Switching from a 4.3 to 6.0

Hi... I'm new to these forums. I had a few questions that I'm hoping that somebody would be able to clear up for me.

My truck is a 4.3l GMC Sierra with a 5spd Reg. Cab, Reg Bed.

First, I'm going to be getting a 6.0l LQ9 engine. I need to get a tranny to work with it since I have the 5spd that came in my truck, not the Auto. Would a T-56 work in my truck with out having to change up my driveshaft?

Also I'm pretty sure about this one but just wanted to double check. The t-56 is a longer tranny than the 5speed i have correct? If that's the case do I need to cut a new hole in the floor for the shifter?

Lastly, would i need a custom wiring harness for the engine and tranny?


Any Advice would be much appreciated. Thank you

Oh ya... almost forgot... I would totally getting a tune from Nelson once the swap takes place!

Yes, a custom wiring harness is extremely helpful. Nelson makes and sells those, also. As for a manual transmission, sorry, can't help you there. I'd go automatic. I've been down the stick shift road and have fallen to the way side and am now spoiled. My left leg is no longer bigger around than my right one from pushing a clutch. Matter of fact, it's about to dwindle down to nothing because it's getting so lazy over there any more. :laugh: No more hour long episodes sitting in traffic going on and off the clutch. :thumb:

As for the driveshaft, if you switch to an automatic 4L60e you will need a driveshaft from a truck like yours with the 700r4 or 4L60. If you go 80e I think you can use your truck driveshaft but may have to get it shortened a little. The truck 5 speed driveshaft is the same as the turbo 400.

Thanks man! I really just love driving my 5spd and thought that the conversion to the t-56 wouldn't be as hard as going to an Auto. I had a feeling that my drive shaft would need to be changed but i kinda want to know what i am getting into and get all the parts together and done in one foul swoop.

I have a week and a few days during X-mas to get the conversion done so i'm trying to get all the goodies together so that way it's not a mad dash to the last min. trying to get everything done.

Wow, now that's what I call planning ahead! :hshake:

post up as much as you can about it. im going to be doing the 5.3 swap soon and still needing small tidbits of information that I havent found yet.

I'll post anything I can find really. If your in Texas *around the Austin and San Antonio area* and are looking for an Engine for a swap at really cheap prices... Look up LKQ ( http://www.lkqcorp.com/location/sites.asp?L=59 ). They have a few 6.0l from 2500HDs for $800 and up. I'm talking drop out engines without Acc. and wiring harness. if you want a 5.3l they are even cheaper...

Also a T-56 is about $1,500 from there.

They have everything. That's where I'm going to get my engine from. I'm going to rebuild it no matter what so it doesn't matter what kind of condition it is in.

I live in Austin so that place is located really close to here.

I'll be building up the motor with a bunch of LS1/LS6 parts before I put it in the truck. I want to get it all done before I put it in... it's a lot easier that way. but every time I add something... I'll be sure to post pictures and maybe a little "how to..."

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RedHeartbeat &#064; Mar 6 2007, 07&#58;21 AM) [snapback]85404[/snapback]</div>

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Wow, now that&#39;s what I call planning ahead&#33; :hshake:
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You know it&#33; haha... When you&#39;re on a deadline... there isn&#39;t anything else you can do better than plan and do research.

I just hope Allen would be able to custom tune my truck for me once I&#39;m finished. I would totally be honored if he would.

and maybe have him install a little bit of forced induction... *Ahem* TURBO....

Where abouts in the austin area are you located? I picked up a 5.3 from a buddy of mine for a good price, and I&#39;ve got plans for that thing as well.

I live off of 290 and Mopac right by William Cannon. Where r you?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Djdiddles &#064; Mar 7 2007, 06&#58;41 AM) [snapback]85554[/snapback]</div>

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I live off of 290 and Mopac right by William Cannon. Where r you?
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aha east riverside. I&#39;m surprised my truck hasn&#39;t been stolen yet.

hahahaha&#33; so do you live between mopac and 35 or on the outside of 35?

riverside isn&#39;t so bad over by the Hooters... haha