New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
#1
New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
Hello Everyone,
For one reason or another all of my automotive google searches bring me to reading threads on ThirdGen.org, so I figured I'd register & show you guys my build.
My Truck: 2004 Silverado 1500 2wd, reg cab, short bed. Originally a 4.3L V6, stripped down work truck model I purchased new in '04 from a dealer in Petaluma California.
As you can see there are all kinds of aftermarket parts all over the truck, that is my business. I sell auto parts for a living.
Since Ca I have moved to Prescott Arizona, where there aren't smog tests & emissions... so I wanted to have a bit of fun.
For the "Engine swap" I decided to build something a little un-conventional for a Chev truck of this year.
Vortec 357ci small block chevy:
86-95 4 bolt main block borec .040" over
Vortec 906 heads, bowl hogged, gasket matched, pinned studs
LT4 Hotcam & Proform 1.6 aluminum roller rockers
COMP 26918 beehive springs & 774 retainers
H345NCP-40 pistons
ZZ4 forged crank, 5.7" rods, balanced rotating assembly
Pistons .004" from deck @ TDC, .039" head gasket
10.34-1 compression
Vortec L31 fuel injection, updated injectors
Hooker long tubes
Dacco 3200rpm stall lockup converter for the 4L60E
Motive Performance 4:10-1 rear gears
March underdrive pullies
Flex-a-lite electric fans
I also wanted to do a few odd things, like run a geardrive behind the L31 crank position reluctor/plastic timing cover while keeping the knock sensor happy
For one reason or another all of my automotive google searches bring me to reading threads on ThirdGen.org, so I figured I'd register & show you guys my build.
My Truck: 2004 Silverado 1500 2wd, reg cab, short bed. Originally a 4.3L V6, stripped down work truck model I purchased new in '04 from a dealer in Petaluma California.
As you can see there are all kinds of aftermarket parts all over the truck, that is my business. I sell auto parts for a living.
Since Ca I have moved to Prescott Arizona, where there aren't smog tests & emissions... so I wanted to have a bit of fun.
For the "Engine swap" I decided to build something a little un-conventional for a Chev truck of this year.
Vortec 357ci small block chevy:
86-95 4 bolt main block borec .040" over
Vortec 906 heads, bowl hogged, gasket matched, pinned studs
LT4 Hotcam & Proform 1.6 aluminum roller rockers
COMP 26918 beehive springs & 774 retainers
H345NCP-40 pistons
ZZ4 forged crank, 5.7" rods, balanced rotating assembly
Pistons .004" from deck @ TDC, .039" head gasket
10.34-1 compression
Vortec L31 fuel injection, updated injectors
Hooker long tubes
Dacco 3200rpm stall lockup converter for the 4L60E
Motive Performance 4:10-1 rear gears
March underdrive pullies
Flex-a-lite electric fans
I also wanted to do a few odd things, like run a geardrive behind the L31 crank position reluctor/plastic timing cover while keeping the knock sensor happy
#4
Re: New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
The engine swap was pretty straight forward, by using LSx to SBC adapter plates & GMT800 4.8/5.3 motor mounts & frame brackets
The only snag was getting the older style block & crank to fit with the newer 4L60E & bellhousing. I ended up having a custom stall torgue converter made to compensate for the differences. As well as some header to cab clearance issues, nothing a cutting wheel couldn't solve.
The only snag was getting the older style block & crank to fit with the newer 4L60E & bellhousing. I ended up having a custom stall torgue converter made to compensate for the differences. As well as some header to cab clearance issues, nothing a cutting wheel couldn't solve.
#5
Re: New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
After getting it finihsed up, and daily driving it for a couple months I was really disapointed in the lack of performance. I have been doing my own computer tuning via HPTuners, and everytime I drove I would log and do a few tweaks to the F.I. but no matter what I tried I have split BLM's and my fuel trims were always off the chart, particularly one bank more so than the other.
I think it just came down to the fact the L31 F.I. with it's non-upgradable 19lb/hr injectors just couldn't feed my engine. So I decided to do another radical & bold move in a newer chev. Go carbed.
I think it just came down to the fact the L31 F.I. with it's non-upgradable 19lb/hr injectors just couldn't feed my engine. So I decided to do another radical & bold move in a newer chev. Go carbed.
#6
Re: New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
In order for the OE PCM to control the 4L60E and gauge cluster it just needs two inputs from the engine. A crank position sensor and a throttle position sensor
#7
Re: New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
So there she is, a carbed small block chevy in my 2004 Silverado
Wonder what it sounds like?
http://vimeo.com/3443816
This weekend I've got a couple changes planned.
Patriot 'Vortec' type heads, 2.02" / 1.6" valves, 185cc intake runners & a new COMP XR276HR-10 cam, COMP lifters and I intend to transfer over the 26918 springs but instead will use new COMP 787 retainers and hardened pushrods. While it's apart I decided to replace the felpro 7733PT gasket with a Mr.Gasket 1134, only being .028" thick it will bump my compression up to 10.6-1
After I get it put back together, dialed in and tuned right I'll make a couple passes at the Firebird raceway in Phoenix just to see what it's capable of, both with and without the nitrous... but ultimately, it is still my daily driver.
Wonder what it sounds like?
http://vimeo.com/3443816
This weekend I've got a couple changes planned.
Patriot 'Vortec' type heads, 2.02" / 1.6" valves, 185cc intake runners & a new COMP XR276HR-10 cam, COMP lifters and I intend to transfer over the 26918 springs but instead will use new COMP 787 retainers and hardened pushrods. While it's apart I decided to replace the felpro 7733PT gasket with a Mr.Gasket 1134, only being .028" thick it will bump my compression up to 10.6-1
After I get it put back together, dialed in and tuned right I'll make a couple passes at the Firebird raceway in Phoenix just to see what it's capable of, both with and without the nitrous... but ultimately, it is still my daily driver.
Last edited by Mykk; 04-14-2009 at 11:56 AM.
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#8
Re: New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
Since daily driving my Vortec 357ci my passenger side tire was looking worse and worse everyday. So I installed a Powertrax No-Slip locker in the rear and replaced the tire.
Cheers ~Mykk
Cheers ~Mykk
#9
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: clearfield,utah
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Car: 89 rs
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
nice ride and unusual it is. but why didnt you just stuff an lsx in there??
#10
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Car: 89 IROC-Z
Engine: 370 LSX, LS3 Top End
Transmission: Built T-56
Axle/Gears: 9" Aluminum Center 3.89's
Re: New member: Not a car, but an unusual engine swap
You sell anything 3rd gen related?
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