Stuffing in a V-8

[Joseph]

I was looking at my engine on day. Then I got wondering how do they stuff a V-8 in there. What would a guy or gal have to do get that done? It looks to me a very expensive thing to do let alone difficult. JH68

[a2b]

i have heard from someone else that if you do the work yourself and you stick a LS1 motor in, you are looking at 10k. alot of people think its easier and cheaper to just supercharge that 4.3 and it will be the same as having the 5.7 v-8

[Superchargedcrew]

Yes sir a supercharger on the 4.3 is like and better than having a v-8.

And you get the same or more hp for less money and better fuel mileage than a v-8 gets. Including the powerdyne kit, power programmer III, flowmaster exhuast I spent $2600.00 did all the work myself, which is way less than a motor swap 10k.

[a2b]

Yes sir a supercharger on the 4.3 is like and better than having a v-8.

And you get the same or more hp for less money and better fuel mileage than a v-8 gets. Including the powerdyne kit, power programmer III, flowmaster exhuast I spent $2600.00 did all the work myself, which is way less than a motor swap 10k.

nice... thats way cheaper, i want to do it tooo!!!!

[TNC]

I was looking at my engine on day. Then I got wondering how do they stuff a V-8 in there. What would a guy or gal have to do get that done? It looks to me a very expensive thing to do let alone difficult. JH68

It is not as tough as it sounds. As far as being emmisions legal that is another story. I did a 302 install on a 2wd ranger and it wasn't to bad. Basiclly I had to put in a hole new drivetrain (Radiator, Engine, Transmission, custom driveshaft, and 9" rearend w/ 4.11 gears). As far as doing it on the Crewcab, wouldn't be to bad. Getting it to fit wouldn't really be a problem. Basiclly you would have to get a smaller (more efficient) radiator with an electic fan and move it closer to the nose. On the engine you would need to get a lower profile water pump without a fan. Build new motor mounts and probably custom headers to clear the frame. As far as worth it... For all the work that would have to go into it a supercharger would be the way I would go... The 4.3 is a solid engine and can take a supercharger (IMO)... as far as the rest of the truck... keep an eye on the motor mounts transmission mounts... Best of luck...



Todd

[snowsurfer]

I own a 83 S10 ext cab that I bought 20 yrs ago new. I was never happy with the 2.8 so I powered it with a 305 chevy v8, 650 CFM/4 barrel, 700r4 trans, deep oil pan, 4WD, etc. I drive it daily to and from work for the last 3 years and love the power but realistically it cost me more than 2500.00 and lots of hours to get this done. I've also done a few 2 WD which can be done in a few days, a much easier project.

I've since purchased a new 03 Crew with the 4.3 and would like alittle more zip but after weighing the differences I'll probable go the supercharger route this time if I can find a decent price.

If you're serious about V8 let me know cause there's tons of info I can pass on to you that would make it alot easier. There's also a site JTR.com, I believe that sells a book with all the part numbers of items needed to do a swap, it does really pay to get this book..



Aloha

Steve

[a2b]

and there is other problems that no one has brought up......an 80's truck is different than the new trucks. and the fact we are 4x4 presents problems as well. every item is computer controlled. so if you drop a v-8 in...you have to drop a cpu in as well. for instance, if you drop the LS1 in your truck, the cpu will not work with the transfercase. so therefore you lose 4-lo. unless you want to pay a freelance programer to reprogram your cpu, you have to download the cpu software from a laptop everytime you switch....in other words, pain in the butt....so with the new trucks, you have to make sure all the computer crap is compatible with all of our computer controlled components