motor swap

[pat 70/71]

I'm really thinking about swapping out my 350/350 combo for a 5.3/4l80e. I have a 72 c/20 . any idea what something like that would cost? /with computer & wiring harness complete? thanks for any input! cheers, Pat

[usmcchevy]

Moving to the LS section. I should have my swap done for $2500, but the sky is the limit and costs can increase very quickly.

[BR3W CITY]

Started with a mental price limit at $4k, and that went out the window a few thousand ago.

[Clyde65]

It really depends on what your goal is....
1. daily driver, inexpensive, $2500 is reasonable. but I would budget $3500.
2. street machine, some track or WOT runs? $4k+
3 balls to the wall street machine ( LQ9/4l80)? $6k+

This is with you doing all the work, fab and all ( it isnt that bad imo), if you want someone else to do the work, double it.

[harnalien]

just a 6.0 w/ a cam swap (using my built 700r4) has run me just north of 5K. My original "budget" was 3K. Unless you get a perfect engine that does not need any extra sensors, bolts, accessories, etc, and you will be surprised by how fast that small "cheap" stuff adds up. Of course, how much work you can do on your own will make a big difference. Also, if you don't do a cam swap, you're saving almost 1K in parts.

[blazerboy72]

I have less than $4000 in mine including the 5.3/4l80e and turbo. I spent a little extra to have it e85 compatible. If you do all of the wiring and fabrication you can save a lot of money.

[Shon]

Just depends on what you want and where you get parts....let me know what you might need, some places are making a mint off 'you guys' LOL

What is the function of the truck? I ask b/c the 4l80e is heavy and takes up alot to turn, a more efficient route with the 5.3 is the 60e. I have the 6.0/4l80e in my 71 and avg 15MPGs, I think with a 5.3/4l60e i could get closer to 18-20, which I may swap just to see.

[Clyde65]

I have the 4.8/4l60e in my truck and average 15 in 70/30 city/hwy, I really havent gotten it out on the hwy for extended runs but I did take it to Dallas (88 mile round trip) a couple weeks ago, there and back mostly highway and got around 19, not too shabby for the old boy huh?

[Shon]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I have the 4.8/4l60e in my truck and average 15 in 70/30 city/hwy, I really havent gotten it out on the hwy for extended runs but I did take it to Dallas (88 mile round trip) a couple weeks ago, there and back mostly highway and got around 19, not too shabby for the old boy huh?

hmmm, guess areodynamics might be playing a part into this!?!?

[pat 70/71]

thank you, everyone for your time . my truck will be a replacement for my box van (diesel$$$$) bought new in 98 and $85.00 filled the tank! now just a little more ($254.00) for 540 miles? I am a general building contractor and the economy is such that I'm only driving the box van at installs where I can really load the truck to justify the cost to run it. Sorry for the rant but spending $1,100 a month on fuel sucks!! just like everyone else I'm forced to make adjustments to stay in business. I'm thinking that 20/mpg in my 72 3/4 ton with fuel injection sounds good to me! also thinking $2,500.00 would set me up with a nice motor/trans for my work truck thanks again! cheers, Pat

[Clyde65]

Shon, yes Aerodynamics is a big issue, but I like driving the bill board, just not in brisk winds.

Pat, Good luck! I can not fathom spending $1100. per month on fuel. wow!
I know that in a business, especially a service business it is hard to stay afloat.

Of course you can do what my trash people did and add a "fuel surcharge" to your bills.

[BR3W CITY]

^put your garbage in a pile on the street and tell them there is a fee to put it in a bag for them

[Clyde65]

Yea, it is all I can do to get them to pick it up! they leave a mess every time and they throw the plastic cans as far as they can, I have replaced them three times in 4 years because of their chunking contests. I would just like to be there 1 time when they come, just once ya know?