1987 Chevy 4x4

[nick_peewee]

What is the best engine swap for an 87 Chevy 4x4


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[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site. That's a loaded question there. What do you currently have? What do you plan to do with the truck? What are you expecting to have?

These questions would help you decide what is best for you and your driving style. Plus, help the folks online give their inputs for you.

 

[nick_peewee]

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I want to redo pretty much everything it’s an 87 I just bought the other day but when finished I want it to be lived a little power but I like to cruise. I was thinking of putting a 6.2 in but i don’t know if it would work or be a good choice this is my first project excited and kinda lost


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[dvdswan]

Is it currently a diesel now? Or are you talking LS engine?

 

[nick_peewee]

Pretty sure it has 350 in it now automatic sorry if I am not making great sense not very explanatory savy


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[dvdswan]

No worries, its always best to describe what you have to get it out of the way and people know. lol

With all the kits out there for LS swaps they are pretty much bolt in. Wiring it is were the issues start. LSx engines are super plentiful as they where used in the trucks as 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0L. These have iron blocks and later models have great numbers to start but the closer to the current year the more you will spend on an engine.

As a beginner, IMO I would suggest reading up on engine building, both small block and LS engines. There are numerous books on each. Believe or not, engine building is very easy if you go by the book (so to speak). Make sure you have the specialized tools 1st though. i.e. torque wrench, gear puller, etc.

Research is key with anything you do with these trucks. (and you thought you were done with homework) It will pay off in the end though.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Budget?

With the diesel you’ll have considerations beyond the engine alone. Such as hydroboost system for your brakes, glow plug controller, gearing etc.

 

[Charlie]

 

[nick_peewee]

So what would be the cheaper way my cluster says the engine only has 40xxx miles should I believe it and just clean up the motor and call it good?


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[4WDKC]

So what would be the cheaper way my cluster says the engine only has 40xxx miles should I believe it and just clean up the motor and call it good?


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if it runs yes, if not it can get expensive quick if you let it.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I’d agree with @4WDKC . Focus all your funds on the maintenance items. It won’t just be in the engine bay either. You don’t want to blow your cash on more power and find out there are 15 other things keeping you from driving the truck. Check the brakes, trans, axles, bearings, etc. as you go.

Since you just purchased the truck, drive and learn the vehicle for a while and go from there. Then if you still want to swap the engine, you’ll be much more mechanically savvy by then and probably have a better idea of what you’re looking for.

Snap a few pics of the engine bay. There are a lot of guys knowledgeable with Tbi engines on here that can point you in the right direction.

 

[Moonsaber]

So what would be the cheaper way my cluster says the engine only has 40xxx miles should I believe it and just clean up the motor and call it good?
k

If that is Diesel it should be ok, but you need to know that the odometer on those only goes to 99999, and yours may have flipped once.. or twice.. or more. Pretty sure mine has, but I am running on an engine rebuild.

Welcome in!

 

[Zoomalot]

Looking at the photo "and" it would be the first truck that I have seen that would have the issues I am looking at
in 40,000 miles.
Drive it for a while and make sure it stops and turns etc.