Hi Everyone,

I am changing direction some on my FJ55 build. I have recently decided that I am going to go with a Vortec engine and drivetrain (automatic tranny), probably mated to a split case. More info on my project build below in my sig line.

The question I am trying to answer now is which Vortec engine to install? The considerations are the 4.8L V8, 5.3 V8 and 6.0 V8. I am also considering the vortec V6 engines, which trucks do these come out of? Silverado's only or other chevy models?

The issues I am concerned with are that I have been told with the 5.3L V8's you have issues in fitting the exhaust headers between the frame rails, as well as issues with the height of the actual engine, clearancing the oil pan.

The build is not one for off road. I want the pig to be fun to drive around town and do some light wheeling / camping which is why I will go with the vortec / auto setup.

Anyone with reccomendations / opinions on which model engine to go with would be appreciated, especially those from people with first hand FJ55 pig experience in swapping in V8 engines. I am not concerned with gas mileage as it is will not be a daily driver or long distance truck. I would like to put in the cleanest engine with low miles as possible. For these reasons I would prefer to use a newer year engine and as big and as much power as possible. I figure if I am going to do the swap I might as well get the largest engine that makes sense. That being said, I would like to hear what issues others have had with these engines into FJ55's. If a smaller V6 or a 4.3L V8 will fit much easier and be a much simpler swap than that's the way I will go. I have been told that the pig engine compartments are somewhat tight even more so than the FJ40's. I have a vortec in my FJ40 and love it, but it is somewhat tight. It is a 99 vortec which I have heard will fit better but I doubt I will be able to find a low mileage 99 engine out there and thus am looking into other newer model alternatives.

Sorry for the rant and thanks for the help. My apologies to the purists out there for going to the "dark side". :)

Noah

hey noah.
the 4.3s came in full size 1/2 ton trucks and in most of the S10 series rigs. i would not recommend going with that engine. pigs are just too heavy.

i like the 5.3s and 5.7s. a 6.0 would be nice but it might be overkill (is there such a thing) for your rig and application.

exhaust really should'nt be a big issue due to the availability of multiple different headers/manifolds.

6.0L plus 4L80E. Don't waste your time considering anything else.

Thanks Jack, do you have any tips or issues that I may run into with installing this combo into my FJ55?? not the usual stuff, I know where to get harnesses, computer flashed, etc. but any areas like exhaust, oilpan that may cause major headaches? I have heard that the 5.3's are somewhat "high" and difficult to fit unless you have a lift, which I will not, just running 2 inch springs, under. Are the 6.0's not as tall as the 5.3's??

Noah

the oil pan mighth give you some headaches w/ how much lift you are going to have,, it's something like 8.5" from the block to the bottom of the sump of the pan... w/ only 2" spring under it could be a problem

6.0L Vortec or Ram Jet 350. Like Jack said 4L80E or 700R4, advanced has adapters for both to split case. Let see some photos!

Ryan.

You are more than likely goign to have to run a two piece front drive shaft to clear the auto tranny's pan.

check out the lq9s :smokin:

You will have to swap out the exhaust manifolds. The cheapest soultion is to use LS1 headers from Summit. Alternatively, you can use the Sanderson units.

The oil pan is only deeper at the rear of the engine. I can send you dimensions if you want them. I think that unless your axle is moved aft, it should not be a problem. At least it is not in my FJ45 (SOA, but with a hi-pinion D60)

I prefer to use the OEM harness, and if you get a mated transmission, the only required computer work would be to disable the VATS and change the gearing/tire data.

Thanks Jack, so are there noticeable differences in the dimensions of the 5.3 vs. the 6.0? These are both new engines and I can get them low mileage, etc. which is great. Would I run into issues with the oil pan on the 5.3 as well? Reason I ask is if one engine dimension wise will give me more room all around (exhaust, engine bay, oil pan) then I will go with it. If not, and the engines are basically the same dimensions I will go with the 6.0.

Appreciate the help.

Noah

I think I have decided on the 5.3 with 4l60e.

I think I found a solution to the issue with the 5.3 oil pan interfering with the axle up front, I am only planning on running a 2 inch lift, everyone out there has told me that I need to run a big lift to clear the pan from the axle, I was told that a late model camaro pan will work and to get the sump and pickup with it. Just to give props to johnathan at TLC, he has been very friendly and helpful in speaking with me today.

I was also poking around summit racing and it seems there are several low profile options out there, so sounds like there is a solution for this. TLC did an FJ55 with a small lift and 33's and this is what I am looking for.

anyone know of the specific late model year camaro oil pan that would work with the 5.3 engine??

thanks to everyone for the help.....

Noah

Any progress?

on the motor, no, project is moving slowly, finishing front axle this weekend and starting to build a rotisserie for the body, I think I am definetly going to try to squeeze in the 5.3 v8, I think I can do it from all the opinions I got out there, will update my mud thread later this week. At least I should have the chassy rolling and out in the driveway today so that will be cool. :smokin:

Noah

Exhaust on the cheap, I'm planning to use a driver's side manifold on the passenger's side, routing the exhaust around the front to clear my driveshaft & suspension links with my 5.3.

IIRC, the 5.3 & 6.0 are the same dimensionally.. but I picked up a '04 Tahoe 5.3, 295hp, 330 tq.. will easily be 320/360 when all is said and done (exhaust, free-flow intake, and PCM tuning).. That outta move your pig around juuust fine!