to ditch the stock style tranny shift linkage for clearance reasons, so I'm using a column actuated cable shifter from lokar.

Good luck!

[casterbuster]

I am speechless LS Motor maybe in the works after all

[Jim_PA]

Call a wrecking company (not a junk yard). Places around here buy late model wrecks, pull all the good parts, and put them in inventory.

Try www.car-part.com and start searching your area. Call a few places on the list, tell them you want the engine and trans complete. I'd go with the 6.0.

Edit: I picked 2002 Silverado 6.0L -- Engine in Texas, and came up with a ton of results. It looks like some listed are complete with transmission.

[Shon]

We get them from the local yard.
$700-$800 for running 5.3s complete with harness/PCM/Accessories.
6.0s are $900ish
transmissions are $400+

I am using an E2000 with a fuel filter and have put the 5.3 return style rails but we have also used the vette style filter/reg before.

here is the mock up of fuel stuff (hose facing you is the stock hose from tank feed to hard line, it is not GONE)


Wiring is pretty easy, usually if you get the fuse block from the truck there is like 3 wires (ign, 12v, ground) to hook up and it runs once you get the VATS removed from the PCM. I use HPTuners and can do that for you.
If you want to thin out the wiring harness you can do that too, there is enough online resources to be pointed to, or we can supply you with one.

[mclairmo]

Originally Posted by Shon

check out the link in my sig.
$2k for motor and trans with 16k miles on it. (this being stated b/c you can get a 6.0/6l80 for cheaper and the 5.3/4l60es are even cheaper)
$535 for the headers
$500 in misc stuff like fuel pump/filter/hose/cooler/etc
$300ish is expected for the rest of the exhaust and then there is the DS i assume is going to be $150 or less.

I live by the rule of threes, it will take three times as long and cost three times as much. A lot of little things may add cost to this approach and push it over $4,500 by the time you're done. What about the cost of wiring and ECU? What about driveshaft? What about gas tank retrofit? Also, this will take much more time than Sinister's more simple and basic approach. Also, after all this you will still have a used engine and trans of unknown condition.

[Shon]

Originally Posted by mclairmo

I live by the rule of threes, it will take three times as long and cost three times as much. A lot of little things may add cost to this approach and push it over $4,500 by the time you're done. What about the cost of wiring and ECU? What about driveshaft? What about gas tank retrofit? Also, this will take much more time than Sinister's more simple and basic approach. Also, after all this you will still have a used engine and trans of unknown condition.

I can support that, it does start adding up.
Wiring: we use the stock harness, very simple once you supply 12v, ign, ground to the few wires that need it.
ECU: we get those with the harness and engine, $100-$150 off the net if you dont get one. I charge $175 for you to ship me your ECU and I turn off the VATS and make a few other changes (remove codes and SES lights, etc) for a stock motor setup.
DS: I will use the stocker, cut down and have a TH400/4l80 yoke put on (bought off here for $20)
Gas tank: I am re-using the stock one, I am lucky, my truck is in very good condition and feel safe using most of the stock stuff that I can.

if you want a GM crate motor let me know, I have a good relationship with a few suppliers that can ship them too.

['72customdeluxe]

a/c should be last priority imo. If you're cheap parts break you'll have working a/c with a non working truck. But the Goodwrench motor is good. I just mean like a cheap Jasper motor and trans. Just keep a towel for the seat if you have vinyl. That's what I do and it makes it suck a little less. Keep the 4.10's and run a 2004r or 700r4...

[casterbuster]

is it actually possible, has anyone done the full swap for less than 4500 including driveshaft, programming, harness, mounts, what about instrument cluster?

[mclairmo]

Doubt you will find anyone that has done it for $4,500 or less if they are being honest and can remember to add up all the little things that result from that swap.

[casterbuster]

well anyone

[Shon]

I would say that if you are not using the stock instruments that will add $600+ to it.....just have to sit down, make the list out for both options and see which ones fits your budget.

[eagleuh1]

I did a 95 S10 Blazer. 2005 5.3 less than100 miles-$2300, 4l60e-7000miles-$900 bucks with TC. Exhaust $340, I used 98 camaro manifolds for $35. Stock pump worked with Corvette filter reg-$40. Misc wiringand fuel line crap-$200. I used and modified the stock harness with the under hood fuse box from Silverado, kept the ddrive by wire, handles Cruise control. you would need after market stalk for that at $40. About $250 for classic performance mounts and $575 for Doug Thorley Try Y headers. You could use external pump and Corvette reg/filter with stock tank. Probably another $150 to modify the drive shaft.Anybody got a calculator. I almost did this with my 68 C20, but it was too original and all there. Hated to bust it up. But you would more than make up for the cost in fuel savings especially if gas goes back up any time soon. Good luck whichever way you go. Plus the 5.3 and other LSX's are so easy to work on. No Silicone required for reassembly....

[boostat4500]

For $4500 bucks, I'll put a cammed 6.0L, 4L80E with zero miles, and A/C in your truck for you! And you can drive it home.

[casterbuster]

Originally Posted by boostat4500

For $4500 bucks, I'll put a cammed 6.0L, 4L80E with zero miles, and A/C in your truck for you! And you can drive it home.

I would appreciate that, but it maybe difficult to get my truck to nevada. How about you just share the info I need to do it myself. What I really need is a list of parts that I absolutly need to get this to work.

[gregbr]

Go with the Vinatge air system for our trucks with a/c, then you can retain the a/c control panel for better control, and opt for using the factory vents which requires an adaptor at each vent. Approx $1350 when you are done.

[boostat4500]

There are lots of options for each part but here's the basics.
Complete motor with harness
PCM
Tranny
Motor mounts
Driveshaft ( modified stock will work )
Electric fuel pump (in-tank or in-line), stock tank can work just fine
Regulator, if not using one in the rail
Electric gauges
That should about do it. I can get more specific with what I used and cost if needed.

[jbristo67]

WOW I just found a 5.3 for 425 with 18,000 on the clock I will be getting an LS for Christmas

[chuckmc8]

Sounds like you should do a LSx swap.. 5.3? 6.0?[/QUOTE]

x2

[jbristo67]

Just did some more checking. Motor 425 tranny 450 computer 50 external fuel pump 100 Custom Harness and comp reprogramming 600 headers 528 doug thorley. So I am running down the road for 2050 plus what ever LS motor mounts cost. I am so there

[casterbuster]

I'm game gotta do some shopping though

[eagleuh1]

One of the truck mags, I think classic truck, did a 3 issue write up on installing an LSx style engine in a 68 I believe. I'll have to dig it out and look. You might want to go and get the mag and check it out. Also, LS1tech.com is very helpfull when doing conversions like this. I used their help every day. AlldataDIY.com is cheap source of wiring diagrams, pinouts and connector diagrams for both vehicles, engine/PCM donor and your classic truck. Its not that hard to do. CPP and another vendor here sell motor mounts already figured out and Thorley set up their headers to work with them. Before you start though, I'd have all the parts on hand and ready to go so it doesn't take up all your garage space for a long period. Good luck.. The LSx engine have all kinds of power on tap, you'll find them a blast to work on too. Jim

[eagleuh1]

Don't forget to add at least $400 bucks for the small thing the you don't think about. Oil, anti-freeze, wiring connectors, adapters a filters, intake system including tubing and the sensor, exhaust including O2 sensors.... Try and get as much of the exhaust including O2 sensors and the donor intake tubing with flow rate sensor, AC lines and TAC module, gas pedal... Get as much as you can included.