Engine swap

[Thebodyman]

Hey so I have a 06 Sierra rcsb with the 4.3. I have a 2012 Sierra rcsb with the 5.3. The 12 is totaled and needs a frame. I want to take the 4.3 out and swap with the 5.3 from the 12. Anyone done this before on here with some info on it?

[Supreme Pizza]

I find it unlikely that they could be swapped with ease.

 

You would have to swap computers, and wiring harness - I would assume.

 

Beyond that, would the new ECU talk to the old transmission? 

 

You can also use eBay parts compatibility programs to check for easy compatibility.

[CamGTP]

It could be done with lots of time and money.

 

It's not an easy swap by any means, those are two completely different generations of trucks. Far easier to swap in a 99-07 engine than it is a 2007.5+ engine. The P59 computer in your 2004 truck can not control a 2012 engine. Not without swapping crank reluctors and cam gear, plus you have to modify the harness for the knock sensors, cam sensor and a few other things.

 

Or you can swap the entire drivetrain from the 2012, engine and transmission and use the E38 computer that uses. Then swap over the electronic pedal and all that stuff too. Somebody I believe makes adapter harness stuff and BCM harness stuff to make the cluster function but that adds a bunch of cost and headache to the build.

[dna9656]

CAM GPT: that sounds like a HUGE hemorrhoid. Dang what a PIA!

[Thebodyman]

The 12 is a complete truck so I do have basically everything I need to swap. Definitely going to take some time if I do decide to go that way. Couldn’t pass up the 12 when it was offered to me. Paid $1000 for it. Not afraid of spending time doing the complete swap. Going to be at least a year project with swap and paint. Been in the auto body trade for 20 years now so that side of the project is a walk in the park

[Supreme Pizza]

14 minutes ago, Thebodyman said:

The 12 is a complete truck so I do have basically everything I need to swap. Definitely going to take some time if I do decide to go that way. Couldn’t pass up the 12 when it was offered to me. Paid $1000 for it. Not afraid of spending time doing the complete swap. Going to be at least a year project with swap and paint. Been in the auto body trade for 20 years now so that side of the project is a walk in the park

 

 

 

Does the 4.3 run? Why do you want to swap it out?

[Thebodyman]

Supreme pizza. Yes it still runs but very poorly. Pretty sure there some internal issues going on. Got stolen a couple years ago and has been nothing but engine issues since

[Supreme Pizza]

1 hour ago, Thebodyman said:

Supreme pizza. Yes it still runs but very poorly. Pretty sure there some internal issues going on. Got stolen a couple years ago and has been nothing but engine issues since

 

 

   I see.

  

     Based on all the info that I have gathered - I suggest that you abandon this motor swap idea.

 

     I understand your enthusiasm about the project, but I have done enough of this kind of stuff to recommend that you do not proceed.

 

      The cost/benefit is not there.

[txab]

I'd part out the 12 and use the proceeds to buy appropriate equip for your current truck. Easier, quicker

[shakenfake]

It isn't that the job is tedious per se it is just that the parts required fail somewhat often and then just don't work right and are quite expensive