I recently purchased a 83 60 and want to do a vortec v8 swap. My questions are what do I need to replace other than the obvious? What I mean by the obvious is I know I'll need a new wiring harness, motor mounts ect... But are there any surprises? I figured a 4.8 or 5.3 does not weigh anymore than the 2f so I figure I won't have to beef up the front end. Also would I be better off using the stock tcase or using the Chevy case? This is a budget build and I already own a 74 40 so I'm not really concerned about keeping it stock. I'm building this one into a daily driver. And suggestions
Engine swap (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mruff
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buying a 60 that already has a vortec swapped in would be an excellent money saving start.
there are a lot of variables in that question. If you are going to run the GM 5.3 v8, which transmission do you plan to run? I don't know for sure what transfer case the 83 year model runs, but if you have access to a split case transfer case froum something like a 86/87 year model you will be good. You will have to use an adapter to mate a GM transmission with the toyota transfer case if you go that route.
Use the search tool on this board to search for engine swap threads, also spend some time on here just wading through all the various posts, there are many posts with similiar questions.
See the clubhouse tab at the top of this screen and go there to find the local lc club in your area and post up there to see if any locals have a V-8 swap truck you can check out, ride in, ask questions about and look at.
A common swap is the 5.3 v8 with matching GM 4l60E automatic transmission and then using a adapter from advance adapters to mate wiith a toyota split case transfer case. Also some folks use howell for their engine harness and PCM programming.
Can you do the work yourself? If you buy the engine from a salvage yard get everthing under the hood you possibly can, air filter housing, accessories on the engine, radiator fans, emissions crap, wiring harness for engine and transmission, PCM, etc.
Also you need to understand if you have to pass emissions testing with this truck.
Use the search tool on this board to search for engine swap threads, also spend some time on here just wading through all the various posts, there are many posts with similiar questions.
See the clubhouse tab at the top of this screen and go there to find the local lc club in your area and post up there to see if any locals have a V-8 swap truck you can check out, ride in, ask questions about and look at.
A common swap is the 5.3 v8 with matching GM 4l60E automatic transmission and then using a adapter from advance adapters to mate wiith a toyota split case transfer case. Also some folks use howell for their engine harness and PCM programming.
Can you do the work yourself? If you buy the engine from a salvage yard get everthing under the hood you possibly can, air filter housing, accessories on the engine, radiator fans, emissions crap, wiring harness for engine and transmission, PCM, etc.
Also you need to understand if you have to pass emissions testing with this truck.
When i did my 5.3L Vortec I kept the stock transmission and t-case. You can take a look at my build thread in my signature. 
- Thread starter
- #6
F
I plan on replacing the 4 speed with a o/d auto. Also I do have emissions here but figure a vortec should pass with flying colors considering the 2f is not nearly as efficient. I am capable of doing all of this on my own but just wanted to check with people that have done it already. I'm sure this comment will get praise from some and grief from others but for me replacing my stock drivetrain with a fresh 2f is not an option considering this will be my dd. I need more than 12mpg and want an auto so my wife can drive it. Also when I restored my 40 I struggled with a stock drivetrain or Chevy and ended up with the stock. I don't regret it but would like to do a vortec in this one. Diesel would be another idea but can really justify the costs associated
I plan on replacing the 4 speed with a o/d auto. Also I do have emissions here but figure a vortec should pass with flying colors considering the 2f is not nearly as efficient. I am capable of doing all of this on my own but just wanted to check with people that have done it already. I'm sure this comment will get praise from some and grief from others but for me replacing my stock drivetrain with a fresh 2f is not an option considering this will be my dd. I need more than 12mpg and want an auto so my wife can drive it. Also when I restored my 40 I struggled with a stock drivetrain or Chevy and ended up with the stock. I don't regret it but would like to do a vortec in this one. Diesel would be another idea but can really justify the costs associated
I agree that the 5.3 is far more emissions friendly compared to the 2F. Some states do a physical inspection and they also check the numbers out the tail pipe. You might want to understand how your state deals with a truck that has a transplanted engine. If they just check the numbers it might be a good strategy to just tell them what they need to know in regard to year model and brand...but thats your call.
I don't worry about the guys who advocate 100% toyota...while that would be "cool" to do...its way beyond a reasonable budget in $$ on a V8 swap. THe v8 swap makes the truck a lot more fun to drive in my view.
if you run a GM auto trans you'll just need the adapter to mate with the toyota transfer case. Of course you end up having to modify your transmission crossmember and driveshaft lengths but thats not a big deal.
You could get some good ideas on here from what some of the others guys have done.
- Thread starter
- #8
As far as I know in arizona they just check the tail pipe numbers for emissions. Their computers will give them a numbers of ppm it should read. I highly doubt a vortec will give a higher reading than a f engine. I'm not against "molesting" a 60. To each their own. Some guys will scold someone for not keeping it original but who reall cares. If a guy buys a vehicle and spends his own money to restore it then be has a right to do whatever his heart desires to it. If he wants to put a fiat motor in it then that's his choice. My 2 cents and I'm sure my 2 cents will ruffle some feathers
First off they check for emissions of the vehicle not the motor. I was sent to the referee because my 88 FJ62 didn't have a visible a pump. Required on the 88. Got through the referee just fine but I'm getting ready to do it again. DBLEON did a late Vortec swap in the Valley. I wanted to do a 5.3 but couldn't find one at the time. Ended up going 5.7. No regrets just wish all the parts were new. 
BTW: I was able to put the T/C back in the stock location and even kept my stock drive shafts. I also put a Chevy pump in the Toyota tank and used all the stock hard lines. You'll find all the info you need here. Look up DBLEON. later matt
BTW: I was able to put the T/C back in the stock location and even kept my stock drive shafts. I also put a Chevy pump in the Toyota tank and used all the stock hard lines. You'll find all the info you need here. Look up DBLEON. later matt
Not necessary to swap axles with center output transfer cases. I'm using a D300 with a FZJ80 rear axle. No issues all the way up to highway speeds ( 70-75mph ).
I realize that I swapped rear axles from stock, but the stock rear axle should work just the same.
This is sort of an apt coment:
http://www.autoedizione.com/fiat-wants-to-introduce-italian-3-0-v6-diesel-in-the-usa/
I've also heard GM wants in on this for their 15 & 2500 models.
- Thread starter
- #12
S
I love diesels and hope to see more on the American market. Most in the US are in HD trucks and a few smaller vehicles. I'm not sure why they haven't caught on here. With there longevity and efficiency it amazes me there are still so few in north america
I love diesels and hope to see more on the American market. Most in the US are in HD trucks and a few smaller vehicles. I'm not sure why they haven't caught on here. With there longevity and efficiency it amazes me there are still so few in north america
