- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Hi everyone I will be doing a 5.3 swap into my envoy soon and will be documenting the entire process with pictures stay tuned
4.2 i6 to 5.3 ls
- Thread starter Big west
- Start date
Mooseman
Moderator
Hi and welcome! Lots of knowledge available here if you get into a bind.
Will you be using an aluminum or cast iron truck block? A pre-game commentary with some details would be nice
Will you be using an aluminum or cast iron truck block? A pre-game commentary with some details would be nice
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Hi thanks for the welcome! I'm using the aluminum block from the 07 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ I'm in the process of getting the donor truck brought to my shop. I don't know what ecu I'll be using just yet there's so many to choose from. The engine will be cleaned up with new positions rods and rings new cam from cleetus McFarland (bald eagle) it will be machined and put back together. After everything is in and working how it should I'll be painting the voy royal blue with heavy metallic. I'm pumped for this I am tired of reading about it and not seeing a complete project.
Maverick6587
Member
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
I plan on turbocharging it to at least get to 500hp still want to be able to tow with it and daily her.I'm also looking for the T56 manual transmission but finding it hard to find one lol still looking tho and new is just too expensive lol. Might just go with the Asian AR-5, I have one already just sitting in the garage
- Jul 22, 2015
- 2,724
Subscribing 
FYI - I found a T56 near me. Guy wants $2800; it has some addn'l goodies. No idea about value.
PS: If you're looking to tow heavy, the 4L80 & successors will ultimately handle more than the T56 (I've already done some research, as I was considering this myself).
But if you're putting the M/T in mainly for 'fun', then have at it
FYI - I found a T56 near me. Guy wants $2800; it has some addn'l goodies. No idea about value.
PS: If you're looking to tow heavy, the 4L80 & successors will ultimately handle more than the T56 (I've already done some research, as I was considering this myself).
But if you're putting the M/T in mainly for 'fun', then have at it
Transzilla T56 Complete Tremec Chevy Setup Camaro - auto parts - by...
Complete Setup off a 97 Trans Am LT1. Trans is a Tremec T56 Son of Transzilla, Pro 5.0 Shifter w...
chicago.craigslist.org
Mooseman
Moderator
Biggest problem for the manual trans swap is the clutch as the 360 never came with a manual. I think somebody did it once a long time ago on TrailVoy with the I6. There could be something that can be used from a Colorado, Canyon or H3 with the I5.
There is a Cool Chapter in this "How To Swap an LS Engine into Almost Anything" that covers installing Manual Transmissions, Clutch to Fly-Wheel Components AND Clutch and Brake Pedal Assemblies ...Well Worth adding to your Research Efforts for under $30.00:
www.cartechbooks.com
LS Swaps: How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything
Introduced in 1997, the GM LS engine has become the dominant V-8 engine in GM vehicles and a top-selling high-performance crate engine. GM has released a wide range of Gen III and IV LS engines that deliver spectacular efficiency and performance. These compact, lightweight, cutting-edge pushrod...
www.cartechbooks.com
Mike534x
Member
- Apr 9, 2012
- 934
I'm not sure if this is any different, but this person swapped a 6 speed into a TB SS. I think the only issue they encountered was having to reinforce the firewall, to handle pressing the clutch and whatnot.
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
The 5.3 is about to be pulled out of its previous host more to com
I would definitely be getting this bookThere is a Cool Chapter in this "How To Swap an LS Engine into Almost Anything" that covers installing Manual Transmissions, Clutch to Fly-Wheel Components AND Clutch and Brake Pedal Assemblies ...Well Worth adding to your Research Efforts for under $30.00:
LS Swaps: How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything
Introduced in 1997, the GM LS engine has become the dominant V-8 engine in GM vehicles and a top-selling high-performance crate engine. GM has released a wide range of Gen III and IV LS engines that deliver spectacular efficiency and performance. These compact, lightweight, cutting-edge pushrod...
View attachment 92990
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Maverick6587
Member
I was doing some research for my build this weekend. Looks like the Gen IV LS (at least the 6.0L) have stock rods and pistons that can handle up 1,000 hp. I assume the 5.3 would carry similar quality rods and pistons?
In the following video upgrade from a 6.0L to a 6.2L. He explains the hp capacity on a lot of the internals of the Gen IV LS.
I was going to completely rebuild my 5.3 at some point. I might just replace the heads with rebuilt ones and see how long she'll last. It has 230k miles on it as of now.
In the following video upgrade from a 6.0L to a 6.2L. He explains the hp capacity on a lot of the internals of the Gen IV LS.
I was going to completely rebuild my 5.3 at some point. I might just replace the heads with rebuilt ones and see how long she'll last. It has 230k miles on it as of now.
To Whom It May Concern:
"The Sloppy Mechanic" regularly takes "Junk Yard Iron" 4.8L and 5.3L Engine Blocks... and while living up to his 'namesake' ...he throws in a Camshaft and some LS6 "Blue" Valve Springs "Quick and Dirty" and then Turbocharges them up to around 800 and even OVER 1,000 Horse Power.
It sounds Crazy... but he could turn out to become your Best Friend by proving that the 6 Bolt Mains, Stock Cranks and Stock Rods are interchangeable between the 4.8L and 5.3L Motors and can withstand (almost) all of the abuse he throws at them.
