Another 5.7 vortec or swap to 5.3?

[68c10owner]

I`ve got a 97 GMC C1500 that has a 5.7 vortec with roughly 70k miles on it. It has started using oil and every since it over heated 2 yrs ago I`m sure its got a cracked head or heads. No coolant in oil but it uses coolant too. I dont have the time to pull it and rebuild my engine so I`m either going to do another vortec crate engine or do a 5.3 swap. This truck has always been down on power and gets terrible mileage compared to similar trucks. This truck is completely stock and will pretty much stay that way. Since it is already fuel injected how hard would it be to swap it over to the 5.3?

[ls1nova71]

It wouldn't be all that hard, but it depends on your skill level. But since you say you dont have the time to rebuild your current engine, I cant see how you would have time to do a swap.. To replace your vortec would be a one day job, so the crate engine would be the way to go if time is your main factor.

[68c10owner]

That makes sense. I've been wrenching on cars for over 25 yrs so I've got the ability to do the swap. Rebuilding a engine can take a week or more depending on how busy the shop is and parts availability. Guess I wasn't thinking that swapping to a LS style engine is going to take some time as well. Sounds like a vortec crate engine is the way to go this time. Thanks.

[BR3W CITY]

IF you had everything ready to go, you can drop an LS motor in a truck in a few hours, but its the little stuff that kills ya.

[68c10owner]

Yeah I hear you on that. I did a 6cyl swap to a 350 years ago and took time to track down all of the little stuff. Guess this one will stay vortec. Thanks guys.