What do I have? 40 newb (2 Viewers)

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Hoping I can keep cost under a G. I have all the tools and have rebuilt a few engines in the past. It’s a very tedious clean process.
If you’re going to an LS anyway, I can’t see putting 1k into the 1F. The 1k will go a long way into a LS swap. The only way I’d put the money into the tractor engine is if I had another project to put it in.
 
If you’re going to an LS anyway, I can’t see putting 1k into the 1F. The 1k will go a long way into a LS swap. The only way I’d put the money into the tractor engine is if I had another project to put it in.

Man I agree. I’m initially wanting to buy time. I was planning to do the LS in another year if it survived that long. It honestly ran great minus smoking at idle when hot.

However to do an LS I’m going to be another 3-5 deeper, unless I bolt it to my 4 speed and add the 5 speed later down the road. Which I don’t really want to do. If I did mate to the 4 speed I would need a 60 shift plate for my trans. My shifter is plenty close to the heater now so there is no way I could move the drivetrain forward enough to clear the firewall (I think)

Engine $500-800 plus gaskets to freshen
Fuel pump $300
Manifolds / headers $400-500
Motor mounts $200
Split case $500-$2000
H55 parts needed to finish $800
Crossmember / trans mount $200
Exhaust $250
Wiring supplies $100
Clutch and flywheel $500
Drive shaft mods $250
I’m sure there are other odds and ends I’m forgetting.

Basically 4-6 grand to LS swap and the down time.

F engine repair -
Gasket kit $150
Piston $80
Rings $90
Bearings if I go there $65
Plus machine shop at roughly $500

I can have all the parts and start putting back together in a week or two.


But dammit you have my wheels turning.
 
You're forgetting the $1000 to $1500 for all little parts that will Nickle and Dime you to death to finish the job.
Personally for a V8, I would opt for a NV4500 instead of the H55. The NV4500 has a deeper od that the V8 can handle, and possibly a lower 1st gear. I think if you were to run the stk 6 then the H55 would be a better choice.
 
And so, it begins…… @clrussell good luck with this
 
You're forgetting the $1000 to $1500 for all little parts that will Nickle and Dime you to death to finish the job.
Personally for a V8, I would opt for a NV4500 instead of the H55. The NV4500 has a deeper od that the V8 can handle, and possibly a lower 1st gear. I think if you were to run the stk 6 then the H55 would be a better choice.
I’m gonna muddy the waters a bit more. With 35’s & 4.11’s I would reconsider the 5speed in general. UNLESSS you are planning on a lot interstate driving- in which case I have no experience. If not, the 5.3 has no trouble keeping up with traffic with 1:1 final drive. I have no problem getting to and holding 60-65. 70-80 is totally with in range, but I imagine the gas consumption would plummet.

If anything I’d like one more gear between 1st and 3rd. 2nd is to low on the pass (10% grade) and 3rd is to high, so I rev up the hill in second.

If you’re set on the H55, then proceed. Seems like the desirable NV4500 trannies are getting expensive, but they are robust. I personally would have little use for fifth. I suppose if I had it, I’d use it…
 
I’m gonna muddy the waters a bit more. With 35’s & 4.11’s I would reconsider the 5speed in general. UNLESSS you are planning on a lot interstate driving- in which case I have no experience. If not, the 5.3 has no trouble keeping up with traffic with 1:1 final drive. I have no problem getting to and holding 60-65. 70-80 is totally with in range, but I imagine the gas consumption would plummet.

If anything I’d like one more gear between 1st and 3rd. 2nd is to low on the pass (10% grade) and 3rd is to high, so I rev up the hill in second.

If you’re set on the H55, then proceed. Seems like the desirable NV4500 trannies are getting expensive, but they are robust. I personally would have little use for fifth. I suppose if I had it, I’d use it…

So I’m actually going to sell my H55 and stay 4 speed for now.

That Muds up some future plans. Kind of.

However selling the H55 will fund about half this project.

I’m on 35s and 4.11 gearing now. It’s honestly great and the 5.3 isn’t afraid to rev. Also 60-65 is plenty fast for me.
 
Another vote for 3.70 diffs….
 
@clrussell, @SipLife’s truck has a 5spd H55F. 1st gear was too low for regular driving. So 4 effective gears. I think 4 speed will be great! @Cowboy45’s 40 has a 3spd on the floor mated to a 350. It is the most fun I have had in a 40. Wicked fast. Long throws on the shifter. Beats me off the line in my tundra 5.7. Both are happy 80-90 mph on the highway for hours on end.
 
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Down the rabbit hole we go


Might as well enjoy the ride. 🍿

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@clrussell, @SipLife’s truck has a 5spd H55F. 1st gear was too low for regular driving. So 4 effective gears. I think 4 speed will be great! @Cowboy45’s 40 has a 3spd on the floor mated to a 350. It is the most fun I have had in a 40. Wicked fast. Long throws on the shifter. Beats me off the line in my tundra 5.7. Both are happy 80-90 mph on the highway for hours on end.

I definitely think using the 4 speed will be a good call. It’s definitely the “budget” option right now.

If I ever want another gear later it’s just a pile of money and a weekend of work. @cruisermatt has a potential 5 speed option in the works that is interesting.

Which reminds me I need to email him.
 
Not to muddy the water 😎. I like the 4spd/rubber overdrive personally. But….

@jesus888 has an Edit: Split case w/the accompanying bits thats for sale. Built by @cruisermatt. I believe there’s an LS platform available too.
 
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