nutcasecopper

I have decided to purchase a LS motor for my 1971 C10 shortbed project. I know I want at least a 5.3 and would like a 6.0 if price is right. Here is a little info this will be a daily driver rear end is a Chevy truck 12 bolt with an Eaton Helix geared posi unit and 4.11 richmond gears. Will be running a 20 inch rim with 245,45 tires so it will be about 29 to 30 inches tall. My question is I have a guy who has a complete 5.3 and trans with 41k on it wants to sell it to me for 2500 bucks, Thing is complete from fan to tranny lines, harness, tac module and pcm.
However, I have been reading online here for the past week and it seems these motors are going for huge price differences. So is it better to piece it together if I can get it cheaper or is it worth the extra money to get a complete pull from a single vehicle. This is my first swap of this kind so I need to know which way would be better. Thanks

ponjohn

From what I have read, there are some issues in TAC modules and pedals not being compatible.

Might save yourself some frustration down the road to buy it from the same vehicle.

Maybe he's flexible on price?

nutcasecopper

that is kinda what I am thinking of is that it might be worth the extra to avoid the headache. But when i see that some people are getting motors and trans for sometimes 1000 dollars less it makes me want to make sure ya know. I also would like upgrade the motor a little like cam and headers maybe throttle body and stuff so price can be an issue. I do need a full setup this truck will be a daily driver and I want at least 350 rwh when im done

1bad03snake

iTrader: (16)

check car-part.com
you can get a 5.3 complete pull out for 400-750

gisqc

It also depends if it's aluminium or iron. The one you see go for real cheap are the iron one's, but still 2500$ seems to be on the high side anyway.

Build-it-Break-it

iTrader: (9)

I got my 5.3 with wire harness, fuse box, complete accessories (a/c compressor, alternator,pwr steering pump,starter,flywheel, mounts,etc....) Delivered to my house for $550. keep looking you'll find good deals. I wish I would if went 6.0 now tho......

nutcasecopper

Hey build it break it where did you get it from I checked car parts.com and they want 1500 + for one. If you guys were to buy an engine what is the max miles you would take on one of these newer LS motors.

74novacustom

i First got a 5.3, but while the engine was at the machine shop they asked me if i wanted them to build a 6.0 that they already had for a couple hundred more. I couldnt say no.

You can find them with around 100k or less.

If its over 100k, it doesnt mean its bad. But it couldnt hurt to tear it down and look at the bearings.

spearwarrior

I'm got my complete 6.0 lq4 engine and trans harness and computer for $1600 at a local salvage yard in cali. I'm in the process of doing my first swap. I would go bigger now, it will cost you less in the long run.

nutcasecopper

thanks guys went today and pulled the numbers off of the heads and block. They both match and it is a 4L60E trans. Motor is a cast block with alum. heads. called a couple shops and no one could tell me what the numbers were from. However, my buddy called on the ECM numbers after I left and the Local chevy dealership told him motor is most likely out of a 2500, 3500, Avalance or a camaro, firebird, or vette. Sounds a little broad to me so he is going to hook up the ECM and pull the VIN number as Chevy has told them they need it to tell exactly what the motor is. Just for giggles here is the number on the tags I got today #10FJAK992940234 anyone know if I can check this any other ways to try and verify what I am being told

Chris10an

iTrader: (1)

Hi. I have made a 72 K5 Blazer with a 5,3 engine. Just a stock engine with a new cam from Comp Cams XR271 and some matching springs. Engine made 440BHP in our Engine Dyno. Why on earth should i use an 6L when i got that snappy in that 5,3L engine. Yes i converted it to Ls1 Corvette style ACC with a Ls6 intake and a Summit 85mmTB.
The truck intakes sucks, OK for forced....

What you should look for in that truck is a 01-02 with manual throttle body, save you're self allot of work, and do a 700R transmission with vacuum. there you go with no problems... Or you can go with 4L60 series, and tune and tune your trans till it brake down... 7 of my colleagues fu*** up those 4L60's last year. i did it to in my Blazer, even i rand it with stock gear tune.

Build-it-Break-it

iTrader: (9)

I got my swap from American Truck Dismantler in Fontana Ca. They have them all day long