Not new... but it's been about a year...

I've been a member on here for a while... but very, very inactive. The last time I was on here was last November. So, why am I back? My truck is finally getting to the point for some major work to be done, and you just might be able to guess what I'm thinking... new motor and trans (mine are all original). The front and rear main seals on my bone stock original 305 are going out, so with the time and energy that it would take to do that I'm thinking it's going to be a good time to put in something reliable. I'm not looking for anything fancy, or insane amounts of power (is there such a thing?). I'm just wanting to do something simple, that is efficient and works well. Ideas and thoughts are welcome.

It always starts out so innocent. Glad to have you back. Are you thinking about some LSX power for your squarebody? There are quite a few of those here.

6.0/4l80e

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Originally Posted by GMCwantsLS1

It always starts out so innocent. Glad to have you back. Are you thinking about some LSX power for your squarebody? There are quite a few of those here.

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Sure am. Actually I've been thinking about it for about a year or two; now I may have a pretty good reason to do it. More efficient, more reliable, more power. I'm doing a lot of research on this, I want to do this right the first time because I can't afford a second.

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Originally Posted by HarleyDave

6.0/4l80e

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How's the fit and finish? Driveability? How much did it cost?

Welcome back, and yes a 6.0/4L80E would go very nice in that truck!

Welcome back into the madness!

Ok, so we want to have a truck with V8 power, but want it to be efficient at the same time. Ok guys, I am with all of you when you say LQ9/80e, but I am thinking this guy might steer towards a 5.3L/65e combo. The 5.3 is a decently efficient motor (with my mods I am getting 20 mpg city/hwy mixed) and can be found pretty cheap compared to the highly desirable 6.0L.

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Originally Posted by txarkitekt

Welcome back into the madness!

Ok, so we want to have a truck with V8 power, but want it to be efficient at the same time. Ok guys, I am with all of you when you say LQ9/80e, but I am thinking this guy might steer towards a 5.3L/65e combo. The 5.3 is a decently efficient motor (with my mods I am getting 20 mpg city/hwy mixed) and can be found pretty cheap compared to the highly desirable 6.0L.

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Thank you.

The LQ9 would be great, but a bit much for what I'm looking for. Is the LS1 a 5.3 or 5.7? I was over on GMPP and it says 5.7 under the LS1 and LS6. With the combo you mentioned, what would I be looking at -ballpark- for price? Next question, why the 65e instead of a 60 or 80? Anything at this point is going to get better power, efficiency and be more reliable than what is in it. With the new motor and trans. would there be any issues with the drive shaft? And I'm sure new gears would be a smart idea, right now it's running 2.73's. So, in reality, I'm looking at a brand new drivetrain at some point in the, hopefully, near-er future.

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Originally Posted by ThrottleHappy7

Thank you.

The LQ9 would be great, but a bit much for what I'm looking for. Is the LS1 a 5.3 or 5.7? I was over on GMPP and it says 5.7 under the LS1 and LS6. With the combo you mentioned, what would I be looking at -ballpark- for price? Next question, why the 65e instead of a 60 or 80? Anything at this point is going to get better power, efficiency and be more reliable than what is in it. With the new motor and trans. would there be any issues with the drive shaft? And I'm sure new gears would be a smart idea, right now it's running 2.73's. So, in reality, I'm looking at a brand new drivetrain at some point in the, hopefully, near-er future.

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the LS1 is a 5.7 liter all aluminum motor which is pretty much the norm in camaro's and t/a's. the 5.3 LM7 is the most common motor in 99+ trucks and suv's. in my opinion, its a great motor for any light duty truck with decent power and fuel efficiancy. it is an iron block aluminum head motor which is very durable and can put up with great amounts of abuse(trust me, i do know this first hand). the 65e is the updated version of the 60e and by all means, go with the 65e- its been proven to be a very good tranny unlike the 60. the 80 is for high hp or heavy duty work trucks, most commonly found in the 2500's. hope this helps with any of your questions.

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Originally Posted by yellowdemon327

the LS1 is a 5.7 liter all aluminum motor which is pretty much the norm in camaro's and t/a's. the 5.3 LM7 is the most common motor in 99+ trucks and suv's. in my opinion, its a great motor for any light duty truck with decent power and fuel efficiancy. it is an iron block aluminum head motor which is very durable and can put up with great amounts of abuse(trust me, i do know this first hand). the 65e is the updated version of the 60e and by all means, go with the 65e- its been proven to be a very good tranny unlike the 60. the 80 is for high hp or heavy duty work trucks, most commonly found in the 2500's. hope this helps with any of your questions.

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That helped clear some questions I had in my mind; thanks. I know the LS1 quite well from having looked at getting a Camaro or T/A for well over a year... I spent so much time on that side that I missed the truck side, at least as far as motors go.

The more I think about it, the more the 5.3/65e combo is starting to look like a good idea and make a lot of sense. I guess what I'm looking for is the drivetrain and harness from a 99+. When did the 65e come into play?