Typical Engine Swaps for GMC Jimmy

cdnav8r · January 25, 2002

The only thing I have heard about the GMC Jimmy is that some people have swapped out the 4.3L V6 and replaced it with a 5.4L. That is the extent of what I have heard.

I was just curious as to what engines are typically swapped into GMC Jimmys (if need to be more specific, then it would be a year 2000 GMC Jimmy). What vehicle do people usually get the engine out of?

Is it a difficult or easy swap, and what price range (approx) is it for an engine swap?

By the way, this is more out of curiosity than me going through with it. Any info would be appreciated.

chevy4x4trucks · January 25, 2002

A lot of people put in an LS1 engine. I guess the swap isn't that hard. You can look around and find some manuals on how to do it.

TheScaryGuy · January 31, 2002

I know of 2 guys round me that put buick 3800's in their S-10's. I'm almost positive both are lowriders thou.

wack · February 25, 2002

If you hang on a little while GM is bringing out a 4.3 Ramjet crate motor.260 hp with manifolds 290 w/headers and dual exhaust.Sounds good to me.

AU Chevy · February 26, 2002

Some people put 350's in 'em. I plan on it. I bought the Jags that Run (JTR) swap book through Summit Racing. It has some good information. They talk a little about the LT1 swap. JTR claims that some minor frame modification is necessary to do the LT1 to get clearance for the steering shaft.

The link to JTR:

Jags That Run

cdnav8r · February 26, 2002

thanks for the link

CMNTMXR81 · February 27, 2002

There is an aftermarket company (can never remember the d*a*m*n name of the place) that makes a complete conversion kit for either F-body LT1's or LS1's. All you need to do is supply the LT1 or LS1 from a wrecked F-body. Preferred transmission choice for this swap is also the 4L60E that comes with the LT1/LS1. Although if you are adventuresome, I'm sure you could do a 6 speed conversion too.

Of course, you could always contact Lingenfelter. In one of the latest issues of Chevy High Performance, they had his latest concoction. It's a regular cab, 4x4 Sonoma that had the stock 4.3 replaced with a 427 cube LS1 stroker motor with twin turbo. So far it only runs 10.48 @ 131mph.

Once they get the transmission to keep the transmission fluid in the transmission itself and not in the tailstock, they plan on putting it in the 9's.