Loislane00

Hello all, my name is Lois and I am a newbie. I asked this question on another forum and was told to ask here. I am trying to see if anyone has installed a 5.3l into a 2000 body style Impala. I have installed 3 3800 series II engines, non of which have been successful. I have had shops do this for me as well. They have falsified information and I am tired of dealing with them. I will attempt to do this myself after gathering some information. If this is doable, which impala year make would be my best donor candidate? Thanks in advance!!!
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Lois

97badass

iTrader: (8)

Why weren't the last 3 successful? Not trying to be a dick, but sounds like you are getting in over your head...again

Loislane00

The last 3 engines were 3800 series II engines. After thoroughly doing research, these engines had many problems. I have one in now that is supercharged but it sounds like a piston or wrist pin is knocking. I heard it run and it was good when installed. I am being told to steer clear of the 3800 or rebuild it with performance parts. Either way, I've been over my head!!!
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Lois

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Obviously your best choice would be a pull out ls4 and whatever transaxle they come with, they are designed for fwd vehicles.

Loislane00

I'm all for that, I just don't know what to put back in it. My Impala is a 2000 model ls. Any suggestions???
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Lois

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

A pull out ls4....

Loislane00

Ok, my name is Lois, I am a female trying not to keep getting porked!!! Can you please give me great detail on doing this project??? I need to know what donor vehicle to get this setup out of as well as what I might need to do to get it ready to install it. I'm not afraid of the project...just need a great deal of insight!!!
Please help!!!
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Lois

zacht

iTrader: (18)

LS4's are the newer 5.3's already in the newer impala's...not sure the years. I'm thinking theyre trying to point you in the direction to use the whole front suspension and transmission from one...which would be the easiest beings the parts are already available...now if your talking about doing a RWD project that will be a lot of work, and a lot of custom fabrication...

so first-which direction you headed? FWD or RWD?

do you have the 5.3 already?

Loislane00

I would surely stay with a fwd and no, i do not have a 5.3 yet. I see everyone is using letters from the vin for some type of code. Which vin should I be looking for?
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Lois

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Check www.car-part.com

It will give you locations to search junk yards in your area, also give you search options for the 5.3. Not sure on the vin code but That website will display the 5.3 as an option after you select the engine.

zacht

iTrader: (18)

oh man! i love car-part.com....

Loislane00

Thanks for all of the information received thus far!!! Has anyone on this site done this or know of anyone who has done this before??? I found a complete engine and transmission on the cradle. I'm trying to find out what else would be needed as well as if the cradle would be an exact fit.
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Lois

usafws6

iTrader: (10)

Try searching google for an ls4 swap 2000 impala

Loislane00

Thanks, already done that. No luck!!!
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Lois