5.3 Vortec swappers, I've got a ? on engine prices

[glock35ipsc]

I have been getting price quotes from several different places for a complete 5.3L for my swap.

I'm still haggling with LKQ, but I did get a quote from Certified Auto Recycling in Alabama.

For the following, I was quoted $1050:

* 2004 and up 5.3L with less than 75,000 miles (return-less fuel system, drive by wire)
* Manifold, injectors, fuel rail, etc
* ECM and harness
* All front accessories: Alternator, PS pump, AC compressor, all related brackets
* Throttle pedal, TAC module and harness

That gets me an engine with a good 125,000 miles of life left on it (more than I'll EVER put on it), and most all of the major components I would need.

How does that price sound for what I would be getting? I have heard of guys getting just the engine for only a few hundred bucks, but I am not finding any of those deal out here.

[swb85]

A complete engine goes for ~$350 any day of the week around here, but that's with no accessories/harness/pcm. I think a grand is pretty decent for what you're getting.

[glock35ipsc]

I just talked on the phone with the salesman I have been emailing with at Certified Auto Recycling to confirm what all I would be getting:

* 2004 and up 5.3L with less than 75,000 miles (return-less fuel system, drive by wire)
* Intake manifold, injectors, fuel rail, etc
* ECM and harnesses
* All front accessories: Alternator, PS pump, AC compressor, all related brackets
* Throttle pedal, TAC module and harness
* Starter
* Flexplate
* Exhaust manifolds

All the above for $1225 to my shop ($1050 + $175 freight). If LKQ don't get off their butt, they are gonna lose this sale to C.A.R.

[boostat4500]

Those prices aren't bad at all given that it comes with all the pedal assembly stuff. You could also see what they will it for without the harness, PCM, and DBW stuff. If you went with a cable TB, those are cheap and the older harness are getting pretty cheap to. Should be able to pick up a harness, PCM, and TB for under $300.
Do either of them modify the harness or PCM?

[glock35ipsc]

No, I want the DBW setup, it makes hooking up the cruise a piece of cake. And it looks cleaner without the two cables running over the top of the engine.

They are both auto recyclers, so they don't modify anything. I already have a guy that will most likely do the harness and PCM.

[LEEVON]

That price sounds very reasonable considering you're getting all of the wiring, accessories, etc. Some may beg to differ, but try piecing all of that stuff together after you buy a cheap long block and it ads up quick (been there).

It's kind of funny, remember how much a stout small block costs? My last one was $3K just for a warmed-over long block. With all of this LS fever going on that sounds like a rediculous price now.

I don't know if you have the location / logistics to pick up the motor, but I would definitely try if you can and save on shipping but more importantly make sure they give you everything and nothing is damaged. I always hear about engines shipping with damaged coil packs, missing PCM's, etc.

Don't forget to look on www.car-part.com. You can search by vehicle, then engine, then location. There's always a healthy listing of LSx motors and it seems like more recently they're going complete. Give the first 10 yards closest to you a call and see what kind of deal they can make.

[glock35ipsc]

I've tried Car Part, and all the yards in this state are on crack.

For example, the best prices start around $975 with notes like "need intake and oil pan" (a BUNCH of those??), or "block broke on RH side for AC", etc. The yard here in town has one with 69,000 miles for $1250, but comes with no accessories and is a 2003.

I've called several of them and none can come close to putting together a package like Certified has so far. I've heard a lot of good things about Certified, and since LKQ is losing points with me on a daily basis, I am about 99% sure I will be going with them. Also, they are actually going to wait until they get a fresh truck in so that they can pull everything at once from one vehicle, or a "drop out" as they called it. He said it should only be a week at most.

Do you know anyone who had done this in a square body with dual gas tanks? I'm wondering about the best way to set up the fuel system for the dual tanks.

[LEEVON]

I hear ya, it does seem that LKQ has their stuff together, probably no worries with them.

You're in luck because the '87 gas tanks are the easiest to adapt. TBI fuel systems run about 13psi whereas the 5.3L needs about 52-55 (regulated). You can simply replace the in-tank fuel pump with a Walbro 255, they run about $80. Literally pull out the sending unit, remove the pump and replace. The stock switching valve supposedly wont take the higher psi but I have seen where somebody found one that was rated to 70psi. There are two options for the fuel line you can run the truck-style rail with return which has the regulator on it or you can switch to the LS1 style without return and run a corvette regulator (less than $40). TBI sending units already have the return provisions. You will also have to replace the hoses with higher rated fuel injection ones. This is the inexpensive and stock-ish way of doing it, I really don't see the need for custom tanks and high-dollar pumps in this application.

