New guy here!

[80K25]

Howdy!

A buddy of mine recently bought, then totalled a 2000 Chevy 1500 with a 5.3 / 4l60e. He rolled it approx 12 times after hitting the ditch, then overcorrecting to get back onto the road. The engine and such all survived the crash, though the body is totally shot (buddy is alright too)

He has graciously offered to let me buy the engine, and all related components off him at a pretty good price, so I am looking into possibly doing a upgrade on my current DD's powerplant next summer once I'm done university. Currently I've got a Vortec 4.3L / NV3500 / NP241 combo in my 96 GMC K1500, and while it gets me around alright, and does get some pretty respectable mileage running around empty, it leaves much to be desired getting onto the highway, or when I toss my quad in the back, and hook the boat up behind to go camping in the summer.

The 2000 5.3 still runs without any trouble, and has very low mileage, approx 50 000 miles (my 96 has 70 000 miles), and I'd be welcome to take the whole engine, and all related electrical.

I've already converted my old 77 Chevy Stepper to TBI, then converted my baby ('80 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4) over to TPI, so I'm not entirely new to EFI, but still have a number of equestions to ask you guys.

First question is related to my standard tranny. I'm aware that the NV3500 should bolt straight up to the engine, as far as the bellhousing goes, but my question is with regards to the flywheel and pressure plate. Will they play with my NV3500's stock clutch disk, and throwout bearing? How about the pilot bearing? Can a guy get one that will work with the NV3500?

Next is with regards to exhaust -- My 4.3L has a good exhaust system on it, 2.5" single with a new cat, and new 02 sensors off both manifolds, and after the cat. Am I going to have to replace the whole setup, or can I make my existing exhaust work? I can get the exhaust off the 2000, but I am not entirely sure how well it will fit my older bodystyle truck.

Third is with regards to instrumentation. Does my NV3500 produce the proper signal for use with the 5.3s ECM etc?

I'd re-work the wiring harness myself, like I did with both the TBI and the TPI conversion, and I'm not concerned about the cooling system, fuel system, or mounting the engine otherwise.

What kind of hidden costs are there that I'm not thinking about? Assuming I spend 1000 on the engine, and all useable components from the 2000, how much do you figure I'd have in it when all was said and done?

Sorry for coming here any asking questions I'm sure you've all heard a million times, but my searching only turned up results for either older, or newer trucks

Thanks for any help / advice you guys have! All I'm really looking for is to figure out exactly what is involved, and find some good reading material so I can make an educated decision of if I should do the 5.3 swap, or just go with a tried and true Vortec 350.

Russ

EDIT -- Just about forgot! Here are a few pics of my 96!

[NITROUS]

Hey Sierra Classic, You can keep the stock exhaust and have headers built or use the stock manifolds with minor pipe adjustments at the collectors. All of your stock gauges will work with a little help from HPTuners or Dakota Digital and you'll be able to keep the ABS. You'll need to remove all of the engine controls from the Vortec harness and tie the 5.3 wiring into the C100 connector on the firewall. Get you a set of adapter plates from S&P, Ebay or make them yourself, they are really easy. As far as the tranny goes you'll have to ask someone else since it's standard, mine is automatic. Hidden costs won't be too bad using the stock exhaust manifolds. The A/C is another issue. Do you want to relocate it to the top using an S&P kit with Sanden 508 or use the stock 5.3 compressor and notch the frame out? Keep asking questions and I guarantee you'll get them answered here.

[80K25]

What kind of cruise control, VSS, and ABS signals do the ECM produce? Of course, I'm assuming it is like my TPI ECM in that it takes a 40 pulse per driveshaft revolution AC voltage signal in, then outputs the various other signals... Less the speedometer not getting a 4000 pulse per mile signal, I cannot think of any reason why the stock gauges couldn't be made to work... If it comes down to it, I might even be able to design a signal converter to make it work...

Didn't even think about the AC, I'll need to look into the conversion bracketry, or see if I can find some pics about the kind of clearancing that would be required.

Will a guy have any oil pan to crossmember clearance issues?

What is the cost of getting a 5.3 ECM re-flashed for use with an auto, getting the VATS eliminated, and removing any torque management stuff? I don't need or want a higher performance tune, unless it will improve my economy along with the power...

[Red03SilSS]

Welcome! Im not to familiar with the 96's. But you will love the new power of the 5.3L!