I recommend watching most of his 5.3L Builds to get other ideas and suggestions on your Project... But for God's Sake... Just Don't adopt his Very Dirty Methods along the way for the actual Engine Build Procedures. This video shows him replacing a Bent Connecting Rod out of one of his Busted Turbo'd LS Motors:
"The Sloppy Mechanic" regularly takes "Junk Yard Iron" 4.8L and 5.3L Engine Blocks... and while living up to his 'namesake' ...he throws in a Camshaft and some LS6 "Blue" Valve Springs "Quick and Dirty" and then Turbocharges them up to around 800 and even OVER 1,000 Horse Power.
It sounds Crazy... but he could turn out to become your Best Friend by proving that the 6 Bolt Mains, Stock Cranks and Stock Rods are interchangeable between the 4.8L and 5.3L Motors and can withstand (almost) all of the abuse he throws at them.
I recommend watching most of his 5.3L Builds to get other ideas and suggestions on your Project... But for God's Sake... Just Don't adopt his Very Dirty Methods along the way for the actual Engine Build Procedures. This video shows him replacing a Bent Connecting Rod out of one of his Busted Turbo'd LS Motors:
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- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Engine is dismantled and ready to be cleaned and heads resurface then resamembled. Sorry for not posting anything in a bit but I'll be posting more often from now
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aaserv
Member
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Hi yes I have a shop that's going to be making me custom made engine mounts will post pictures of them when they are done
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Maverick6587
Member
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
I took about 5 inches of the exhaust side and intake only needed to be cleaned and polished
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
It's metallic high heat. Primed with hunters green to make sure that the metallic pops
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
aaserv
Member
That not an LS cam is it? Looks like a regular small block chev cam. Don't think you'd be happy with those specs anyway if your looking for horsepower.
Just looked it up....That is a small block cam...
Just looked it up....That is a small block cam...
Mooseman
Moderator
aaserv
Member
Those specs wouldnt get anywhere close to 500 HP if it did fit.
Lift is barely over stock. LSA is way to low. And duration is to high. 273LR HR12 is the number for a Comp Cam that will get you in the ballpark......After you change valve springs, injectors and run the biggest stock throttle body you can find It might get you to 400+ HP pre turbo.
Lift is barely over stock. LSA is way to low. And duration is to high. 273LR HR12 is the number for a Comp Cam that will get you in the ballpark......After you change valve springs, injectors and run the biggest stock throttle body you can find It might get you to 400+ HP pre turbo.
Kelly@PCMofNC
Member
- Mar 16, 2013
- 184
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Up date Time so I got custom made engine mounts and exhaust flange made locally. Engine mounts are made with 3/8" thick steel and exhaust flange is 3/8" thick mild steel will be making custom exhaust system. Still waiting for the wire harness to come in then it's full steam ahead. Also thank you for the support and information you guys have been an amazing help I'm also going another route with the cam 😊 thank you guys
Attachments
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
aaserv
Member
I saw a comparison video awhile back. stock exhaust manifold vs short tube headers vs long tube headers. Difference between stock and short tube was virtually nothing. Go long or keep what ya got. Difference between an h pipe and an x-pipe was negligible also.....
I know Envoys are notorious for being hard to fit dual exhaust so will be interesting to see what you come up with.......
I know Envoys are notorious for being hard to fit dual exhaust so will be interesting to see what you come up with.......
Mooseman
Moderator
I've been looking at the Sloppy Stage 2 cam for my Caprice 6.0L as it seems to be very popular and dyno tests show that it has major gains at all RPMs, not just on top.
Looking at the flanges, I would guess that you're looking at making headers? Have you looked at TB SS headers? I think there are quite a few options out there. Just watch out for 4x4 vs 2wd as most only work with 2wd trucks.
Looking at the flanges, I would guess that you're looking at making headers? Have you looked at TB SS headers? I think there are quite a few options out there. Just watch out for 4x4 vs 2wd as most only work with 2wd trucks.
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Thank you my
Yes I'll be making my own headers to accommodate for the 4x4 and all that jazz already have an idea on how to route the exhaust system so I can have dual exhaust 😁
- Aug 17, 2015
- 16
Just waiting for a few more parts to come in (ie) alternator, coil packs and starter then it's swap time. Custom made engine mounts made locally and they work with the SBC mounts fits perfectly, will be making my own headers and complete exhaust so everything would fit perfectly under the voy it's getting close y'all I'll have full documented videos out on YouTube once everything else gets here and the swap actually starts
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northcreek
Member
Mooseman
Moderator
Bummer, I’m getting a 05 TB I6 this Saturday, has a blown head gasket and I want to put in the 5.3
Mooseman
Moderator
The gist of this swap is you need practically a whole donor GMT360/370 for all the parts, including harness and PCM. You also need to consider the rear diff as the original 8.0 will die quickly behind the 5.3 . Find an 8.6 from another 5.3 GMT360 or a long wheel base GMT370. There may also be issues with making the 5.3 PCM talk with the original BCM, which may require replacing it and the harness.
Not an easy swap.
Not an easy swap.
northcreek
Member
You might want to find one with a bad 5.3 and put a 5.3 in that. The swap is just too much grief to make something that already exists...
Or maybe put my 8.1 in it 😂😂You might want to find one with a bad 5.3 and put a 5.3 in that. The swap is just too much grief to make something that already exists...