7 replies to this topic

[Chevyman99]

iv got a 1999 s-10 zr2 4x4 ext cab with the 4.3 vortec, was wanting to do a 5.7 vortec swap, i would like to know how bad of a job it really is and how much money am i looking at as far as extra parts and possible labor, if u got pics post them that would be awsome if not info its great just everything to know and what kind of parts are needed and if its really worth doin the swap. thanks for your guys help

[Zr2x350]

Look at the sticky post.

[Maaso]

....if its really worth doin the swap....

In my opinion, NO! It's not worth it. The only reason I did my swap is A: My tired 4.3 was knocking for six long months before it finally died. And B: I got the L31 for Free. The 4.3 is a damn good engine and will handle anything you ask realistically ask your Z to do. The few benefits of the swap don't outweigh the many negatives....

The job it's self of swapping isn't that bad. SBCs fit in S10s really well, but matching parts from different manufacturers to get a working combination can be a real pain in the dick. (IE: Company A makes the best headers, but they can only be used with mounts from company C. But Company C's mounts sit the engine too low and and put the oil pan too far into the diff. Company B makes and awesome mount but everyone's headers interfere with them.)

Don't get me wrong though, as easy as the swap is....it's not for a novice who thinks since they can change their own oil they can undertake this job with a Wal-Mart socket set.

And it's not fair to ask about the costs of swaps, if you buy everything brand-fucking-new and don't cut corners you will be looking over 10K. If you buy everything from a salvage, used, make your own shit, etc. Then it can be done for around $1500 (according to local swap/trade prices)

[iggy]

I have to agree with masso, I would not have done the swap if my 4.3 were running strong. Now I'm commited...or should be commited, not sure yet.

I'm about 4k into mine so far and now I need to backtrack and have the lower end rebuilt. REBUILD FIRST if you're putting in a salvage engine. My mistake will likely add another 2-3k.

[Zr2x350]

Shit.....i got roughly 4k in my 550hp 650 ft lb build with mostly new shit.......and i built my bottom end too.

[iggy]

Shit.....i got roughly 4k in my 550hp 650 ft lb build with mostly new shit.......and i built my bottom end too.

I guess mine is probably closer to 3k, haven't really tallied it up yet. I kinda got shafted on my engine...$1,100 '97 5.7 with 90k on it, but I was desperate at the time, and it was all i could find locally. If I only knew then what I know now, I would have held out and looked longer...among other things.

[MWood]

If my 4.3 didnt throw a bearing, I never would have swapped. The 4.3 was a great motor for me. But since it did, 5.7 was the next best thing. Same motor with 2 more cylinders. Only thing I regret is not rebuilding, and running headers instead of manifolds.

[Zr2x350]

I bought my 6.0 running for $500, but it did have 200k on it. I rebuilt it from the beginning though....Im putting it together next week. I gotta buy rocker arms now thogh so that will be another 300-500 tacked on cause they are stupid high. My 4k is a rough estimate as well, but im almost positive its not much more than that.