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Need help!!

DJW1442

Active Member
Messages
42
Location
Texas
Going down 287 my engine decided to go out on me so im debating on weither to switch to a v8 now. Currently i have a 3.7l i5, what would i need to get/replace inorder for the 5.3 to work in my truck. Also if anyone knows the drive line sizes, differential sizes, transmission, and fuel pump.

Thanks
 

CaddyStrophic

Well-Known Member
Messages
413
Location
United States
I'm no swap expert, but I'm pretty sure it's quite a bit of work. Such as modifying the firewall, computers, installing different motor mounts, etc.

Are you wanting it to be easy and cheap? Are you doing it yourself or having a shop do it.

I think there is a shop out there that does a v8 swap, but they charge something like $16,000.

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Ordieh

Well-Known Member
Messages
152
Location
Georgetown texas
.........a real challenge! If the donor motor isn't from a H3, the oil pan must be changed. Even though the I5 has a 4L60E tranny, the bell housing is different and will not match up. Depending on your VIN, you may have to install a TCM. The list goes on and on. If I were in your situation and wanted a V8, I would have the I5 rebuilt, then trade it for an ALPHA ( fewer headaches and probably save quite a bit of money). Best of luck
 

amrg

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,317
Location
Qatar
The above link is a work in progress swap! It has alot of useful info!

But to summarize:

New engine and engine mount adapters
Oil pan and manifolds specific for the alpha
Steering pump for the alpha
Wiring harness
Pcm programming
Intake piping and airbox
Ac lines
Trans work to be compatible with the v8
Rad hoses
Clutch fan shroud
Exhaust work (sesors/cata/down pipes/collector)

No firewall mods required.
 

DJW1442

Active Member
Messages
42
Location
Texas
yeah thats what i figured with a lot of work. i thought i would just check before i dropped 8k in a new engine.
 

alrock

El Diablo
Staff member
Messages
10,677
Location
Scottsdale
Desert spent about $10K for a new 3.5L I5 engine and transmission at the dealer. The I5 is a bit of an expensive engine compared to other more common engines. If I recall correctly, the cost of the engine either from GM or a reman from Jaspers were both about the same, approx $4000. I haven't looked at those prices too recently, but considering the amount of work involved in the V8 upgrade I will stick with the 3.7 once my engine goes.
 

3Hummers

Super Moderator
Staff member
Messages
10,533
Location
Central Texas
My new crate 5.3 from GM was only $3100.00. Would have been $2700.00 if I had ordered it a month ago while they had a promotion going on.
 

GreatDaneHummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
994
Location
Chicago
http://mashmotorsinc.com/H3Conversions.html

Mash will do a new 6.2 Liter, 6 speed trans and 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive transfer case installed for $18,500 from when I spoke with him. 450 hp if I remember correct. A lot of money YES but it is an entire new drive train ready to rock! This is what I would have done if I didn't get a wonderful deal on a custom build diesel 4bt turbo.
 

deserth3

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,079
Location
Conroe, TX
The 10k was at a GM dealership. Having a Chevy crate engine done at a dealership also comes with a 3 year 100,000 mile warranty. That price also included exhaust manifold that was cracked
Came in handy my last trip to Moab. While I was soaking up the sun and catching up on sleep at Neo's of Moab. Moab Chevrolet was busy (mostly waiting for parts) replacing the valve body, wire harness and a few other things in the tranny. All under warranty.
The only thing that I had to pay for was the ignition switch which decided to go bad.

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DJW1442

Active Member
Messages
42
Location
Texas
My local shop said it was a rod, piston, and crankshaft. Its able to still drive but I havent driven it since. It didnt go out neccesarily but when i was going down the highway, the truck wasnt hitting my cruise control of 70 on flat ground. And shortly after that it started to make a tick noise. After that i decided to take the cruise control off and get of at the next exit. When i was going about 55 thats when the knock became loud and the engine started to climb in temperature.(the temperature was staying at a constant temperature before this happened) When i pulled off the exit, the engine cut out and i lost all power of the truck. I got out and opened my hood to check for anything that could be the cause but nothing looked out of place. So i left it for a bit to cool down and when i tried to start it again it fired up. But the knock was still there. the only reason i would have done this is because i was still an hour away from my house and most to all tow companies were occupied due to a storm that hit before. However it didnt make a lot of sense since i just got my oil change less than 200 miles ago and ive only driven it 2,000 miles since i got the truck. Also i just had got gas at the Exxon less than 10 miles before this started happening.
 

cowboy_tech

Well-Known Member
Messages
78
Location
Avondale, CO
Wonder if it was full of STP to hide an existing condition before you bought it. IDK, just a thought because it happened shortly after an oil change.

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Happy Hummer

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,465
Location
Wisconsin
Yeah... a bit dubious... lol! I'd go with a tear down rebuild. But please 1st do a thorough inspection and possibly get a second opinion before making a decision. It could be bad gas or head gasket or milkshake mix in engine going on.
 
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