A New Plan..

[Silverado Brethern]

I have a new plan for my truck and wanna see what you all think. As much as i hate to wanna do it...i think im gonna stop puttin money into my engine and save up for a new one. I wanna get an LQ9 6.0L like the ones that come in escalades (345hp for $3700 + install headaches) or a GM performance parts ram-jet 350 crate engine (350hp for $4900 + extra parts to complete engine). Those are prices for a brand new engine but most likely ill try to find a slightly used LQ9. But anyway my engine is old and tired so i dont wanna put much more money into it and have something major break.

[Silverado Brethern]

Soo i take it everyone has a very neutral position on my idea...

[stratman440]

go for the 6.0 litre

[Tall]

I would go with the 350, parts are easier to find, and I think it will be cheaper in the long run, I never have liked Cadis too much... plus just saying you got performance anything under the hood just sounds cool...

Also, would the 6.0 bolt up to the tranny? I mean, you might have to get an entire custom rear end....that could be costly.

To me, the 350 sounds like a winner in the long run, pay a couple more dollars at first, to save a couple hunderd down the road.

[broughy84]

I agree here, I think you are going to get in alot of $$$ w/this project. If the 60 will not bolt to the 4l60e ( i think it will though) you are going to have to do some changing, AND you are going to have to strip every little bit of the computer and wiring harness off and replace it. A 6.0 in a 1997 may be a little tricky. I would go for the 5.7 if it were me, but if you have the time and money go for it. And good luck. Also talk w/slowprocess over on the silverado board, he has swaped a 4.8 for a 6.0, he knows the ins and outs of this swap for the most part.

[Silverado Brethern]

I think 6.0's come from factory bolted to 4L80E's but both trannys have the same bolt pattern and can be hooked up to all new GM engines also slowprocess has 4L60E with his 6.0L. What I want is serious amounts of long term power, meaning I can mod this engine endlessly and it will still be reliable. The more I think about it a 350 sounds better, but I only want a fuel injected engine, no carburetor. But a 350 would make the install process much easier, just as long as it will still hook up to all the electronics under my hood.

[98SilvyKid]

Definitely go with a 350. Parts are easy to get for these engines. I found a 350 much cheaper than the two engines you listed (which is always good) Its a 350 ZZ4 short block for $2,395. It has a nodular iron crankshaft, aluminum pistons, ZZ4 conrods, and Edelbrock heads. It makes 320 ponies at 5500 rpm, and 382 lb-ft or torque at 4,000 rpm. It may require the extra parts like accessory bracket stuff, etc. But then again what crate engine doesn't? It's still half of what the other 350 costs. I hope this helps. You should look into it.

[Silverado Brethern]

Where did you get the price for that engine? I have been lookin at a lot of websites and catalogs and www.sdpc2000.com is the best i have found for engines. I either want a cheap but solid 350 to force feed or a fuel injected 383 stroker. This is a very long term savings fund type thing and i dont ever plan to get rid of this truck. So either way I wanna try to find something that will cost around $5000, keeping in mind that I have a pefectly functioning vortec 350 to sell.

[98SilvyKid]

I found the engine in a magazine. I believe it was Four Wheeler. They had a crate engine guide. I went to the link you posted and found it there too. Its a budget ZZ350 but makes around 325 horses from the box (I have found different horsepower ratings from different sources, but they only range 5 or so ponies). This engine costs a little over $2300, but I'm sure it's strong. 350's are easy to build up and find parts for. Here is the address for the engine I found under the site you listed: http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3508...e-Assembly.htm By the way, this engine isn't meant for fuel injection, so it's just how you want it.

[v10_viper]

ZZ383/425

Actually I'm kidding, but that would be a bad ass engine in your truck. Personally I'd go with the 6.0, even though the 350's are sweet and more availability, the newer L series engines are awesome. Either way you'll be happy with the power you'll get.

[Silverado Brethern]

Very ture. Either way im gonna go with the cheapest 300+hp set up even tho i know my engine is pushin out more than that but its leakin oil and all so as soon as it goes south i have another waitin to leap into the green beast.