I had NO problems with power fluctuations at elevationwith my v6, I just wonder about that tranny holding up when I mash the throttle w/ a V8 if need be.

 

i didn't mean your truck wouldn't perform. it just sounded, to me, like you were looking at building an all-out bush/trail truck, and looking at constant, superior performance.

 

I would agree you would need another vehicle, i just didnt tell you guys we have like 4-5 pickup trucks sitting around, and i own 2 vehicles. so no big deal. and no kidding, its not a weekend swap, im going to try to get most of it done in 9 hard days. so we will see. my goal is to do this project for $2000

 

You couldn't be more correct sir!

 

that'll make good use of 1 week of your vacation!
i just don't understand why our wives can't see this?
good luck with the build-and your budget. keep us posted.

 

As far as fitment issues on the L31, or any V8 for that matter, the radiator need to be moved as far forward as possible and you'll need to run efans. Some have issues with the a/c compressor and hood clearance. A body lift handles that problem nicely or you can just leave out the a/c.

The LM7 does seem to wind up quicker compared the the L31, though this is from careful research using my old buttdyno in various vehicles. Biggest fitment issue with swapping in an LSx engine is notching the frame to fit the a/c compressor but you still need to move the radiator forwars. This swap is also much more intense in the wiring just to get the guages to work.

I know more about the L31 swap as I've read up on it and have done quite a bit of research. The LSx swap is more of a dream and I haven't really looked at what all needs to be done.

 

i know! a deep pocket-or a winning lottery ticket, hahahahaha!

 

I know this will be/is a continuing thread, just wanted to say thanks for all the good input I've gotten so far, so, THANK YOU!
I am a good way off from dropping in a V8, or getting one for that matter, but I am planning to do the V8 swap last. I would like to have everything else in place, except the engine/tranny and the skid plates/shields.
The only thing I can't actually decide on (besides small details) is whether I want to keep an IFS/Torsion setup but beefed to the max, or do a solid axle swap. I have always gone off road with my own IFS, and have driven many solid front axles offroad, (At one point I had a 91 Ford Exploder with dana 44s front/rear), and I like IFS better. I don't really have any facts as to why, just the control 'feel' I have when wheeling (You know, where one tire is smashed way up in the fender and the other is stretched all the way down, then 6" later they swap positions). Besides, once its lifted 6" (suspension) plus a couple of inches in body lift(If i decide i need it), and on 35s I don't think I will have clearance issues when in those extra fun boulder runs. The thing that snags me though is, I don't think that a regular 6" lift, though bigger and reinforced over stock, would work/look right once the v8 DOES go in.. sorry to ramble there...
Thoughts?