Which engine choice? (1 Viewer)

[papagyo]

Hi All,

Am finally almost ready to do a V8 swap into my 88/62 I will not be doing it myself (no room and can't weld) so have narrowed it to two places that have given what I think are reasonable prices to do the swap. One place will use a used 5.3 vortec with between 50k and 75k miles and a used 4L60E same miles, the other place will use a NEW 5.7 Ramjet 0 miles and rebuilt 700r4 given there is only approx $250 difference between the quotes with the used being more which is the better choice and why? Both places are experienced with cruiser swaps and do good work. Thanks in advance.

Brian

 

[norsk]

The 0 mileage one will give you 50k to 75k MORE miles, since it is new.

My rebuild is in my sig

dougbert

 

[Big Cruiser Guy]

Seriously? You're asking f you should spend $250 for the larger, BRAND NEW engine?
I think you know the correct answer here.

 

[papagyo]

Maybe I should have just left the new vs used out I just wanted to know if there really is any significant differences that would make the vortec engine the better choice. sorry.

Brian

 

[GeologistFelix]

From what I've read, the 4L60e is beefier and better-shifting. That's one thing to consider.

What sorts of warranty/guarantee can you get on each install?

If it's about the same, I'd get the 5.3/4L60E just because even though it's going to be 50-75k older, it's going to be a smoother, more modern power train, and arguably more reliable, not to mention getting better mileage for only ~5% worse horsepower and torque.

That said, I haven't run either combination, and I'm biased against automatic transmissions, too. If it was my rig, I'd be looking for someone to install a TBI 350 and an NV4500.

 

[Elbert]

ramjet is a total GM quasi-aftermarket setup....which may not be bad, but the ramjet setup was never in a production vehicle as I recall. That may or may not bother you....but I suspect you might have some parts issues over time. From what I've read teh ramjet is a pretty easy install and setup...I don't knwo how it compares in HP and Torque to a 5.3. I do like the electronic transmissions over the older 7004r.

 

[Kurtis]

Normally i would say ram jet hands down but if your paying for this to be done I might lean to the 5.3 for smog reasons. You have a much better potential for resale if needed later on if its smog legal. Only the 5.3 is going to accomplish that.

Honestly those engines are close in hp but the ramjet makes torque much Lower and will feel a lot more powerful regardless if it is or not.

Either of these motors are going to run past 250k miles and a 4l60e will easily make 150k even if beaten behind a stock 5.3 and 200k if driven normally.

If your going to put that much money into it make sure you wouldn't have to sell it if you move or smog laws change in your area.

 

[lehiguy]

Ramjet. I have talked to people that have installed them, awesome power, much better low end torque than the 5.3 which I dislike for that reason, you have to wind it up pretty good to get to the torque. The LS motors are bullet proof though. Transmissions are very much alike, one is old school controls, the other electronic.

 

[torfab]

I would personally lean towards the 5.3 because of reliability and efficiency. I have a lot of customers with varying versions of the 5.7, and they all land at around 12mpg. The 5.3 Vortec seems to like getting 15mpg, which is an improvement over the older engine (some guys get 17, but they must drive slow).

I think someone mentioned parts support, and I believe there's good reason because you can buy parts and fix a 5.3 in just about any auto parts store in America.

Hope that helps one way or the other

 

[ander42b]

Go to the 5.3

Papagyo,

The score is 3 to 3 for each engine. I will tip the scale to the 5.3 Vortec. I'm in the final stages of a Vortec conversion. I was right were you are a Lillie over a year ago. The deciding factor was an article I read in Petersen's 4 wheel drive magazine. The article was on the new ram jet GM creat motor. The was about an install and the performance gain and drivability of the new motor. The up side of the ram jet was it is an easy install with regards to the hook up of the electronics. Design for the do it yourself in the garage at home. The down side of the Ram jet was 3 generation computer was a closed loop so the computer could not learn you driving style and adjust the fuel/air mixture. Causing a rich gassy mixture smell and reduce gas mileage. The 4th generation computer fixes that but, at a HUGE price increase for the purchase cost.

The Vortec 5.3 can be reprogrammed to be dial in for your style of driving. Also you can get parts for the 5.3 any where......the local parts store the Ram jet ......mail order.

When it comes to HP and torque for the Ram Jet is a custom engine with different TQ and HP. The stock 5.3 will put out 285ph at the fly wheel and about 320ft/lbs at 3300 RPMS. This HP and TQ will move the Criuser faster than the cruiser has ever gone before. In stock configuration of the 2F I could get the cruiser up to 65 MPH in about 20 seconds when new. Now with 800 more pounds on the cruiser with roof rake, winch, push bar and bigger tires and a 5.3 Vortec engine that was NOT programmed correctly I can accreted the cruiser up to 75 MPH in about 7-8 seconds. After I did this for the first time I had to pull over on the side of the road thanks god and list down on the ground and let mine hands stop shaking. The 5.3 is very fast. I can wait for the cruise to can back from the local performance shop for reprogramming. The cruiser will be even faster.............the story continues .
Jason

 

[wardharris]

I would personally lean towards the 5.3 because of reliability and efficiency.

My two cents:

I recently replaced a Gen II 5.7 Cad engine in my FJ62 with a low miles 5.3.

The 5.7 was running "OK" but I was having fits with tuning issues and got tired of fussing with an engine designed so long ago. My first path was to buy an eRod crate motor from GM, including engine and transmission controllers. The idea was to have a 50 state EPA/CARB compliant vehicle that would have more value at resale.

I then took a deep breath and concluded that a) I would likely never sell the rig; 2) the second controller for transmission added $1,000 to the "new crate" option; 3) other costs of compliance (exhaust, sensor, cat configuration) plus referee inspection would be a PIA, further adding to cost; and 4) the installation and configuration of the ECM has instructions that require Mr. Goodwrench to "Learn-In" the ECM in order to qualify for the factory warranty. More cost and PIA now and down the road.

Torfab replaced the "old" 4l60E (1994) with a more modern unit that matched the 2007 L33 motor I sourced from BD Turnkey Engines. It is all aluminum, High Output unit with Corvette heads and a higher duration cam as OEM for crew cab half tons. With a tune on the ECM and Hooker headers it has much more power than I need.

I have a tunable Gen III at a fair price, over 17mpg on road and it goes as fast as I need/want. Makes me smile every time I drive it, and I saved somewhere around $4 to 5,000 over a new crate motor WITH ACCESSORIES. Don't forget the extras.

The low-mile, used approach worked fine for me.

 

[papagyo]

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses, decided to go with the used 2004 5.3 GENII vortec and 4L60e it ended up being about $2500 less off the total install price. Should be done by second week of January. One last question since there are many others that have done this are you able to make all the stock gauges work with this engine? (tach included).

Brian

 

[torfab]

I typically use all stock gauges with the 5.3 vortec conversion (including tach)

 

[Elbert]

Yes I"m sure you can get the gauges to work.... If me I would prefer to add an aftermarket temp gauge to the mix....its a lot better to know what temp you are running in F, rather than depend on a hot/cold range that has proven to be inaccurate over time. Along with an aftermarket oil pressure gauge. IF you are running off road I would want a trans temp gauge too.