5.3 vs 5.7 vs 6.0

[bigburb]

I'm pretty sure this topic has been brought up before somewhere, after an hour of searching the forum I can't find anything though.

Anyway, I've got a 93 suburban with a tired 350TBI in it. I hate trying to tune this thing, its damn near impossible to get it perfect especially with how inflexible the computer is. Right now I'm daily driving my cammed 98 camaro, but I about to transfer to UH to finish my degree and it is a longer drive, in traffic, and I'm not looking forward to that 6 speed manual that I love so much. The truck has sentimental value to me, so I'm not selling it, I'd rather update it.

Basically I'm trying to weigh my options. I'd like this to be a budget build, so more than likely whatever option I choose will get a small cam and port/polish, tune, and LT's of course. One day I may retire it as my DD, so future big mods aren't out of the question though(forced induction?). From what I can tell here's what each one has going for them:

5.3: Cheap. Would definetely be an improvement over what I have. For those of you who did a 5.3 swap, would you go bigger if you could do it again?
5.7: Good HP out of the box, reliable, but I hear you have to relocate the AC with expensive brackets. This turns me off. Also since it is built for a car that weighs about half what my truck does, I'm afraid it wouldn't fit the bill for me.
6.0: I hear nothing but good things about these, but how's the gas mileage? I don't want to get any less than what I was getting with my 350, which was about 14.6 city and 18 freeway.

Also, what are your comments on a 4 speed vs 6 speed auto?

[RedHeartbeat]

you will have to cut and box the frame to clear any of the stock Gen3 engine a/c units. The relocation kit is needed to mount it up high and prevent the fabrication work. There are also write-ups of how guys have used the factory 93 style a/c unit on the Gen3 engine setup. Search and ye shall find.

[bigburb]

Can someone help me out with a link? forum search won't find anything for me.

[1BADC10]

Can someone help me out with a link? forum search won't find anything for me.

Depends on what you searched for... I know the 20-second wait between searches can be annoying at times. Found this: A/C Kit & Pic from a member here at LS1Truck.

Gotta try various keywords to yield results. Wish this was available when I did my swap.

[bigburb]

plus anything you search for that is 3 characters or less doesn't find anything, like LQ4.

Does anyone know if you can reuse the 93 PS pump and alternator with the LS setup? If I need the LS style, do I need to make sure to get one from a vehicle that did not have speed sensitive steering, or is that in the steering box?

[Weirdguy]

You could also use this set up.



Youngs F-Body www.youngsfbody.com - 82-02 Camaro Parts, Z28 Parts, Camaro SS Parts, Firebird Parts, Trans AM Parts, GTA Parts, Iroc Parts, Formula Parts and Firehawk Parts - LS1 3rd Gen AC Brackets

[bigburb]

I already ordered the kwik performance a/c mount. looks like i'd still have to buy a compressor off a 3rd gen to make it work on that one.

[Turbo_smh]

Yes my power steering pump did work on the new setup, the altenator I bought for 80 bux new on ebay if you dont have one already and the ac you already took care of. My pickup with the 4.3 averaged about 19 to 20mph now with the 5.7 avgs 25mph with the mods and a half ass tune

[RedHeartbeat]

The website says you have to use a Sanden compressor with their brackets. Go back and read the details and the installation instructions, it will give you something to ponder until you get all the parts in hand.

[bigburb]

yeah the sanden compressor thing is the only hitch, I had kinda planned on transferring EVERYTHING over from a newer truck, including the dual zone climate control. however, since the compressors on new trucks are variable displacement, i'm not sure how I could interface the two systems together.