222 replies to this topic

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

I’ve been looking into doing this for a while and am planning on it being a spring project. I figured I would spend the winter months looking for a decent deal on a used 5.7 to rebuild. I found a 2000 Express with 270,000 original miles (still runs!). Would it be worth it to rebuild this engine or should I keep looking for something else?

Edited by BLACK96regcabHighrider, 04 August 2011 - 08:56 AM.

[Greg Mucher]

If the price was right Yes it would be worth getting. Don't let mileage scar you away from a motor you plan to rebuild. If it runs and doesn't smoke like a freight train then any thing wrong with it can be fixed by regular machine shop visit.

[iggy]

ya, if you're going to do a total rebuild, the higher miles the better to a degree. just means you get it cheaper usually.

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

I was kinda thinking the same thing. I’ve changed out engines with lower miles before but never rebuilt an engine top to bottom, how hard can it be. No rush. I’m just waiting for a price from the guy right now.

[iggy]

check out this video series. it has 9 parts

they do a 383 conversion but the process is the same as a regular 5.7

Edited by iggy, 16 November 2010 - 06:13 PM.

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

check out this video series. it has 9 parts

they do a 383 conversion but the process is the same as a regular 5.7

Thanks, this should help out.

[kinoah246903]

I can completely rebuild ur engine for 1300 everything new or get u a new one 880 block casting number for 1800

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

[quote name='kinoah246903' date='Nov 16 2010, 06:50 PM' post='786847']
I can completely rebuild ur engine for 1300 everything new or get u a new one 880 block casting number for 1800
[/quote

Thanks for the offer, but I’m in my third year of college and don’t have that kind of cash to spend all at once. I know I’m capable of doing it myself and would like to learn a few things along the way. If I win the lottery and have no ambition to get off my ass I’ll keep you in mind. Thanks again.

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

Alright, I’ve been doing my reading and from what I understand this is the basic process for the swap…..

Get 350 Vortec 1996-2000 (L31)
Use Advance Adapter plates for engine mounts
Install 45 degree fitting on engine for knock sensor
Wire in v8 injector pod for the 2 additional cylinders (Current Performance).
Extend O2 sensor wires
Extend knock sensor wires
Extend coolant temp wire.
Make custom plug wires, insulate.
Remove stock radiator fan and get two 12” electric fans, use as pushers.
Get headers/gaskets, use locking bolts
Notch out upper fan shroud for AC compressor.
Get PCM flashed.

A couple questions……

Do I need a 5.7 harness for anything?

I read that some people had problems with their tach not working. Do I need to wire in the module some people used in order to have the tach function? This will be a dd.

I should be good for oil pan clearance if I have a 2”bl, right?

Is this the overall process? Any major steps I’m missing? Just want to make sure I understand what I’m getting into before I start “investing” money.

Thanks

[iggy]

the tac will work, it just won't be accurate(reads higher). I'm just going to live with it, not like I'll be drag racing or anything. also, the body lift will not help oil pan clearance, but the adapter plates will get you close. I had to dimple about 2sqr inches roughly 1/4-3/8 deep on the driver side by the diff. pics are in my swap thread.

if you just add the 4 wires for the 2 extra cylinders there is no need for a 5.7 harness, just a new injector pod/plug. I didn't have to extend any wires since I relocated my knock sensor to the pass side, and had a coolant temp sensor in my t-stat housing. the crank position sensor was a stretch though.

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

Yeah, thanks. Your thread was really helpful. Pictures say a lot. If I get a higher mileage engine, I plan to rebuild top to bottom. I did find two engines with around 40k on them for $950. Not sure if a 4hr one way drive is worth it though. Good luck on yours, hope it turns out soon.

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

Finally got a call back from the people with the van. Going to look at it today. 2000 Chevy Express with 270K on it. Runs and drives. They're looking for around $900! Might just have to pick this up over the weekend. Anything in particular I should look for with the engine?

[jwwaldschmidt]

Two 12" pushers will NOT keep your truck cool. Pushers in general are much less efficient than pullers, and I guarantee that you will have cooling issues with that setup.

Look into an LS1 fan setup. You can find them on ebay for about $100, and just have them programmed in to the PCM when you get it flashed. I will be going with this setup come spring time, when I need the additional cooling power at idle. When I'm out storm chasing, I leave the truck running the entire time - the stock fan just doesn't keep up. I'm hoping for a small gain in off-the-line power, and a little boost to fuel mileage as well.

I can't see the advantage to pushers vs. an LS1 setup, especially on the larger V8.

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

I just saw a lot of people here either used 2 12" fans or they used the taurus fan. I won't be doing the actual install until spring or early summer, so I have time to research.

Anyway... looked at the van and it's actually a nice looking work van. Drove it and it runs like a top. Going to think it over this weekend and probably make an offer next week on it.

[MWood]

I used two pushers and they did alright until the heat of Illinois summer. So offroading, they would definitely not be enough. Do the taurus or LS1 fan.

$900 seems way too much for that kind of mileage.

[MWood]

I used two pushers and they did alright until the heat of Illinois summer. So offroading, they would definitely not be enough. Do the taurus or LS1 fan.

$900 seems way too much for that kind of mileage.

[MWood]

I used two pushers and they did alright until the heat of Illinois summer. So offroading, they would definitely not be enough. Do the taurus or LS1 fan.

$900 seems way too much for that kind of mileage.

[Zr2x350]

What wood is trying to say is dont use the damn things period....Wood just tell him straight up instead of emphasizing it 3 times.

[BLACK96regcabHighrider]

$900 for the entire van. Brand new tires on it. I figure I could scrap it out for close to $900, and keep the motor and tranny.

I plan to rebuild the motor over winter.

[Seapahn]

It's very hard to say anything about an engine with 270K miles without testing it. You need to look at a lot of things ... it also depends on what you mean by "rebuilding" .. if you are going to change everything, might as well just find a motor that doesn't need rebuilding