OJOE built that sweet red crew cab and adapted a single tank in the rear, it's in his build thread for some ideas too.

[glock35ipsc]

Thanks for that info. I had heard that something like 2004 and newer trucks also have the return-less system. Any truth to that? That's part of the reason I was searching out an 04 or newer, the other was to get a drive by wire.

How important is it to have the 87 tanks that are baffled? This truck still has the 85 tanks with the 87 sending units/pumps. I haven't noticed it yet, but HuggerCST said that under a 1/4 tank he had problems with the fuel sloshing and then having delivery problems.

Any idea on where to look for the high psi switch? I think I actually remember reading a post on some forum about that, but I've been pouring over hundreds and hundreds of pages the last couple of weeks and have no idea where I saw that. :banghead.

And you're right, this is going to be a stock setup, so I don't need anything too fancy.

[glock35ipsc]

Hmm, I did find this one:

For fuel-injected systems operating up to 65 psi. Designed to prevent returning fuel to incorrect tank. Weatherproof fiberglass-reinforced nylon valve body. Valve grounds to frame. Meets or exceeds DOT standards. Fits 3/8" I.D. fuel hose. Recommended fuse: 10 amps. Can be wired so original dash gauge indicates fuel level in either tank. Includes: switch, faceplate, wiring connector, instructions. Hoses not included—order separately. 6-port valve required on vehicles with 3 lines attached to fuel pump. For 12-volt systems.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/S...&sku=ZX812705U

[Bazooka]

I seen C.A.R. on Horsepower TV

http://www.barbersauto.net/

http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/in...01&ep_sea=0901

http://www.barbersauto.net/horsepowertv.htm

[glock35ipsc]

Yeah, that's where I first heard of them late last year.

[bbadfred]

Just bought a 02 silverado 5.3/4L60 for $1300+tax with 108k miles with everything. From Scottys auto parts in Virginia Illinois. includes: motor and trans, all acessories, belts, hoses, harness, pcm, ps hoses, oil cooler, y pipe with 02 sensors, fuel lines, radiator, ac condensor, drive by wire throttle and tac sensor,inj vortec cover, resevoir and cap, stock air cleaner, intake tubing and maf sensor, nothing cut everything unplugged or un bolted.

This is the second pullout I have gotten from them, I got it in 2007 its a 04 LQ9/4L65 with 42k miles. It is the motor in my 67 GMC Shortbed. It came with everything like the 5.3. hers a couple of engine pics i took as we were finishing the truck. I payed 3100 for it when they were not as available, but it was low low mileage

[crazy longhorn]

How about a $5 bill, for a complete running 5.3? I parted the wrecked truck, & the engine sounded good(138,000 rounds)....should be good for another 60-70,000? If you have the time to dismantle/part the truck out, you will be far ahead of the game! crazyL

[joesgreen67]

I gave $2800 cash for my 5.3/4L60E from a 2009 Silverado with 59,680 miles.

It was a complete lift-out with all accessories, DBW pedal, ECM/TCM and wiring harness.

I have always thought I got a fantastic deal

I was just in the right place at the right time. Wayne Auto Salvage just got the truck in and hadn't started to dismantle it yet. I was wrecked in the rear only. They let me look it over real good, take pictures, whatever I wanted. I gave them a deposit and they had it ready for me to pickup the next day.

[Jdubs71]

I picked up my 5.3 with about 40k mi for $700 it included all of the accesseories, but no computer and the harness on it was hacked up. I found a guy on ebay that sold me the harness, ecm, and dbw pedal set up for $175 shipped. I thought it was very reasonable, but I hear of guys snatching them up complete for $500 or less. I have found several on craigslist in my area and the other day saw a 4.8 complete with under 50k for around $500. I'm having a heck of a time finding a 4l60e now. Have you checked pirate4x4? There is a company that sells turn key motors, but they're pricey. Good luck.
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[BR3W CITY]

For the price ain't nothing wrong....and heck for the lack of headache with getting it from one place, doesn't seem bad at all.

Heck I probably spend like $200 on fuel running to get random parts all over the place

[homemade87]

I did the same as crazy long horn. I picked up a complete 04 extended cab with a 5.3. Had 35,000 miles.Parted everything out and used the whole drive train. Even had the alum driveshaft cut to fit. Used the temp compass rear view mirror. Even installed the steering wheel with controls on my 06. I sold just about everything from the truck. Had a local parts salvage guy that came and bought the rest I had. I kept up with what I sold and when everything was said and done I had $1000.00 in my pocket. I came out smelling like a rose. But I had to work at it.

[joesgreen67]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

No, I want the DBW setup, it makes hooking up the cruise a piece of cake.

I would love to know more about this!