Picking up a 5.3 and 4l80e for the 85 c10

[Biggin0822]

Paying $1500 for the pair (133k miles) out of a 2500 van. Includes computer and harness. I have never torn an engine down but am definitely mechanically inclined. My 350 developed a rod knock so the LS swap is gonna happen sooner than I thought. I'm considering putting a cam, lifters, pushrods, and springs in the 5.3 while it's on the engine stand and not in the c10. Is that biting off more than a rookie can chew? I did completely re wire the c10 a couple months ago and that went well but I've never done internal engine work.

 

[4WDKC]

Isn't $1500 high for a 5.3? Do plenty or research on the cam swap as the LS oil pump is driven off the front of crank in the timing cover and must be setup correctly.

 

[Biggin0822]

$750 for the 5.3 and $750 for the 4l80e

 

[Honky Kong jr]

5.3 in a 2500 van? Should be a 6.0?

 

[Biggin0822]

You're probly right. the 4l80e is from a van the 5.3 is from a 2004 truck

 

[Crispy]

Depends where you are and who's selling. I've seen just the engines going for 1000-1200. Everyone is hot on these and junkyards know this. I would be happy paying 1500 for a known running setup including ecm and harness.

Good luck with the swap, get ready for the nickle and diming (except its $50 and 100) that is an LS swap. I priced one out on a 64 Skylark and was surprised by all the little things that added up. I guess that depends on what your goals are for the build. In any case, good luck and take pics! You should be fine considering its a 2wd swap, just about everything has been covered on some corner of the web for these swaps.

 

[Camar068]

Unless the 5.3 had a 4l80 trans, you'll need to modify the wiring harness.

 

[Biggin0822]

Ok. Good information. I know that the 5.3 had 4l60e before.

 

[84c10Tony]

Biggin, cool stuff your thinking to do there.
Food for thought, rookie? more apt name for an oil and filter change only guy, You rewired the truck? bump yourself up for that.
Some folks might check a dipstick, look under the oil cap etc. and be fine with that level of inspection.
If someone was not in a hurry and really wants to know the condition of an engine, Facts are somewhere to be found. A shop logged info for the start of a warranty, a carfax report, business that used the vehicle and had a tax write off should have maint. reciept's logged.
Actual Maintenance History on the engines being considered is good to know.
Some places have a video or you can watch them run and see gauges or even check for codes.
Putting new parts in and beefin' up, good to have a strong base to build on.

Just some out of the box thoughts here, info that might save a bit of work down the road.

We like LOTS of photos here, good luck and enjoy the project.

 

[Biggin0822]

Thanks! I will give myself a bump up! The deal with the 5.3 and 4l60 fell through because after inspection there were water pump and power steering pump issues. The wreck that the truck was in got a little too close! I found a 99 6.0/4l80e combo for $1500 with 120k on it and I think I'm gonna jump at that one. Here's some pics of the project so far.......(let's see if I can upload pics)

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[Honky Kong jr]

Very nice truck..........bumper thingys

 

[Biggin0822]

This is the "donor". Any issues? 1999 3/4 ton

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[Honky Kong jr]

Thanks! I will give myself a bump up! The deal with the 5.3 and 4l60 fell through because after inspection there were water pump and power steering pump issues. The wreck that the truck was in got a little too close! I found a 99 6.0/4l80e combo for $1500 with 120k on it and I think I'm gonna jump at that one. Here's some pics of the project so far.......(let's see if I can upload pics)

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Nice plate

 

[oldman]

nice truck and you will love that 5.3 and 4l60