+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: 97 Tahoe 5.7 Vortech swap to LS2 6.0

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Kerman, CA
    Posts
    52

    Arrow 97 Tahoe 5.7 Vortech swap to LS2 6.0

    Okay so i just got this 97 4x4 Tahoe that has the 5.7 Vortech motor in it with 243xxx on it. i was going to get a 06 Silverado Crew Cab Z71 but got this Tahoe for FREE!! (well 15 bucks for name change at DMV!!LOL) motor runs great, no major problems other than the fact that it is dirty has heck as far as the carpet and leather seats and panels etc... it was missing the side mirror knob but got one on ebay and the radio was crap... good thing i saved my old stock Delco CD player of my 99 Sierra which plugged right in. now i was or better yet going to put a LS2 6.0 in it for sure. off a 05 06 GTO which is alot cheaper and easier to come by. getting it for cheap too since my buddy owes me alot of favors so hes getting me one for SUPER CHEAP! i know there are minor differences in the Vette LS2 and the GTO LS2.... like redline for Vette is 6k vs GTO 52000 Redline.... and the intake and the pulley belt system is about 3/4 also to the block on the Vette LS2 v the GTO LS2. and the major thing is the oil system... heard GTO had or have problems with oiling..... but than i started to think ... is there a plug in play harness for this kind of swap???? and what kind of tranny should i put? what can i use?? can i just swap in the 4l80e tranny? but will it work since i have a 4x4 setup? i do want to keep my 4x4 setup cause i want to lunch it in 4x4.... (can i do that and then change it back to 4x2 afterwards?) what do i need to do to the diff up front so it can handle my new power/torque?

    i am going to try and get as close as possible to 500-600 rwhp.... i know i may have to go into turbos or super chargers if i want that kind of power... or do i??? what major things should i do while am swaping the LS2 in? i know the tranny has to go... rearend? the front diff? harness?

    what bout changing my dash? like getting a newer dash from a 01 or possible 06???? so i can have better looking dash with better gauges and needles. is it possible with out too much modding...


    also i am wanting to lift it like 6'' but i do want to lower it a bit... not sure what to do... i am painting this new toy of mine BLACK... its a purple buruandy color right now... not having this .. trust me... ill post pics of the tahoe as it sits now and so you guys can see the how project... got it last friday... and starting to tear it apart this weekend to get it ready for paint this month(hopefully)

    any input is helpful.. and thanks ahead of time!!!!
    99' Ext Cab 5.3l Soon to be sleeper!!!


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Fort Smith, Arkansas
    Posts
    496
    woah........
    i know your excited bout gettin it for free but you gotta just breathe.......
    You got so many questions all at once i dunno where to start!
    First of all, if you are gonna run an LS2 in a 4x4 tahoe you are definitely gonna want a 4l80e cause it will roast a 4l60e in no time. Im not sure but if you wanna keep the 4x4 you can probably get the 4x4 4l80e and transfer case and it will atleast get close to bolting up.

    As far as the dash goes, i have never done it nor heard of anyone doing it but im sure you could if you REALLY wanted to. Im sure it would be a major PITA and not worth it.

    And "wanting to lift it like 6'' but i do want to lower it a bit"....good luck with that.....

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Posts
    473
    Even though you got the Tahoe for free, its going to cost you some change to do all the things you propose. The LS2/4L80E is far from a plug & play, going into an OBS. Is it all worth it? How long you want to keep this Tahoe? You have to put a value on your time as well.(Just my .02)
    Last edited by LS1GMCTruck; 02-12-2010 at 03:59 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Kerman, CA
    Posts
    52
    the 4L80e w/ transfer case is going to cost me more than the LS2. so as far how much dollar value/time ... it going to be my weekend TOY so i can drive the cr@p out of it and have fun. i think the fun will greatly out way what ill spend. plus i can always make some or must of my money back by selling the LS2 and 4L80e w/ transfer case after. how much work is it going to take to get the LS2 running ???
    99' Ext Cab 5.3l Soon to be sleeper!!!


+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts