Hey everyone,
First post and new here, but not an entire noob/moron to working on my own rigs and dd's. I hope I posted in the right spot, because I need some knowledge from you Chevy guys here.. mainly you fellas sportin both the 5.7 Vortec V8 as well as the newer 5.3 Vortec. In regards to my questions, please don't completely destroy me on my first post lol. If I posted in the wrong spot, please forgive and tell me how to go about getting it moved.
With that out of the way, my rig is a '91 XJ. Damn near stock (minus header/exhaust/ typical replacements) due to it being my DD for a while. Now I have an actual DD (07 Focus), so the Jeep gets the treatment.
One of the first things on my list when I have the cash is to swap in a GM V8. Now, here's where I need the help. Nearly every swap I find is either a 5.3L vortec, a carbed or TBI 350, or the 4.3L. I am yet to find anything on a Vortec 5.7. I understand the 5.3 is usually the 'modern' choice due to modern improvements and design, however I prefer older style (to an extent) with less of the crap (TAC module, Drive-by-Wire, etc..).
So, I plan to source a 5.7 Vortec and matching 4L60E trans from hopefully a '99 Tahoe, maybe a '98. If I have researched correctly, both year 4L60E's have the 6 bolt pattern for the transfercase, right? Hopefully so, because if it does I will be building a bastard t-case from a combo of my current NP231J, an NP231C, and possible a dodge unit (complete instruction was found on a 5.3 swap on NAXJA).
As for the 5.7, to be honest another few reasons I chose this over the 5.3 is because:
1) Vortec 5.7 assemblies run cheaper than 5.3 assemblies where I live.
2) The Vortec 5.7 uses a FPR mounted to that janked up lookin spider assembly, which means I can retain my factory fuel system to an extent (pump, gauge, filter, etc).
3) IIRC, the 5.7 is similiar to my current 4.0 in respect to gauges and their sending units. There is a spot for the ECM's coolant sensor, and another one for the gauge sender. Same for oil. Keeps is simple, however idk if the 5.3 is the same way.
4) After much review, the 5.7 seems to have much lower end torque, which is what I'd need more with 3.55 gears (for the time being [winter DD]) and for wheeling. In regards to horsepower, I think through bolt ons I can bring the 5.7 from 255hp to 290hp, near where the 5.3 sits.
5) There's just a cool factor associated with the badge for a 'Chevy 350'
6) The older setup should match up with my older systems (such as A/C and power steering) better.
Now, if I am wrong on any of those, PLEASE correct me. I don't want to wonder around like a retard with the wrong info. Also, to add to the q's, does the 5.7 vortec intake assembly sit about as tall as say a carbed 350 setup? I see guys running carbed 350's in their XJ's with no hood clearance issues, so I am hoping the vortec 350 sits about the same height intake wise.
Lastly, I understand when people swap 5.3 Vortecs into their XJ's, I think the alternator bracket and purge valve cause hood clearance issues, requiring a cowl hood. Does the 5.7 vortec assembly share this 'high accessory' setup? If so, can different brackets from a lower setup style be swapped in since the vortec 5.7 is still a Gen 1+?
I appreciate any and all help. And again, if I placed in the wrong spot, please correct me and tell me what steps to take to have it moved.
First post and new here, but not an entire noob/moron to working on my own rigs and dd's. I hope I posted in the right spot, because I need some knowledge from you Chevy guys here.. mainly you fellas sportin both the 5.7 Vortec V8 as well as the newer 5.3 Vortec. In regards to my questions, please don't completely destroy me on my first post lol. If I posted in the wrong spot, please forgive and tell me how to go about getting it moved.
With that out of the way, my rig is a '91 XJ. Damn near stock (minus header/exhaust/ typical replacements) due to it being my DD for a while. Now I have an actual DD (07 Focus), so the Jeep gets the treatment.
One of the first things on my list when I have the cash is to swap in a GM V8. Now, here's where I need the help. Nearly every swap I find is either a 5.3L vortec, a carbed or TBI 350, or the 4.3L. I am yet to find anything on a Vortec 5.7. I understand the 5.3 is usually the 'modern' choice due to modern improvements and design, however I prefer older style (to an extent) with less of the crap (TAC module, Drive-by-Wire, etc..).
So, I plan to source a 5.7 Vortec and matching 4L60E trans from hopefully a '99 Tahoe, maybe a '98. If I have researched correctly, both year 4L60E's have the 6 bolt pattern for the transfercase, right? Hopefully so, because if it does I will be building a bastard t-case from a combo of my current NP231J, an NP231C, and possible a dodge unit (complete instruction was found on a 5.3 swap on NAXJA).
As for the 5.7, to be honest another few reasons I chose this over the 5.3 is because:
1) Vortec 5.7 assemblies run cheaper than 5.3 assemblies where I live.
2) The Vortec 5.7 uses a FPR mounted to that janked up lookin spider assembly, which means I can retain my factory fuel system to an extent (pump, gauge, filter, etc).
3) IIRC, the 5.7 is similiar to my current 4.0 in respect to gauges and their sending units. There is a spot for the ECM's coolant sensor, and another one for the gauge sender. Same for oil. Keeps is simple, however idk if the 5.3 is the same way.
4) After much review, the 5.7 seems to have much lower end torque, which is what I'd need more with 3.55 gears (for the time being [winter DD]) and for wheeling. In regards to horsepower, I think through bolt ons I can bring the 5.7 from 255hp to 290hp, near where the 5.3 sits.
5) There's just a cool factor associated with the badge for a 'Chevy 350'
6) The older setup should match up with my older systems (such as A/C and power steering) better.
Now, if I am wrong on any of those, PLEASE correct me. I don't want to wonder around like a retard with the wrong info. Also, to add to the q's, does the 5.7 vortec intake assembly sit about as tall as say a carbed 350 setup? I see guys running carbed 350's in their XJ's with no hood clearance issues, so I am hoping the vortec 350 sits about the same height intake wise.
Lastly, I understand when people swap 5.3 Vortecs into their XJ's, I think the alternator bracket and purge valve cause hood clearance issues, requiring a cowl hood. Does the 5.7 vortec assembly share this 'high accessory' setup? If so, can different brackets from a lower setup style be swapped in since the vortec 5.7 is still a Gen 1+?
I appreciate any and all help. And again, if I placed in the wrong spot, please correct me and tell me what steps to take to have it moved.