Late Model Drivetrain Swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

zimmy · 03-07-2006, 11:11 PM

Hey Everyone,

I picked up a wrecked 2003 Chevy Z71 4X4 Pickup today. The truck came equipped with the 5.3L Vortec Motor.

My question is: Has anyone tried transplanting a drivetrain of this nature into a blazer before?

I am getting ready to start a frame off restification on my 72 4x4 and would really like to make this drivetrain work.

Any information you can contribute would be much appreciated.

blazerboy72 · 03-08-2006, 06:17 AM

I am puttting a 5.3 in my 71 but it is a 2wd. If this one goes good I will do my 72 4wd next. So far it seems like a straight forward swap, other than all the wiring.

Huck · 03-08-2006, 09:13 AM

The motor swap is pretty basic--the wiring and installing a electronic fuel pump---Oxygen sensor on the exhaust. The trans, transfer case, etc. will be a major PITA as the suspension is completely different in the front---. newer chev trucks have torsion rod suspension--independent axles--etc.

vtblazer · 03-08-2006, 04:41 PM

Cool purchase!

I'd use only the motor/tranny from the 03. (of course all the electrics needed too)
Keep everything else as is by using the appropriate adaptors/modification's.

Would make thing's WAY simpler, IMO.

Jonboy · 03-09-2006, 09:50 AM

Would it be better to use the 205 case than the T-case out of the '03? I figured it might be best to use the front section of the exhaust also, to keep it emissions friendly and locate the 02 sensors and all.

Wasted Income · 03-15-2006, 12:52 AM

What about using a 2wd transmission with a divorced NP205? Then you could keep your axles, and the driveshaft will still be on the correct side.

*Medicanman71* · 03-15-2006, 01:00 AM

emissions friendly, i thought one of the best things about our blazers is the fact that in most states they dont need to pass or comply with any emissions/smog laws

luisduran · 03-15-2006, 01:18 AM

I started mine today,im putting a 6.0 auto 2 wheel drive from a 2004 van with 9000 miles,im using a 4wd blazer frame,but im going to stretch it to build a short bed pick up truck,i belive Advance Adaptors sells an adaptor that connect the 4 L80 to the 205 transfer case. Any advice welcome.

03-07-2006, 11:11 PM	#1
zimmy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 42	Late Model Drivetrain Swap Hey Everyone, I picked up a wrecked 2003 Chevy Z71 4X4 Pickup today. The truck came equipped with the 5.3L Vortec Motor. My question is: Has anyone tried transplanting a drivetrain of this nature into a blazer before? I am getting ready to start a frame off restification on my 72 4x4 and would really like to make this drivetrain work. Any information you can contribute would be much appreciated. __________________ -Scott-

03-08-2006, 06:17 AM	#2
blazerboy72 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Temple, Ga Posts: 854	Re: Late Model Drivetrain Swap I am puttting a 5.3 in my 71 but it is a 2wd. If this one goes good I will do my 72 4wd next. So far it seems like a straight forward swap, other than all the wiring.

03-08-2006, 09:13 AM	#3
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: Late Model Drivetrain Swap The motor swap is pretty basic--the wiring and installing a electronic fuel pump---Oxygen sensor on the exhaust. The trans, transfer case, etc. will be a major PITA as the suspension is completely different in the front---. newer chev trucks have torsion rod suspension--independent axles--etc.

03-08-2006, 04:41 PM	#4
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Re: Late Model Drivetrain Swap Cool purchase! I'd use only the motor/tranny from the 03. (of course all the electrics needed too) Keep everything else as is by using the appropriate adaptors/modification's. Would make thing's WAY simpler, IMO.

03-09-2006, 09:50 AM	#5
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Late Model Drivetrain Swap Would it be better to use the 205 case than the T-case out of the '03? I figured it might be best to use the front section of the exhaust also, to keep it emissions friendly and locate the 02 sensors and all. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

03-15-2006, 12:52 AM	#6
Wasted Income Boosted Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mackinaw, IL Posts: 2,200	Re: Late Model Drivetrain Swap What about using a 2wd transmission with a divorced NP205? Then you could keep your axles, and the driveshaft will still be on the correct side. __________________ 1972 2wd K/5 Blazer Turbocharged 370 LSx - 941 rwhp / 1093 rwtq 1969 Chevy K-10 L33 5.3 / 4L80E / NP241 / 4" lift 1964 Buick Skylark Twin TURBO 383 LS pro-touring project 2014 VW Passat TDI - Daily Driver Turbo diesel 2015 Sierra Denali HD Duramax Turbo diesel 2023 Ford Explorer ST - Twin Turbskis 2023 Ford F150 RCSB - Whipple Supercharged 2017 Polaris RZR Turbo 2014 Nor-Tech Center Console - Twin Supercharged Outboards *TURBO ALL THE THINGS!!*

03-15-2006, 01:00 AM	#7
Medicanman71 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Where the Wild Things Are Posts: 696	Re: Late Model Drivetrain Swap emissions friendly, i thought one of the best things about our blazers is the fact that in most states they dont need to pass or comply with any emissions/smog laws

03-15-2006, 01:18 AM	#8
luisduran Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Tinley Park Il. Posts: 144	Re: Late Model Drivetrain Swap I started mine today,im putting a 6.0 auto 2 wheel drive from a 2004 van with 9000 miles,im using a 4wd blazer frame,but im going to stretch it to build a short bed pick up truck,i belive Advance Adaptors sells an adaptor that connect the 4 L80 to the 205 transfer case. Any advice welcome.

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