Thinking about Engine Swap/Upgrade

[hightechdave]

I've got a 1995 GMC Yukon 4wd, that is in awesome shape, daily driver, and tow rig. Prob is it is as gutless as it comes, has 140k miles on it, but runs good.

i'm new to this section (got a jeep), but has anyone had a similar rig, and upgraded to a 496 big block, late model (like on 3/4 ton Suburban)? Issues? Things to think about?? Where to get one?

I really don't want to get rid of this rig, as it is a two door, and I love the short wheelbase for towing. Would rather have a deisel for towing, but thats a bunch more.

Thanks!

(oh Robbie of cowtown, i don't have $35k laying around for a Dodge)

[hightechdave]

welp, ok, no one has ever thought of, or has done this, or is technically capable of I guess.

Fuck it, gonna do it anyway. Will let you shitheads know how it goes I guess. if you know someone who has, let me know.

BTW, I will share what I learn here, cause i'm an asshole........

[Copenhagen]

im sure people have thought of it, just no one on here.

[charlo]

I have dreamed about it but thats WAY out of my price range. Also it is not a smog legal swap for your vehicle in cali.
I cant see you finding one of those for less than 6-7K. They have only been around for a year or two and if you think you little 4l60e will hold up to that kind of power your crazy. So be ready to drop another couple grand for the BIG tranny youll be neding also. Besides those 3 things I dont see any problems

Charlo

[hightechdave]

yea, I figured the xmission would have to go too. Damn thing already blew up 15k miles ago, piece of crap

[Grumpy_old_fart]

dont forget the radiator, transfer case, driveshafts, computers, and any other shit that was attached to the 8.1L. this is a pretty straight forward swap if you have all the parts from a donor vehicle. you will have less than perfect axles when you are done. as the 8.1 will show you every weak point in the drivetrain.

Dont forget to smile when you mash the loud pedal.

[Bigger Valves]

i figured this kinda cake swap would be so easy you wouldn't even need to ask..

[pcelle]

go ahead a swap from a 350 to a 454 or similar bb i easy ....
same mounts same bolting pattern
about the tranny take it easy 4l60e is good for your rigs wheight but if towing is an issue use a 4l80e

my advice ...first find a good donor 454 or 502 install it

if anythnig brakes change thee is a big posibility that nothing bad would happen

[WhizBangChris]

8.1 will be a pain in the ass, but of course it's possible. It uses the electronic throttle control with a stepper motor deal on the throttle body (no throttle cable. fly by wire, kinda). If you look into marine applications, you can probably find a way around this, as well as a more swap-friendly ECM. Keep in mind, though that marine stuff won't have trans controls so if you think you're gonna stay with that 4L60E, you'll need something to control it (modded stock PCM or aftermarket controller). Motor mounts are different but I'm sure there is somebody out there by now that makes adapter plates. Or you could make your own if you are wise in the way of steel fabrication.

7.4 swap would be WAY easier, especially if your 95 is still OBD1. Drop it in, change the PCM (tranny control still might be an issue here), hit the gas, and watch the 4L60E and 10 bolt scatter.

You could always stay with a 5.7 and beef it up. It's not like there is a lack of SBC performance parts out there. I'm thinking a little forced induction and good exhaust will do the trick.

If you go for the 8.1, post pics.