Vortec question - what parts do I need from donor vehicle? (1 Viewer)

[JohnCapoccia]

this is off topic but are you planing to tackle this on your own? I'm not to far from you and I'm considering this swap as well but going with a 5.3 If you don't mind I like to come by and check out your progress and give a helping hand if needed when you start. Be nice to meet a fellow cruiser and see what your parts list and price break down is... ect ect...

Sure! It would be great to have someone nearby to bounce ideas around and help! I hope to get the engine early next week, but I don't really have a timeline after then, but I'm pretty sure I'll be anxious to get started and get it over with.

 

[JohnCapoccia]

5.3 makes more power and is at the same or competitive price. The 5.3 is the mainstream engine for the 1/2 ton GM pickup and probably makes up +85% of the population.

I thought it was the opposite, that the 4.8 was the most common.

 

[JohnCapoccia]

Hey john, ...Regarddind the difference in power.... yes the numbers are similar between 4.8 and 5.3. What I think you may find in reallity is that the difference in not the numbers so much as the CURVE on which that power (particularly torque) is made. You may find that the 4.8 want to "spin" to be in the sweet spot, whereas the larger displacement motor will make that torque lower in the revs.

Good point about the torque curve. For both engines, you need to spin to 4000 RPM for max torque, so yes, you'll get 300 ft-lb from the 5.3 at lower RPM. Quite a difference from the 3FE's max torque at 3000 rpm.

 

[Elbert]

I thought it was the opposite, that the 4.8 was the most common.

no....not that I'm aware....5.3 is the most common in the half tons...i think some of the commerical vans run 4.8 purely for fuel milage

 

[Elbert]

Sure! It would be great to have someone nearby to bounce ideas around and help! I hope to get the engine early next week, but I don't really have a timeline after then, but I'm pretty sure I'll be anxious to get started and get it over with.

have you posted in one of the CA clubhouse areas...? I'm sure there are people ein your area..

 

[gregnash]

Good point about the torque curve. For both engines, you need to spin to 4000 RPM for max torque, so yes, you'll get 300 ft-lb from the 5.3 at lower RPM. Quite a difference from the 3FE's max torque at 3000 rpm.

@dbleon is correct on this. You will find that the 4.8l is the revver and useful in applications where you are using the higher rpm. For you what this would translate into is finding the powerband more on the freeway vs off-road. The 5.3 will have more beneficial rpm at lower rpm.

 

[daytonadogie]

IMHO, the 4.8 is such a huge upgrade from what you have now, you will totally love it. Get it installed and sorted properly and then try to wipe that chit eatin grin off your face

 

[Max.Powerzz]

I've been running the stock fj62 in-tank fuel pump for a few years now with great results on my 5.3 swap. Went through several external inline pumps with bad results, they kept dying on me (I think 3 in a row)