V8 Swap

[DanMan_S]

Hey guys

 

I've been wanting to do a V8 swap project for awhile and finally have the time/funds available to start one. Mainly I need a winter beater truck so that I don't destroy my SRT8 on the crappy Calgary roads when the snow + salt hit the road.

 

My goal is to get a second generation GMC Sonoma or Chevy S10 4x4 (or ZR2) preferably in crappy shape and throw in a LQ9/4L65. Initially I want to get the truck just to drive over this winter and collect parts until I can just throw the 6.0L and tranny in.

 

I realize that a 4.8L/5.3L/5.7L may be more reasonable but I figure that if I'm going the route of the chevy smallblock, I may as well go for the most punch available. And as parts break that'll just be more of a reason to upgrade them. I want to maintain the 4 wheel drive capability of the truck and will most likely be throwing in a lift kit and locking rear diff as well once I get the chance. Dual exhaust with Borla/Magnaflow mufflers, an Xpipe and turndowns before the rear axle are name of the noise game so that I don't spend a bunch of money on stainless pipe and welding.

 

To complete the poseur look, I also plan to stick VortecMax labels on the doors to make people think it's been riced out until I hit the key.

 

Does anyone have any good advice/resources in regards to such a project? I'm taking it slow right now and just waiting for the right truck in the right colour to show up first before making the rest of the leap.

 

Edit: This is in Alberta, Canada so there is absolutely no emissions testing to worry about.

[Hecktorx]

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/

 

I bought this manual a while back and it has all the info that you will need.

 

Also, a vortec 5.7 is a much easier swap.

[DanMan_S]

Yeah, I've been told that many times but I want to keep the engine as stock as possible and the performance of the 5.7 Vortec in my 98 Sierra was abit underwhelming compared to the 5.3L Vortec in my 05 Silvy.