5.3, versus 6.0, versus 5.7

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Gumby - Yes, it looks like a huge improvement. There are a couple of YouTube videos online about doing the installation - it looks straightforward but requires a lot of patience.


spotcruiser - Thanks for the info. I'm not going to do AC in my 40, but I'd love to the York compressor. Point me at a thread if there is one.
 
I didn't do a thread, but I can provide additional photos and info on parts (clutch, belt).

workingdog said:
spotcruiser - Thanks for the info. I'm not going to do AC in my 40, but I'd love to the York compressor. Point me at a thread if there is one.
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the spyder upgrade improves the idle and may deal with some other issues. I just did mine for the hell of it. It may be the standard GM replacement part at present time. I use Rock Auto a lot for parts and I've bought some GM stuff from gmpartsdirect.com too. Make sure you get the right PCM for the engine in question...you can't mix an match even though a vortec 5.7 is a 5.7 there is some difference in the wiring harness plugs as I recall between 97-96 and 99-98...double check on that.

I've had good service with mine, but I ended up buying a crate long-block and swaping over the top end of the salvage engine. I would change all your gaskets and seals while you have the engine out.

I've bought two or three upper intakes off ebay for parts ...good idea to do the same... some of the small parts are hard to find.

My valve covers leak a little oil around the oil fill tube but other than that engine has bee very solid once I was able to run down most of my swap induced gremlins. Also make sure you use the right type of thermostat....don't just swap in one of the old-school type thermostats...

Might help with some of the 5.7 Vortec stuff.....see link https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/186275-5-7-vortec-v-8-swap-86-fj60.html
 
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How do I identify the PCM I need. I assume the block casting number isn't enough - or is it?
 
Thanks for the link to the 5.7 conversion thread. That will be a great help. Did anyone ever figure out what was up with the original 5.7 you gave up on due to cooling issues?

I was particularly interested to find the comment from Devo that he gets more power and better mileage running 4 O2 sensors and the VSS. He doesn't say if he's running CATs between the O2 sensors but I assume he is. I will pay particular attention to getting the right PCM.

Did this vintage 5.7 have throttle by wire?

Peter
 
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Well, that's too bad, my existing throttle is a complete mess. Which lokar do I get?
 
That's why I started this thread, you may be right. The 5.3 might be much better option. I have a 5.3 in my FJ60 and it's been very, very reliable. Where do you recommend I go, I've had back luck with junk yards.
 
Now I've got to figure out how to get it off the transmission while it's lying in the back of a trailer. I wish I had an A frame.
 
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Hard to find 5.3s or 6.0s with under 100,000 miles.

I did find a 6.0 in Marysville with 60,000 mile that someone was putting together for a rock crawler and has had a change of plans. Marysville is really convenient. The only problem is that it has a GM stage 2 cam in it. I don't know anything about that cam. This is the car/truck my boys will learn to drive a stick in and do their first real wheeling in.

Any thoughts?
 
workingdog said:
How do I identify the PCM I need. I assume the block casting number isn't enough - or is it?
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Get the VIN number...

You can buy used PCM's on EBAY...
 
workingdog said:
Thanks for the link to the 5.7 conversion thread. That will be a great help. Did anyone ever figure out what was up with the original 5.7 you gave up on due to cooling issues?

I was particularly interested to find the comment from Devo that he gets more power and better mileage running 4 O2 sensors and the VSS. He doesn't say if he's running CATs between the O2 sensors but I assume he is. I will pay particular attention to getting the right PCM.

Did this vintage 5.7 have throttle by wire?

Peter
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No...I just decided to call it a day as I had planned on getting a new long block anyway. I gave the engine to my friend for parts...not sure he has done anything with yet.

I have solved my cooling issues, not sure what was the issue with the salvage yard engine...but in the overall picture I needed a better fan shroud and I went with the GM fan and matching fan clutch.

Before you jump off into the grass is greener concept...suggest you research a good bit and find out what transmissions work with what etc.... I like the 5.3 and 6.0 engines...but the 5.7 is no boat anchor.

I don't see throttle by wire to be a valuable thing...no 5.7 has drive by wire that I know of.

I doubt you get more more power by running cats... you certainly get better fuel milage by running the OEM setup witch is 4 02 sensors and cats. All depends on how the PCM is modified.

If you have to pass emissions.... I assume you will be looking for a stock complete engine assembly with matching transmission and all the emissions crap unique to that engine plus legal exhaust.
 
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Cats only get you cleaner exhaust. The pre-cat O2 sensors control fuel/air ratio and do get you efficient operation. The after-cat O2 sensors do nothing but monitor operation of the cats, so that you get indication when they are failing.

Elbert said:
I doubt you get more more power by running cats... you certainly get better fuel milage by running the OEM setup witch is 4 02 sensors and cats. All depends on how the PCM is modified..
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If the second 02 sensor is only looking at emissions, why are guys getting better mileage running 4 02 sensors?

Also, does anyone have any experience with stage 2 cams?

peter
 
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