Soooooo... I'm buying a 1999 Chevy Blazer. It's a 2dr 4wd. Problem is, the engine is pretty much crapping the bed. So, I want to do an LS swap, but if I'm going to do it, I want to do it ***** to the wall. Maybe one of the Plug and Plays... But I have zero idea of what I am doing. So I got questions...

What's the biggest engine that will fit in the 99 Blazer without modifying or cutting?
Is there any specific engine that I need to coincide with the fact that it's a 4X4?
I'm going to assume that the wiring is going to need to be changed so that I can marry a new generation engine with what will soon be a dead Vortec V.6. Any pointers on that?
Also, talk to me about snorkels.
of course, I'm going to put in a lift kit. Should I go rough country or Trailmaster, or someone else? I'm thinking anywhere from 33 to 35" tires.
Also going with a brush guard and winch, so if you have any high quality ideas on that. and roof racks.

Oh, and I have minimal mechanical knowledge. An engine works by suck-squeeze-bang-blow. That's it; that's the sum total of my knowledge. Please don't make fun of me.

Anyway, thanks for the help and the pointers ahead of time.

 

... And for you pic heads out there, here's my starting point.

Not a bad place to start

Say goodbye to the old motor

maybe a 4 or 5 inch lift with some BFGs?

Yes, I see the lower right damage.

I love Jesus, too, but I hate that sticker.

That's going to be replaced, but it's going to stay down most of the time, anyway.

New carpet. New seats, New windshield. New radio / navigation system.

 

I don't want to discourage what I think is a cool project, but even a "plug and play" LS swap is not a job for somebody with little to no mechanical skills or knowledge. Just pulling the 4.3 out of a 4x4 is no fun. And even if you buy every part you can (rather than fabricating stuff), there's still a lot of technical work. Maybe you have a mechanic friend who wants to help you out?

 

Tom;

Yeah, I'm sorry. I guess I should have said that I had a bunch of friends who I can lean on for mechanical help. I just kind of wanted an unfiltered FORUMS opinion of what I could do. I'm going t to assume that it is POSSIBLE to swap in a Corvette's V8 engine. I guess what I meant was I want to put in that V8 power with the least amount of headache. I'm not going to ask the vehicle to climb a phone pole or anything, but off road capability here in Alaska is kind of a must, and I guess I naturally assumed that if I was going to be running bigger tires, I would want a bigger engine to help push them...

But yes, I have mechanic friends who are going to help teach me how to turn a wrench properly.

 

It's absolutely possible, and it's been done many times (not by me). It's a lot of work, though, and it's expensive (which may or may not be a factor for you).

If you want V8 power, but you don't necessarily have to have the latest and greatest, consider swapping in a Vortec 5.7 V8. It's practically a bolt-in. You can use your same engine computer and wiring harness (both with minor modifications), radiator. and almost everything else, too. And you can easily get 300HP out of one of those, without compromising reliability.

 

BOOM! And just like that, not only have I released myself of the fear of not getting any help (only laughed at), but I've also gotten a pretty good idea on where to start. Thank you. Now, to Google Vortec 5.7 engines for sale...

 

We actually do our best to help people out around here. We won't laugh at you unless you really earn it.

I'm glad I could be of assistance. And I hope you keep us updated on your build. Good luck!

 

So, if I am looking for a new engine that has 0 miles on it, and this says "direct replacement", do you think that means that it would work with my Blazer, too?

https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...engine/ht-383e

 

That will bolt in just like a stock Vortec 350. You'll probably still want to have a donor vehicle, though, even if you buy a new long block, since it won't come with an intake manifold, accessory brackets, etc. You can source all that stuff individually, but it's way easier to have a complete vehicle. If you can find one with a bad engine (but complete) for cheap, that would be the way to go, since you're not even going to use the engine.

 

Tom;

What does your Blazer look like? That's a big ol' list of stuff you got in your signature block... Got pictures?