Hello From North Texas!
Hello From North Texas!
Howdy everyone,
Wanted to make sure I dropped in to introduce myself. Name is Frank and this is my first Blazer and first that's a smaller than fullsize type vehicle. Its also my first Chevy in about 10 years again. Picked up my '98 Blazer LS 4x4 in August 2012. Bought it with some known issues, but didn't know those issues were going to turn into stacking the bearings and replacing the engine 3 weeks later. Bought a rebuilt 4.3 Vortec for it that had been built by a guy who builds Pro Mod/Pro Outlaw drag cars for a living and its been reliable, but have started itching for that V8 rumble.
I live in a small rural Texas city that's 23 miles from the Oklahoma border and am a retired custom car/truck builder, dealing mainly with street rods and street machines. In fact, the Blazer is the newest thing I've ever owned personally. Even when I had my own shop, our parts hauler was a 1974 Cadillac Hearse!
As mentioned, I've got plans to "upgrade" to a '96-'99 5.7 Vortec V8 and have been doing my research and have located a 52,000 mile unit out of a '98 Suburban that I've purchased for the swap. I do have some questions regarding EXACTLY what I need for motor mounts. I'm getting the COMPLETE engine, ALL accessories, brackets, exhaust manifolds, engine wiring harness and ECM. Is there anything else I'm needing? I won't be starting this engine swap until probably late September or early October as I'm currently involved in a rather unique car restoration in the Saint Louis, Missouri area and won't be finished with it until Mid-September.
Things I'm wondering if they will need to be addressed that I haven't already read:
Exhaust system - will other manifolds be necessary or will the stock 5.7 Vortec work and then run a true dual exhaust?
Motor mounts - have read I can "reverse" the 4.3 mounts and use them on the 5.7 or do I need other mounts?
AC Compressor - Read there is clearance issues with the hood and the AC compressor and that I'll need to do a 2" body lift. Why then is there no clearance issues with a lowered Blazer?
I have several other things I want to do with and to my Blazer, Lil' Stinker and hopefully will be able to find out where I can locate the parts I'm needing. I also look forward to being a part of this community and please feel free to ask anything!
Wanted to make sure I dropped in to introduce myself. Name is Frank and this is my first Blazer and first that's a smaller than fullsize type vehicle. Its also my first Chevy in about 10 years again. Picked up my '98 Blazer LS 4x4 in August 2012. Bought it with some known issues, but didn't know those issues were going to turn into stacking the bearings and replacing the engine 3 weeks later. Bought a rebuilt 4.3 Vortec for it that had been built by a guy who builds Pro Mod/Pro Outlaw drag cars for a living and its been reliable, but have started itching for that V8 rumble.
I live in a small rural Texas city that's 23 miles from the Oklahoma border and am a retired custom car/truck builder, dealing mainly with street rods and street machines. In fact, the Blazer is the newest thing I've ever owned personally. Even when I had my own shop, our parts hauler was a 1974 Cadillac Hearse!
As mentioned, I've got plans to "upgrade" to a '96-'99 5.7 Vortec V8 and have been doing my research and have located a 52,000 mile unit out of a '98 Suburban that I've purchased for the swap. I do have some questions regarding EXACTLY what I need for motor mounts. I'm getting the COMPLETE engine, ALL accessories, brackets, exhaust manifolds, engine wiring harness and ECM. Is there anything else I'm needing? I won't be starting this engine swap until probably late September or early October as I'm currently involved in a rather unique car restoration in the Saint Louis, Missouri area and won't be finished with it until Mid-September.
Things I'm wondering if they will need to be addressed that I haven't already read:
Exhaust system - will other manifolds be necessary or will the stock 5.7 Vortec work and then run a true dual exhaust?
Motor mounts - have read I can "reverse" the 4.3 mounts and use them on the 5.7 or do I need other mounts?
AC Compressor - Read there is clearance issues with the hood and the AC compressor and that I'll need to do a 2" body lift. Why then is there no clearance issues with a lowered Blazer?
I have several other things I want to do with and to my Blazer, Lil' Stinker and hopefully will be able to find out where I can locate the parts I'm needing. I also look forward to being a part of this community and please feel free to ask anything!
New Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 76
From: Bryan, TX
Welcome! I also used to build/restore street rods etc. I joined here to research for my next project also. I'm putting a 68 440 wagon body on a Blazer chassis. I'm going the other way for right now though, smaller motor with better mileage and 4x4.
