time to upgrade

[jeremys14]

so the 350 is pooping out (rod knocking). i've been working a lot of overtime and feel it's time to upgrade. here the low down... its going in a c20 rwd crew cab. i don't want a "track truck". something that can get me from a to be reliably, but also able to easily get on the highway, and be able to smoke a rice burner or too. i started out thinking of rebuilding 350 and supercharger, til i started adding it up. so i'm stuck between 383 and 454. i know, the age old argument. the truck will really only be driven occasionally. i found a 454 with tranny for 680 today with 100k miles, which i could see another couple of thousand rebuilding, or i can get the eagle 383 stroker kit, upgrade heads, cam, ect. all for about 3k. any help is appreciated.

 

[HotRodPC]

For the money, I think I'd consider Vortec or LS motor. Of course that means adding electronics. 100,000 on a 454 is some miles. 100,000 on a LS motor is just well broke in. For 3K Id think you could find a used 5.3 and harness and try to get a set up with the 4L80-E also since its in a 3/4 ton. Just something to consider. Hate to say it, but BBC is just out in this day an age. I'd sure give up my 454/Th400 for a 5.3/4L80-E anyday of the week. I'd have much better fuel economy, more horsepower, and about the same torque.

EDIT. Usually the 4L80-E will be found benind the LS 6.0.

 

[jeremys14]

ls1 is looking pricey from what i've seen so far

 

[Old77]

Not ls1....the 5.3 and 6.0 that are found in the late model trucks use the "LS" technology and are considered in the LS motor family. You should be able to get a nice 5.3 fairly reasonable.

 

[HotRodPC]

Not ls1....the 5.3 and 6.0 that are found in the late model trucks use the "LS" technology and are considered in the LS motor family. You should be able to get a nice 5.3 fairly reasonable.

Correct !!! 5.3 is very reasonable cuz they are plentiful in salvage yards. 6.0 is a bit pricey, and 6.2 is very pricey since its newer, not alot of them in the salvage yards yet and the demand is high. But, that will make the 6.0's a little cheaper sooner of later. A 4.8 can probably be had for about a Nickel, then just install a 5.3 crank and there you go. Now you have a 5.3.

 

[jeremys14]

what all is involved in swapping in one of these guys?

 

[foamypirate]

Pretty much, mount adapters, headers, and sending the harness off to be reworked and VATS removed from the ECU. Wait4Me performance will do both for $360. That makes the harness a 5 wire or so hookup to the truck. You will need to replace your fuel tank sending units with those from an 87' (if yours isn't an 87), as this will let you run an in-tank high pressure fuel pump (AC Delco EP381 is a good pump), and you can use a 99-04 Corvette filter/regulator. That will give you the correct fuel pressure , and is way cheaper than an external regulator (about $34 for the filter at RockAuto). You also might need to make a transmission mount. There are a few other miscellaneous things needed, but in all reality, it's likely cheaper than rebuilding a 350 properly.

Here is a link with more info on the fuel system setup:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...e-fuel-filter-regulator-37-93-38-34-ebay.html

 

[HotRodPC]

Fuel Tank change of mod to get the high pressure pump in the tank, hopefully you get the wiring harness and ECM with the Motor, get the LS conversion motor mounts, decide whether you're going with an E contrlled trans or old school trans, keeping mind the trans will have to have provisions for a VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor), install all of it, then have the PROM chip in the ECM programed with what computer features you have set up, and delete the feature you don't have set up, fill with gas and drive it.

 

[HotRodPC]

Ahh I see FP answered while I was in process of answering and talking on the phone.

 

[jeremys14]

pulled the trigger on it. getting 5.3 with engine, tranny, harness, ecu, gas pedal fans, fuse box, intake, maf, exhaust to cat, tranny cooler, alternator, starter, and then some for 1400.

 

[jeremys14]

as far as fuel. i'm planning on doing a cell with in tank pump. i wanted to raise the tank anyway for future bag setup.

 

[Old77]

Nice purchase man!!

 

[HotRodPC]

pulled the trigger on it. getting 5.3 with engine, tranny, harness, ecu, gas pedal fans, fuse box, intake, maf, exhaust to cat, tranny cooler, alternator, starter, and then some for 1400.

Seee !!! There you go. Now you'll be rockin for sure. Hell of a deal to get all that for $1400. How many miles on it? Is it out of a 2003 newer or 2002 older??? I am assuming 2003 and newer and why you mention the gas pedal. Being that 2003 up is drive by wire.

 

[jeremys14]

its an 05 with 46k on it.

 

[Old77]

Sounds like you got a good buy man. That is really low mileage