so i need engine swap advice

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jelly69

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ive got an 89 2500 burb and my tired old 5.7 needs to be replaced what should i replace it with a 5.3 vortec or a diesel like the 6.2 if i switch to diesel i can avoid deq but if i do a vortec its still gas basically needing advice also this is my dd :banghead: im stuck on deciding
 

89Suburban

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Why not just a replacement 5.7?


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jelly69

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Why not just a replacement 5.7?


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well ive been thinking about it but im kinda tired of shooty gas mileage and any i find i would have to rebuild. basically im after performance and mileage
 

Green79Scottsdale

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What kind of performance and mileage are your looking for? Specific numbers? Or better than you currently have? Budget?

6.2 may offer the mileage, but not necessarily the performance.

5.3 may not be as big of an improvement as you hope in the mileage. And it may be more $$$ than you think.

You could get a new 5.7 replacement short block, as 89S may have been alluding to. Warranty and emissions legal (if you need to deal with that.) And it would be the "quickest" swap for your DD.
 

Jims86

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That first post is a long assed sentence.
I would go with the GMPP replacement for that truck.
you want part # 12520270-190hp, 300ftlbs tq, 4 bolt mains.
The other one is the 210 HP for the 1/2 ton, and is 2 bolt mains.
if you get 14 mpg, you are doing good. Remember, its a 3/4 Suv, and probably only has Th400.
Best Combo is a stock replacement, and look into swapping in a4L80e overdrive transmission with a piggyback controller, then you may get closer to the 17-20mpg area, depending on driving habits, keeping up comsistent tire pressure....I have found 35psi to be the sweet spot.
 
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jelly69

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As far as tire pressue i run load range E tires so im running them aroud 70psi. Niw is the 4l80e the same size as the th400 or will i have t modifie my driveline. And sorry about the grammar it never stuck. And suposedly my engine is a k code at 294hp so i wanna stay around there. As far as mileage id love to see 20 to 25mpg. But the big thing to me is i wanna keep my power for towing and hauling.
 

Jims86

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As far as tire pressue i run load range E tires so im running them aroud 70psi. Niw is the 4l80e the same size as the th400 or will i have t modifie my driveline. And sorry about the grammar it never stuck. And suposedly my engine is a k code at 294hp so i wanna stay around there. As far as mileage id love to see 20 to 25mpg. But the big thing to me is i wanna keep my power for towing and hauling.

If those are your main concerns, then the stock replacement is for you. The 4L80 would not be too much modification, as the 91 suburbans had them as options, and you could just source 91 drivelines for your swap, and a stand alone controller is a little more money than swapping to a 91 harness and ecm, but is less work, and you can control your shift points.
None of the TBI engines went over 210hp as far as published material from the general. Your is K code, but was only rated at 190, due to a reduced compression ratio to handle the workload of the 3/4 ton requirements, and at the same time, do it on 87 grade fuel.
Get HP out of your Vocabulary for trucks, Tq is the name of the game.
 

jelly69

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Ok good to know so whats the gearing differance betweer the two tranys, also my burb is 4x4 so what about the transfer
 

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6.2 or 6.5 would give you better fuel mileage, but they lack power.

I would build a mild 350 with vortec heads and a good dual plane intake. That burb is heavy and torque is going to be your friend here. If you could handle it why not build a big block?
 

Jims86

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Ok good to know so whats the gearing differance betweer the two tranys, also my burb is 4x4 so what about the transfer

HRPC would be the one to provide specifics, but i think all the 4l80s are the same T case pattern until 03. this trans is equal to a 400 with an overdrive.
 

Jims86

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jelly69

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A stuck open valve on cylinder 1 giving me no compresion hahaha. Hence why im looking to swap engines. Nice im in portland or so not alot of performance shops
 

Jims86

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A stuck open valve on cylinder 1 giving me no compresion hahaha. Hence why im looking to swap engines. Nice im in portland or so not alot of performance shops

Any GM dealer can get it for you, if not, jegs or summit. May be a dealer in the SeaTac area too, if you dont mind a little drive.
 

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