Swap in a V8?

Question

:I've got a 1992 GMC 1500 2WD with a V6 4.3L in it that just doesn't stir the koolaid, if you know what I mean. I'd like something that makes my truck fun to drive. I'm going to guess that my little V6 puts out about 150HP and about the same in TQ, and by no means does that pin me to the seat. I went down to the GMC dealership today and asked about engine swaps...they told me it was going to be about $11k to buy/install the engine, and the engine we were talking about was definitely no monster, either. Every shop I've called where I live doesn't do engine swaps. Anybody ever replaced a V6 with a nice V8 in the kind of truck I have? I've also been curious about emissions laws...I've heard that the MVD doesn't care what engine is in the vehicle, it has to pass emissions based on what was originally in the truck. What about that? I'm willing to replace the transmission and need to replace the rear end, if that helps at all.

Well, I definitely won't be doing it myself. My trade is computers, not automotive. :) I'm also leaving for the military and couldn't possibly drop in a new engine by the time I need the truck. If anything, I'm looking to buy new parts, not used. Besides, my family offered to pick up the bill as a graduation present from basic training and whatnot. I suppose I could just find a new vehicle; my only reason for wanting to keep this one is that its been in my family ever since it was brand new, so I know every little thing that has been done to it. I'm sure it would make a nice casual hot rod after about $15k-20k. I know I would never be able to get the value back out of it, but that isn't what I'm concerned about. Just having a little piece of pride and joy is what I'm looking for.

Well, I definitely won't be doing it myself. My trade is computers, not automotive. :) I'm also leaving for the military and couldn't possibly drop in a new engine by the time I need the truck. If anything, I'm looking to buy new parts, not used. Besides, my family offered to pick up the bill as a graduation present from basic training and whatnot. I suppose I could just find a new vehicle; my only reason for wanting to keep this one is that its been in my family ever since it was brand new, so I know every little thing that has been done to it. I'm sure it would make a nice casual hot rod after about $15k-20k. I know I would never be able to get the value back out of it, but that isn't what I'm concerned about. Just having a little piece of pride and joy is what I'm looking for.

Answer 1

it is going to cost money alot of money it is better to have a pro do the work so you will have some kind of warrenty

Answer 2

WHAT??? $11k is $11,000.00!!! I sure hope you mean $1100.00! An engine swap in a Chevy is, well not REAL easy, but it's a 1 day job max, or less if everything goes/fits right. To an experienced mechanic, it's a simple swap which should cost less, way less than $5-600.00 plus price of engine. Find a small private garage to do the work cheaper (but just as good as a dealership or other busy garage. A good used engine can still be found at a reasonable price. Ask around. Exhaust pipes will need changed, probably rad. hoses. If you go to carburetor, you can't use fuel injection pump, either. Screw emissions if it's not mandatory.
$11,000.00!!! You should have punched the guy!
The guy that said he got 425 hp out of a 302 ford engine is exaggerating or is lying.

Answer 3

Your first anwerer is right on.
I pulled a 300 straight six from an 82 model f-150 and replaced it with a newly built 302 from an 85 Grand Marquis. I am not certain of GM specs, but I was on the Fords at that time; I still had to bend the Cyclone headers to make them fit, but in the end, they did.
.60 overbore, roller rocker power (almost 425 hp on the dyno @ 6400 rpm's), and raised almighty hell until I popped the engine climbing an outrageous hill at seven falls, in Cullman Co. AL., a place you will only find through word of mouth, or by accident, and even then you probably wouldn't know it.
Go for the gusto man! Get a crate GM powerplant and put it in the smallest body you can find...

Answer 4

The engine swap is possible but why not just improve on what you have? Your V6 is just a short small block chvy and there are plenty of parts available. Try a supercharger (about 2500 bucks) for some instant on horsepower!
Or just spend 600 dollars on a 4:30 ring and pinion for some tire smoking fun!
Good Luck

Answer 5

If you have the ability (friend, junkyard you know is honest and gives guarantee) you could go used. J.C. Whitney used to sell all kinds of mounts, bell housing adapters and the like to help with such swaps -- dunno if they still do.
Again, a friend who's able to do a little metal working and who's inventive and maybe has seen how a lot of problems like linkage and vacuum connections can be solved, you have a shot at doing it yourself.
Also, research how much difference there is in mounts, trans mounting, stuff like that there is with engines from similar chassis -- it's usually easier to do that than try something totally different.
You could also look for superchargers or turbochargers that would mount either on your six or on a modest V8 -- that might be too expensive, but maybe not.
Check with your state about emissions -- i think you're right about passing the test.
Last but definitely not least, maybe you should just replace the truck?

Answer 6

thats a pretty normal type of swap job. you can actually pick up a good used 5.7 ltr along with the computer and all at a salvage yard. everything will pretty much fit right in with little to no trouble. same mounts, same trans and all. you will have to change rad, hoses though. after the engine is in just change the ecm with the v8 one and your in business. the fuel pressures should be close to the same so you may not have to change the fuel pump. other then that there's swapping to a carb system or stand alone fuel injected system.

Answer 7

Unless you have a reason for not parting with this truck, you would probably be money ahead to sell it & get one with the power you want.