well, in light of gas prices...

[Fordeatinz71]

i am thinking about going a different route with my engine plans. i had planned on building my 350 into a 383 and putting it in, which would have made a STOUT motor, but a VERY fuel-thirsty one at that. well, i have always loved mixing new and old and thought i would jump on the "lets put a 5.3 in my 73-87" bandwagon. i know i can do some moderate modification and i'll have almost as much power as i was gonna have with my 383 and i'll still get better fuel mileage. now i just have to sell my 350. i found a rebuildable 5.3 for $300 and the same place sells ECMs for $25. so i am pretty sure i'm gonna go that route and then just build a stout lil 5.3...thoughts?

[TexasRed]

I'd try to get everything, engine, trans, alternator and other accessories just because it should be easier to get all as one piece.

[bigkountry]

Check out www.performancetrucks.net there are plenty of super low mile LS based engines on there real cheap and they are good guys over there as well. I lean on them alot for my 01 Silverado stuff, mght save you the rebuild cost.

[Fordeatinz71]

thanks a lot for that link!  heck, i found a 4.8 for $300 off of a good member on FSC.  with only 30k miles.  i mean, i'm gonna hold out for a 5.3 or a 6.0 but heck, that is a killer deal for that 4.8...

[bigkountry]

No problem.

Don't overlook the 4.8's (that's what I have in my 01), they peak out quick and have alot of power for their size. I have had mine tuned and it's a very stout little engine..plus it's real good on gas.

But on the other hand, the 5.3 is a big step up and the 6.0 is just plain mean.

[Fordeatinz71]

yea, i drove a RCSS with a 4.8 and a CCSSB with a 4.8 (both 2wd) and while they seem alright (little slow to respond after flooring it but tuning would help that) i just don't think it'd have enough guts to move this truck around with authority...and if i'm gonna do a motor swap i'm gonna be proud of it when i'm done...

[VileZambonie]

In light of fuel prices, you aren't going to notice an incredible difference in fuel mileage with this set up if that's the reason you are going this route.

[Fordeatinz71]

yea, VZ, you are right.  i was talking to a couple of my good friends who are also gearheads and looking at things it looks like the smartest route to go is to build the 383 like i wanted to and top it with a Holley Stealth Ram setup.  its not gonna get remarkable fuel mileage but these trucks aren't meant to...besides, i already have the 350 for the base motor and the whole build will be cheaper...not to mention i don't think that 5.3 with all it's sensors will do to spiffy when i'm going through the mucky muck...

[VileZambonie]

Yeah personally I'd save the retrofit for fuel efficiency purposes when something more viable and cost effective is available. You should have good reason to put in a newer GM engine, either you landed one dirt cheap or are planning on a computer controlled turbo system etc. But if you are just doing it to try and save a few pennies in mileage you're right...these trucks aren't made for fuel economy.

[Fordeatinz71]

yea, i might find me a C10 to throw a 5.3 in...that could be a fun ride...