Motor Swap In Tahoe

Cool Zr2 · September 21, 2007

I think I found a way to stick it to the oil companies..... I found a complete 98 1/2 ton v-6 truck that was wrecked. I'm gonna swap in that v-6 into my Tahoe. I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner, I mean, good mileage and I still can have a full size SUV that I can fit my fat butt into.

If I get all the parts it will be plug and play and shouldn't take more that a day to swap..... I should get about 22 MPG compared to the 15 I have been getting.......

What do u fellers think, I think its a no brainer..... I just got to get the 4.3 torque converter so I can keep the R's up to make up for the weight......

If you really think about it, the 4.3 vortec has just as much power as the older TBI burbs.....

mini1 · September 21, 2007

or you could just loose weight

Wingnut · September 21, 2007

That V6 isn't going to net you any mpg gains in a vehicle of that weight.

but if you REALLY want to try...I'll swap you engines.

bryanhunt · September 21, 2007

Curb weight on the tahoe: 5251lbs

Curb weight of 98 1/2 ton: 3859lbs

Given the drag coefficent is a lot worse on an suv than a pickup...

I'd expect you to get about 15mpg.

bamabrock · September 21, 2007

Do you really think the mileage savings would equal the time and money you put into the swap? Sell the Tahoe and get an Altima.

steveR · September 21, 2007

AND with all your hard work, time and money. You'll never be able to re-sell it. Keep the v8. get it breathing easier, and if you want tape an egg under the go peddle. That should help.

Just my .02 cents. Which by the way is also amercan .02 cents.

mattro · September 21, 2007

The V6 4.3l isn't as efficient as you would think....in my '99 round body silverado reg cab 4x4 I can pull out 17mpg on all freeway that is getting about 425 miles to the 25gal tank. My truck weighs 6,100lbs....in the city most i can get is 380 to a tank which is 15.2mpg but i will average 12-13 city/freeway combo. You put my engine in a hoe and its gonna be working hard wasting fuel....oh i didn't mention ive got a 5spd....id put a brand new 2007 engine in it they probably are more effiecient as the years come....as for resale u just dont say anything but they may notice its a little guttless

Schmids5.3l · September 21, 2007

If you look at fuel consumption of fullsize v6 trucks vs fullsize v8 trucks, it's lucky to be 1 mpg. That 4.3 is going to struggle to get the big burb moving and keep it moving on the highway. Like the others say look into dropping in a newer motor, I get lower 20's mpg on the highway.

IMO it doesn't make since to put a v6 in a fullsize, unless you need to save money on payments for a lower costing truck. The gas mileage is very close to the v8, and there's no power. Unless you need a new fleet of company trucks that will ride the highways then it makes since, because you don't need power or the $3,000 dollar option of having a V8. Just something with a bed to carry stuff in.

Wingnut · September 22, 2007

.... because you don't need power or the $3,000 dollar option of having a V8. Just something with a bed to carry stuff in.

I've been looking into it a lot lately, and it will be less than a $2,000 "option" for me to upgrade...And that's for both the engine and tranny along with me keeping my existing stuff.

lt1transam13 · September 22, 2007

To me, that just sounds like the dumbest Idea I have ever heard... sorry

topdj · September 22, 2007

too much work for very little if any payback

Schmids5.3l · September 22, 2007

.... because you don't need power or the $3,000 dollar option of having a V8. Just something with a bed to carry stuff in.

I've been looking into it a lot lately, and it will be less than a $2,000 "option" for me to upgrade...And that's for both the engine and tranny along with me keeping my existing stuff.

Your red Silverado has a 4.3l?

Wingnut · September 22, 2007

.... because you don't need power or the $3,000 dollar option of having a V8. Just something with a bed to carry stuff in.

I've been looking into it a lot lately, and it will be less than a $2,000 "option" for me to upgrade...And that's for both the engine and tranny along with me keeping my existing stuff.

Your red Silverado has a 4.3l?

Yup, 2wd V6.

BigJayDogg3 · September 22, 2007

For me, it almost wouldn't pay to buy a V-8. I could buy a brand new truck with the V-6, and buy a 5.3 for $500. Granted, its rebuilt, but hey, the fun is in breaking down on the side of the road at 3 am.