Ideas on power

[jdsilverado1]

Newbie here. I have read a few posts about engine swapping, and now my brain is in overdrive. I` ve got a `97 C1500 w/ 5.0l. I would like to just swap in a 5.7l, but now you`ve got me thinking. I was just going to port and polish my heads, install headers, and a whipple, that would finish me off. But..... ANy ideas on swapping out to a better motor, cam , anything that will run w/ the computer. I would like at least 350-400 Hp. Possible?

[SilveradoSS03]

Maybe you can find a used LS1 from a camaro or firebird? Or better yet, a corvette.

[Hit Man X]

Originally posted by jdsilverado1@Dec 27 2003, 01:14 PM
Newbie here. I have read a few posts about engine swapping, and now my brain is in overdrive. I` ve got a `97 C1500 w/ 5.0l. I would like to just swap in a 5.7l, but now you`ve got me thinking. I was just going to port and polish my heads, install headers, and a whipple, that would finish me off. But..... ANy ideas on swapping out to a better motor, cam , anything that will run w/ the computer. I would like at least 350-400 Hp. Possible?

A cam'd LS1 or LT1 would be bad ass. The Vortec 350 is a good motor just that damn intake manifold sucks. The LT1 is more of a direct swap for what you are currently running...probably easier to keep the A/C.

Ask GMCwantsLS1 or Farmtruc....they have swaps in their trucks.

[Hit Man X]

BTW... welcome to the site!

[jdsilverado1]

So I should locate an engine, complete, wiring harness, and computer? I should be able to use my own alt, starter. Wow , my brain is going to explode along w/ my wallet!!!!!!!!&#33 ;!!!!!!

[Hit Man X]

Originally posted by jdsilverado1@Dec 28 2003, 03:59 PM
So I should locate an engine, complete, wiring harness, and computer? I should be able to use my own alt, starter. Wow , my brain is going to explode along w/ my wallet!!!!!!!!&#33 ;!!!!!!

Depends on what motor you go with.

LT1/4 would probably use all your stock accessories as it's the old SBC motor and I think is similar to your Vortec 350

4.8/5.3/5.7/6.0 Gen III motors will need all the newer ones and probably take some fab'ing to get the A/C to work right.

[farmtruc]

Originally posted by jdsilverado1@Dec 28 2003, 02:59 PM
So I should locate an engine, complete, wiring harness, and computer? I should be able to use my own alt, starter. Wow , my brain is going to explode along w/ my wallet!!!!!!!!&#33 ;!!!!!!

Like Hitman said, if you go with the genIII engines, nothing will swap over. The LT1 would be an easier swap.
However, the power and smoothness of the ls1 is unmatched, my opinion only, and will get you moving fast.

You'll need a complete engine, harness, and computer.

It's easier to buy everything together, it's a pain to mix and match parts.

good luck and keep us updated,

allen

[jdsilverado1]

Thanks. Allen, is that your truck on hpsalvage.com? I emailed them on pricing. I want to make to shine also, so I would rather do it myself. I plan on making the engine bay PURPLE. So alot of work is ahead of me. I saw there pics of a `94 and that motor sure looks GOOD.

[Hit Man X]

Nothing is wrong with an LT1! Well that Optispark is junk from what I understand but once replaced or gone to coil packs you are free.

AFR makes lots of heads for it, cams everywhere, headers, 4" bore, cheap stroker cranks, etc.

[farmtruc]

Originally posted by jdsilverado1@Dec 28 2003, 09:58 PM
Thanks. Allen, is that your truck on hpsalvage.com? I emailed them on pricing. I want to make to shine also, so I would rather do it myself. I plan on making the engine bay PURPLE. So alot of work is ahead of me. I saw there pics of a `94 and that motor sure looks GOOD.

Ya, sure is, i bought a couple of parts from him for the swap. Thanks on the comments, i like the way the truck intake fills the space up.

let us know on your decision,

allen