4.3 to 5.3 swap questions

[bartjo06]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking around here for a while trying to learn as much as I can on the forums when the time comes to do the 4.3 to 5.3 swap in my obs 1997 rclb 4x4. I'm to the point now where I really want to order the motor and just had a few questions that I'm sure some of you can chime in on. I'm a power engineer that has knowledge of power plants, but unfortunately very little knowledge of vehicle mechanics. For that reason, I'm looking to have a local shop do my swap and I'm trying to get out the door for the least amount of money. I graduate next spring so that's when I'll really have the money to start putting into the truck, for now it'll be stock motor (minus exhaust, CAI, and a few other things) and hopefully stock 4L60E (140k miles) depeneding on if that lasts). So, here's my questions without further ado.

-Where is a good place to pick up a motor (I live in Charlotte, NC), is E-bay reputable?
-Can I use my stock radiator?
-Can I use my stock fuel system?
-I'll obviously need a tune from Nelson or the like for the 5.3 implant, right?
-How much in labor costs might I be looking at?
-It would be advantageous to have a cam installed at time of motor implant probably, right?


I know you guys are probably going to direct me to the OBS conversion thread, which I've already looked over, but any help would be greately appreciated. The 4.3 is giving me tons of issues lately and I'm just tired of "polishing a turd".

Thanks again for all the help in advance guys!

[ducky]

-Where is a good place to pick up a motor (I live in Charlotte, NC), is E-bay reputable?
Any junkyard, ebay is alright just check online

-Can I use my stock radiator?
yes

-Can I use my stock fuel system?
yes, but if you decide to start modding it would be a good idea to invest in a walbro 255 pump and bigger injectors you can just directly swap over

-I'll obviously need a tune from Nelson or the like for the 5.3 implant, right?
yes to start the vehicle you will

-How much in labor costs might I be looking at?
do it yourself. Ive never done anything like else, and I was able to do it. Its just motor mounts that are hard to find. you will really be suprised at how easy it can be

-It would be advantageous to have a cam installed at time of motor implant probably, right?
might as well figure out what direction yoru going in with your truck and then start buying/modding from there. Forced Induction, NA, nitrous etc

[bartjo06]

-Where is a good place to pick up a motor (I live in Charlotte, NC), is E-bay reputable?
Any junkyard, ebay is alright just check online

-Can I use my stock radiator?
yes

-Can I use my stock fuel system?
yes, but if you decide to start modding it would be a good idea to invest in a walbro 255 pump and bigger injectors you can just directly swap over

-I'll obviously need a tune from Nelson or the like for the 5.3 implant, right?
yes to start the vehicle you will

-How much in labor costs might I be looking at?
do it yourself. Ive never done anything like else, and I was able to do it. Its just motor mounts that are hard to find. you will really be suprised at how easy it can be

-It would be advantageous to have a cam installed at time of motor implant probably, right?
might as well figure out what direction yoru going in with your truck and then start buying/modding from there. Forced Induction, NA, nitrous etc

Thanks for the info ducky (your truck is gorgeous by the way)! I'll def check the junkyards around here this week, there's bound to be something in the Charlotte area. I eventually want to run a turbo, front mount, but money is sort of tight until I graduate from school. I've already decided on Nelson for my tuning and such since I've heard such good things about them on the forum. I was also thinking about picking up some Schoenfeld or OBX headers since I'll be redoing my exhaust, any preferences between these two guys? I eventually want to do a 4L80E swap but want to stick with my 4L60E for the time being, is there anything that can be done aside from changing fluid and such to insure the trans will last?

[ducky]

If you decide to go turbo I would hold off on the headers. You can run a 40k transmission cooler to help with transmission longevity.

[bartjo06]

If you decide to go turbo I would hold off on the headers. You can run a 40k transmission cooler to help with transmission longevity.

Good call on holding off on the headers if I'm gonna go turbo down the road, wasn't really thinking about that. I'll look into the trans cooler. I can't wait to get this 4.3 out!

[ducky]

I know what you mean. I mean you can do a good muffler without cats for now on the 5.3 and it will sound good

[zebra]

just a word from experience, i wouldn't count on money being more available after graduation unless you already have a definite job lined up. i've been graduated over a year & money has been tighter than ever.

to make things even better, my truck went out last month...

since i was planning on doing this down the road anyway, it's goodbye 4.3 - hello 5.3!
now i'm just waiting on money & borrowing my brother's truck while he's recovering from surgery

[bartjo06]

just a word from experience, i wouldn't count on money being more available after graduation unless you already have a definite job lined up. i've been graduated over a year & money has been tighter than ever.

to make things even better, my truck went out last month...

since i was planning on doing this down the road anyway, it's goodbye 4.3 - hello 5.3!
now i'm just waiting on money & borrowing my brother's truck while he's recovering from surgery

Ouch! That's rough man, I'm sorry to hear about all the bad news. Fortunately, the program I'm in has an incredibly high demand for new hires. I've already been offered several jobs prior to going into my senior year so I feel pretty fortunate especially with the current economic situation. Anyways, good luck with your build, keep us updated on the progress, best of luck.

[zebra]

thanks & congrats getting potential jobs