Ok so I have a 1992 s15 jimmy. The body is mint and its only got 88k on the stock motor. I have the 4.3 cpi and I hate how it sucks up gas and doesnt put down the power to justify it. I want to get a newer generation ls based vortec v8 but cant decide to go 5.3 or 6.0. Im in the process of selling my 92 stealth twin turbo (getting $10,000 for it) and I will use that money to fund this swap (Hopefully not all of it because whatever I dont spend is gonna help pay off college loans). I wanted to get a trans am, but Im a big *** dude (6'7" 275lbs) so sports cars are no longer an option, plus I love my jimmy!!!! I want to make some pretty good power from this thing and keep my fuel economy in the 20's (my 4.3 only gives me about 18). Id be happy with 300 at the wheels but Id be REALLY happy if I was at 400 or more I do drive to school once a week which is 70 miles all highway and then at the end of the week i come home which is another 70 miles all highway. I need to maintain reliability so I dont get stuck without my truck when I need to get to school. I would also like to try and keep my 4wd. I also need to decide whether to do this myself with my dad and his friend or should I have it done professionally? We are capable, but a shop could be more time efficient and we wouldnt have to get our hands dirty. So please suggest what you think, 5.3 or 6.0?????

 

Also, I don't really do too much offroading so this truck will be mainly a street truck. I have it lifted a little bit with leafs but nothing serious. I may take it through some snow, sand or minor trails, but you wont catch my truck buried in the mud lol

 

no one has any opinion between the 6.0 or the 5.3?

 

Check out JAGS (JTR) that Run as they have a S10 V8 swap manual. Check the thread below as it is a V8 LS Engine Swap with AWD. It is a great build and you might get some ideas for your build. Installing a V8 engine takes quite a bit of modification especially if you want to keep AC. It is not just a plug and play installation. As far a which engine to choose that is going to be your decision.

The easiest swap is a 305.

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Che..._S-10_V-8.html

https://blazerforum.com/forum/builds...lt1-awd-30711/

 

Not sure who lied to you about the 305 but externally its the same as any other gen 1 small block v8. It isn't any harder to put one in as another.


The only thing jags that run overpriced catalog is good for is if you run out of TP. I use mine to level a bench in my shop. The info is outdated and you can get it free on the net. 90% of their parts are GM replacement parts uselly china knockoffs they slap a huge mark up on. 5% is other brands parts they slap their huge markup on. The last 5% that is actually theirs you can find better quality sometimes cheaper.

Check out Your Page Title (NOT .com that's jtr site and they even try to charge to use their dead forums) or HOME | LS1Tech.com for info up to date you can use.

 

I would probably go 5.3 however depending on donor vehicle availabilty I could be easily swayed

 

I think price with availabilty are gonna be 2 major factors.

4.8, 5.3, And even 5.7 LS are more common and not as wanted as the 6.0 so they are cheaper. For a street truck any of them is a major upgrade over the 4.3.