Swap a 396 BB for a 5.3?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9
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From: Phoenix area
Swap a 396 BB for a 5.3? Hey everybody, I've got this 1965 Chevy truck with a big block 396, stock other than the carb, and a TH400.
It's not really any faster than the 327 I used to run in it, in fact, it may be slower, then again the 327 had a lot more done to it.
With gas prices the way they are, I'm considering getting a 5.3 or 6.0 and 4L60-E to swap in it, probably keep it stock, just get a tune to maximize it's stock potential.
However, I read where a guy with a carbed ZZ4 crate engine and 700-R4 in a 1983 Chevy truck is getting 20 MPG.
So, would a 396 with a 700-R4 get near the same MPG as a 5.3 with 4L60-E?
I kinda like the idea of the fuel injection, love the LS1 in my 99 Vette.
It's not really any faster than the 327 I used to run in it, in fact, it may be slower, then again the 327 had a lot more done to it.
With gas prices the way they are, I'm considering getting a 5.3 or 6.0 and 4L60-E to swap in it, probably keep it stock, just get a tune to maximize it's stock potential.
However, I read where a guy with a carbed ZZ4 crate engine and 700-R4 in a 1983 Chevy truck is getting 20 MPG.
So, would a 396 with a 700-R4 get near the same MPG as a 5.3 with 4L60-E?
I kinda like the idea of the fuel injection, love the LS1 in my 99 Vette.
The 5.3 stock will probably be faster than the boat anchor 396 and power robbing TH400.
If you want to use it to pull a trailor use the 396, if you want performance, reliability and something fast go 5.3L.
If you want to use it to pull a trailor use the 396, if you want performance, reliability and something fast go 5.3L.
Pick up the latest issue of hot rod. They did a shootout between the ZZ383, ZZ4, ZZ572, Crate 427, LS7,LSX 454stroker and a stock 5.3, all were in the same car "69 Chevelle" all they changed was fuel setup, and gear/converter combo's and the stock 5.3 was mid pack not too shabby
