05 Chevy 1500 engine swap

[Pikecrazed]

The 5.3 v8 on my truck is pretty close to its last days at 375k. I'm planning on doing an engine swap I've pulled a bunch of Subaru engines and a few mazdas, I want to do the engine on the truck soon so I was wondering what you would recommend as I want a bit more power as of right now I'm looking at either a rebuilt 12 valve cummins or the 6.2 vortec. Which would you guys recommend? I'm not to sure how hard putting the cummins in would be so any input would help.
Thanks for any input!

[dewalt18]

I would recommend buying a new truck if you're set on the diesel. . .

[Kaz Dog]

Would love to know what you decide. My '05 Chev 1500 5.3l is just over 385k and I know I am going to have a mechanical issue sooner than later, I am just not sure if it will be the engine, transmission, or transfer case.......

[Tfng]

The weight of the Cummins would destroy the front end of a 1/2 ton.

[Wolfslayer]

6.0 litre hands down

[JonBoy]

I'd stick with a "bolt in" solution (ie, one with a readily available swap kit or one that bolts in without any (significant) changes) rather than a custom solution. Easier, more reliable, less expensive, etc.

Why not just put another 5.3L in it? They're cheap, easy to find and pretty reliable.

I'm only at 219K on mine, so I've got a while before I throw the truck away.

[does it ALL outdoors]

Any newer LS is a bulletproof mill and very easy to squeeze power out of. 6.0 or a 6.2 and and your good for another 400K. It's not uncommon for them to come with 400+HP right from the factory. If you know someone with a dealers licence find a newer Yukon or full size truck or SUV that's been written off at auction and pull the drivetrain

[xxclaro]

Is the engine making noises or burning oil? Just curious as I've seen more than one come through the shop with over 500k on the clock, they are a pretty long lived engine. Of course they don't all last that long, much depends on maintenance. If it were me I'd go with either a 6L or get another 5.3 and do a bit of work on it before install to add a few ponies. Transmissions in these trucks concern me far more than the engine.

[gulfman]

Not only pikecrazed but crazy in the head also.......put a 5.3 back in or put that money towards a new truck.....obviously you don't realize the cost of trying to put in a cummins. engine, trans, exhaust, wiring labour, weight....wow list goes on....want a cummins buy a dodge. 6.2 gm hmmmm same scenario as above.... you want a diesel engine, buy it factory installed. give your head a shake just my $0.02 for free

[BigRedJeep]

I would be looking at rebuilding your current engine. Depends what's wrong with it I suppose. But you can get some respectable power out of your current platform for a reasonable cost into it without a million headaches. Try and find a replacement long block while running your current and start rebuilding it. Then throw it in on a weekend and your done. Hardly any downtime if you get a replacement found and rebuilt before your current mill packs er in.

[nimrod]

I have a 1980 350 4bolt main engine that might fit, more power than the 5.3 and might bolt up, Nmrod

[Nova]

Originally Posted by nimrod

I have a 1980 350 4bolt main engine that might fit, more power than the 5.3 and might bolt up, Nmrod

Different transmission bolt pattern, different mounting. Lots of classic guys (myself included) putting lsx engines into classics........nobody going the other way and there's a good reason for it.

[BigRedJeep]

Originally Posted by nimrod

I have a 1980 350 4bolt main engine that might fit, more power than the 5.3 and might bolt up, Nmrod

Mmm throw on a set of camel hump 2.02 heads with a stiff spring set and a fat cam. Mmmmm oh ya!

[mich]

ls7....

[BigRedJeep]

You could always go with a 4bt cummins swap. Save some weight from the 6bt you were thinking of. They're a respectable mill. Watching some you tube vids as I type haha. Don't listen to the negative nellies they're not car guys. KNew a guy with a jacked up 78 Ford with a 4bt in it. Was a very nice rig. Would be a lot funner project than the run of the mill throw an ls into it and call it good. Ls swaps while good is always the easy way out

[sako1]

Originally Posted by Nova

Different transmission bolt pattern, different mounting. Lots of classic guys (myself included) putting lsx engines into classics........nobody going the other way and there's a good reason for it.

Same bellhousing pattern.

[sako1]

Originally Posted by BigRedJeep

You could always go with a 4bt cummins swap. Save some weight from the 6bt you were thinking of. They're a respectable mill. Watching some you tube vids as I type haha. Don't listen to the negative nellies they're not car guys. KNew a guy with a jacked up 78 Ford with a 4bt in it. Was a very nice rig. Would be a lot funner project than the run of the mill throw an ls into it and call it good. Ls swaps while good is always the easy way out

Putting an ls in it isn't the easy way out. That's what it already has!

[SumoPerchWrestling]

Bottomless money pit for a wore out truck.I worked with a guy who put a 12valve in a ford and he nothing but issues,however there was a guy in sask that sells a conversion kit.

[BigRedJeep]

Originally Posted by sako1

Putting an ls in it isn't the easy way out. That's what it already has!

Oh I know but just saying everyone and their dog has done an ls swap into pretty much anything.

Originally Posted by SumoPerchWrestling

Bottomless money pit for a wore out truck.I worked with a guy who put a 12valve in a ford and he nothing but issues,however there was a guy in sask that sells a conversion kit.

Nothing wrong with getting creative in a project. I prefer recycling vehicles and components rather than buying brand new/shiney made in Mexico Bologna they market these days

[Nate_K1500]

6.0 would be my vote! Should drop in with the least amount of trouble.