Anyone used an Impala 5.3 in their truck?

[mcbassin]

I was looking at an engine out of a 2006 Impala SS. It looks very similar to the LS1 but not sure about how it would work in a truck? The horsepower is only slightly better than the truck engine but the weight of the block should be less.

Also, not sure if the displacement on demand is something worth keeping? of even if it can be kept?

[Clyde65]

should be the same block, you would need a RWD trans and different pan but that is usually changed anyway. Its actually an LS4 and the crank is shorter...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine

[mcbassin]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

should be the same block, you would need a RWD trans and different pan but that is usually changed anyway. Its actually an LS4 and the crank is shorter...

Thanks Clyde. I knew about the tranny but I didn't know about the pan. Also, I liked the idea of the A/C pump being on top because of the frame clearance issues.

[wgeyer88]

As clyde said, the crank is shorter. The engine also has a different bellhousing bolt pattern which doesn't allow you to use any of the traditional transmissions GM used behind the V8's. I believe there are a few odd transmissions that were used behind some V6 engines that will bolt up.

This was taken from another website:

The oddball LS4 is a 325ci version of the Gen IV small block with a different bellhousing bolt pattern adapted for transverse front-wheel drive applications. GM shortened the crankshaft 13mm at the flywheel end and 10mm at the accessory drive end to shorten the length of the engine. The accessories are driven with a single serpentine belt and the water pump is mounted remotely to save space. It uses the same cylinder head as the Generation III LS6 engine. Unless you’re modifying a front-wheel drive car, the LS4 platform is of little value to hot rodders looking for an engine swap.

[ls1nova71]

There's no place to put a starter on an LS4 either since they bolt to the transmission, so I would pass on it.

[BR3W CITY]

Yep, I don't have to argue with someone for a page and a half again on this topic lol.

The ls4 is a good motor, just not for us. If you were to do something like a mid-engine swap, or put an lsx into a fwd car like a caddy, then its a nice choice.

It uses a fwd tranny called the 4t65hd which they used for random stuff like the L32 and other medium to high hp fwd applications.

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

Yep, I don't have to argue with someone for a page and a half again on this topic lol.

[mcbassin]

Thanks guys, I'm passing on it. Just not worth the extra trouble for the extra 7 HP versus a traditional truck engine.
I like the LS1 style intake and aluminum block but all the other oddities makes it a no brainer to pass.

[Duck1]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Thanks guys, I'm passing on it. Just not worth the extra trouble for the extra 7 HP versus a traditional truck engine.
I like the LS1 style intake and aluminum block but all the other oddities makes it a no brainer to pass.

Actually Worth more horses with different intake. This intake is the most restricted of all stock intakes. Worth it for donor parts sale off the rest. 799/243 heads, flat top Pistons 😉