<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(85C10 &#064; May 28 2007, 10&#58;49 AM) [snapback]94939[/snapback]</div>
GMCwantsLS1:

For question 1: I guess you are talking about an ordinary replacement motor? From what source? GM Goodwrench? So I guess the 45 hp and 25 lb-ft the 5.3 HO has over the LM7 isn&#39;t worth the &#036;2900 (Scoggin Dickey) price tag in your opinion? And you DON&#39;T think it is possible to get the engine running with about &#036;2600 left over.

New question: Is it on your &#39;81 that you used the f-body front accessories? Were there any frame modifications necessary for the A/C? It looks like the truck setup locates the compressor closer to the crank pulley.

Allstar55566:

For question 3: what water pump issues? Can&#39;t I swipe the water pump off the donor car I get the manifold from?
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I think your real close on the swap cost. If you really want that 5.3L, don&#39;t let me stop you. You can easily make up 45 HP with a few mods and tuning. I&#39;ve seen pull out 5.3L with 0 miles in the &#036;1500 range so just thought this might be an option.

Very minor frame mods for A/C, mostly to the parts that unbolt. I think the truck A/C compressor would be harder than the f-body because that hoses exit the side of the compressor instead of the rear.