Re-power 1982 GMC Sierra Classic K1500

[Jude]

I need assistance in finding a shop to re=power my '82 305 cu to a 5.3 with an 8 speed auto from a suburban or equivalent
I want to go with a 2016 or newer power plant

Any suggestions?

 

[Bextreme04]

I need assistance in finding a shop to re=power my '82 305 cu to a 5.3 with an 8 speed auto from a suburban or equivalent
I want to go with a 2016 or newer power plant

Any suggestions?

Pull out your wallet and get ready. That's a pricy drivetrain combo... is there a reason for you looking at that specifically? You can get a Gen IV 5.3 or 6.2/6L80 setup for about 1/4 of the price of a Gen V setup and you'll get very similar power and efficiency numbers with them. I got a fairly low mile 6.2/6l80 with the factory wiring harness and computer for $1500. The engine ran great and the trans needed a rebuild. You can have a shop rebuild a 6l80 for about $2500-3k. I would expect a quality shop to want 15-20k to do that for you if its a used drivetrain. A Gen V connect and cruise kit is gonna run you $16k just for the drivetrain.

 

[Jude]

I am located in LINY and can't find any really nice drivetrains here
I am going to bring my truck to Conroe Texas just north of Houston where the drivetrains in the Gen V family with low miles can be found for around $4500 (that's what the shop owner said )
There is someone there who specializes in square body re-powers utilizing the Gen V

I will certainly take your advice and rethink my decision

 

[Bextreme04]

I am located in LINY and can't find any really nice drivetrains here
I am going to bring my truck to Conroe Texas just north of Houston where the drivetrains in the Gen V family with low miles can be found for around $4500 (that's what the shop owner said )
There is someone there who specializes in square body re-powers utilizing the Gen V

I will certainly take your advice and rethink my decision

Where is LINY? I'm sure you can find something, but be sure you scope and inspect anything you get... especially around that price range. Lots of vehicles available in that area that were scrapped due to flood damage and likely have trashed engine/trans from salt water getting into everything. The 8L80 is actually smaller than a 6L80, so it should fit well. The only problem is going to be if you have a 4x4(which it looks like you do), since the 8L80 has a unique output spline count. A 4L80 or 6L80 will give you a few more options, but any of them are doable.

 

[gofast321]

Hey Jude. Good luck with the project. I just did a L83/8L90 swap in my '88 Suburban. Mine came from a 2015 Silverado. I love the engines, they run great and around me they are pretty cheap and are becoming more plentiful. I would stay away from the 8L90 transmissions. They are very buggy and I regret mine. I would recommend the 6L90, or get an adapter and do a traditional TH400. Also if you go the L83 route, do a full mechanical delete of the Displacement on Demand system. Just reprogramming the computer is not enough. The DOD lifters will blow up on you at some point so get rid of them.

The L83 is definitely a cool swap. I see traditional LS swaps all over the place around me but I have yet to see another L83 swap other than mine in a squarebody. I'm sure they are coming, but around me they still somewhat rare.

If you get time, take a look at this guy's youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@swaptimeusa
I'm pretty sure he is on these forums as well. He did my stock computer reprogram and I can't recommend him highly enough. He is the L83 whisperer.

If you decide to go that route let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to help you.