Which engine would you choose...

[Skunksmash]

Which engine would you choose if you had to go EFI? It has to be a gasoline truck, and it has to be a non- TBI fuel injection chevy engine. V8. If you had to choose an engine for to go in your old chevy truck that meets these criteria, which one would it be? I think this would be an interesting conversion. Some of the later model 2500's had LS1's in them. And if i am not mistaken, some of those trucks weighed around 2500Lbs. So if the trucks weighed that much and still got mileage comparable to ours, that should mean a mileage increase from such a conversion. They have one of these engines at my local junkyard out of an 05 and the guy only wants $2000 bucks for it. I was thinking it might be a nice upgrade. Thoughts? Opinions?

[eventhorizon66]

The engine you are referring to is an LQ4.  It is a 6.0 L iron block/aluminum headed engine with 9.5:1 CR (87 octane compatible).  These engines are very popular for a reason.  There are tons of folks here and at LS1truck that have done this swap.  I was giving real consideration to this swap but didn't and now sorely regret it.  Also if mpg is a big consideration keep in mind the 5.3 L LM7 engines are much more plentiful, cheaper, and will likely return a few more mpg than the LQ4.

[MudMonster85]

Most people like the LS serieas engines. Any L series is a good choice, I personally like the L98 because the intake setup makes awesome torque. But that's just my opinion.

[Captkaos]

The new LS motors are more effieicent and make more power.  This is the reason the website truck is getting a 6.0L.  Even the 4.8L makes good power, it is only slightly less powerful than a 5.3L.

Any vehicle I do a swap on will have some form of EFI.  My Jimmy has a TPI, my 73 with a 454 will have a IFI Hilborn, my 73-87chevytrucks.com pickup will have a 6.0L  All the other trucks have TBI.

I would pick any LS 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0L.

[Skunksmash]

They were calling it an LS1 on "Trucks" and it was an all aluminum motor and it came out of an 05 2500. And i meant to say that they are like 6500 lbs not 2500 heh. That was where i was getting my fuel MPG increase idea. But either way, as you said they would be more efficient. But i am wondering - How much of an increase in MPG could we see? Maybe 2 0r 3 MPG over the max that we could squeeze out of the engines that came in our trucks?

[Captkaos]

18/25mpg wouldn't be out of the question, and you would be making more HP and Torque.

The motor on Trucks TV was an LQ4 if it came out of a HD 2500.  They have aluminum heads and cast blocks.  An LS1 is a passenger car motor that is the RPO for it, it is all aluminum.  LS just means it was based on the LS1 or GEN III engine.  Technically the LS engines are either GEN III or Gen IV motors, which are LS based.

This got hashed out alot on this thread:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=6023.0

[eventhorizon66]

Oh and BTW, "Trucks" and all shows like it are worthless for useful automotive information.  They exist for entertainment and advertising purposes only.

[Skunksmash]

Yeah, i would not doubt that they get some wrong info on there. But they are good for giving you a sort of broad, general idea. Especially if you had no idea about a particular project to begin with. Thats what i use em for anyway. I laugh when they make stuff i know to be time consuming or hard, look like it takes 15 seconds. If only... lol.

[bigkountry]

I have the 4.8 in my 01 ECSB Silverado. It has been tuned by wheatley, very mild thunder racing cam, K&N cold air kit and upgraded exhaust. It will wrap up tighter than a frogs butt and makes some decent power to pull the truck as big as it is.

They are not a powerhouse by any means as Capt. said....but a nice little engine.


You can find long block 5.3's for $300-$700 and 4.8's for a bit less....low mileage too!

[GoatBeard]

I have no problem with Trucks and other shows like it.  It's better than the alternative, which is nothing at all.

[roadrage41]

the 5.3 ♥'s turbochargers. very good starting point for some very good horsepower.

[Captkaos]

5.3L with Turbo's do make good HP.  That is what my brother sells is STS remote turbo kits.  His 5.3L with 120K miles made 450hp to the wheels after we tuned it.