Engine / Tranny Swap - Worth It?

Airspeed-Alive · March 29, 2009

Hey everyone,

I found a truck for sale (probably the 1000'th one I've been looking at). It's very sharp but the only thing is that is has a 4.3L V6 in it with a standard tranny (woohoo!). The truck is a 2001 Silverado 4x4 and has 107k miles on it. I figured if I did buy it, big 'if', I'd likely run the engine into the ground and stick a 5.3L in. Now if I did that, I'm assuming I'd also have to put in the appropriate (auto?) transmission for better gear ratios with the extra power/torque I'd be getting.

Is this worth it? Or would I be better in spending an extra few thousand and buying the 5.3 right off the bat. The truck already has a small lift, blacked right out - it's exactly what I've been looking for - minus the engine.

I could get by with the 4.3 right now, as all I'd be doing is lugging my atv around in the box and pulling the odd light trailer. Just want to hear what you guys think.

Airspeed-Alive · March 29, 2009

Haha, well I think I have my answer!

Off to a 5.3

98 Z71 SLT · March 29, 2009

Too much time and effort to swap all that stuff out for 2 more cylinders and a different trans.

Crossmember, complete exhaust with cats, PCM, main engine harness wiring, radiators,etc...the list goes on and on to do what you are considering.

Just keep looking and purchase the truck you really want.

ukrkoz · March 29, 2009

craigslist is packed with trucks that are offered cheap and sold for even cheaper. it's either truck payments, or mortgage payments and Chapter11 now, you know...

i82much · March 30, 2009

craigslist is packed with trucks that are offered cheap and sold for even cheaper. it's either truck payments, or mortgage payments and Chapter11 now, you know...

Drive it first! Man I love my 4.3 RCSB 4x4. The manual trans makes a big difference. It wasn't that long ago Ford was selling F-350's with 300 six cylinders making 140 hp. 4.3's last forever too. If you're not doing any heavy-duty towing or heavily-loaded climbs up steep hills, you may never miss that extra power.

On the other hand - DON'T get a 4.3 for gas mileage. They really aren't any better than the V-8s.

Good luck whatever you choose!

Airspeed-Alive · March 31, 2009

craigslist is packed with trucks that are offered cheap and sold for even cheaper. it's either truck payments, or mortgage payments and Chapter11 now, you know...

Drive it first! Man I love my 4.3 RCSB 4x4. The manual trans makes a big difference. It wasn't that long ago Ford was selling F-350's with 300 six cylinders making 140 hp. 4.3's last forever too. If you're not doing any heavy-duty towing or heavily-loaded climbs up steep hills, you may never miss that extra power.

On the other hand - DON'T get a 4.3 for gas mileage. They really aren't any better than the V-8s.

Good luck whatever you choose!

Thanks for the insight. The 4.3 is a great engine I know. The only thing is that I plan on packing up, throwing the atv in the box and driving to BC, Alberta, or the NWT for a new job in a year or so. Might want the slightly larger engine for that trip. Not looking forward to the gas bill though!!

i82much · March 31, 2009

If you've got time, look for a 4.8 5 speed truck. That would have loads of power. For the use you're talking about, maybe towing 2-3k lbs., even on a decent hill I really think you'd be fine esp. with the manual trans.

On the other hand it will never be cost effective or easy to swap in a new engine, or to mod the 4.3 up to V-8 power levels. All things considered sounds like you should look for a V-8. If after a while you can't find one in your price range/configuration, maybe go ahead and get a 4.3.