2002 2WD 5.3 V8 swap?

[Bendx]

I have both a 98 and 02 2wd Astro that I would like to put V8s into. I live in Georgia and these vans have to be OBDII emmisions legal. Any one know where I can find info on what it would take to make these swaps as easy as possible? I would perfer putting a 5.3 into the 02 and a the engine from a 99 Trans Am into the 98 but im looking for the easiest V8 swap possible. TIA.

[GnarliSafari]

if your looking for the easiest swap, ditch the 5.3 and go 5.7 or any variation of the SBC. almost a direct bolt in. look in the v8 swap area and you should find plenty of info.

[Rebel]

Lots of info here on the V-8 swap and also agree on going with the 5.7,,much easier. If ya get hung up on emissions,,check with Darren, SoCalli V8. He's in Ca. and it don't get much tougher than that.
By the way,,welcome to ASV's.

[mdmead]

Yes, stick with the 350. I'm in the process (sort of...) of doing the 5.3 swap and it is anything but easy. Obviously the wiring is going to be a challenge, but you will have to do custom mounts, install an electronic throttle (or get the parts to keep the cable and have the computer reprogrammed.) You will probably need computer work anyway. And with my AWD there are pan clearance issues and the A/C compressor interferes and needs to be moved. If I was starting again, knowing what I know now, I'd do a 350. (And the only reason I don't now is I still have dreams of swapping the 5.3 for a 6.0 or 6.2 somewhere down the road.....)

[GnarliSafari]

Yes, stick with the 350. I'm in the process (sort of...) of doing the 5.3 swap and it is anything but easy. Obviously the wiring is going to be a challenge, but you will have to do custom mounts, install an electronic throttle (or get the parts to keep the cable and have the computer reprogrammed.) You will probably need computer work anyway. And with my AWD there are pan clearance issues and the A/C compressor interferes and needs to be moved. If I was starting again, knowing what I know now, I'd do a 350. (And the only reason I don't now is I still have dreams of swapping the 5.3 for a 6.0 or 6.2 somewhere down the road.....)

electric throttle? i have the 6.0 in my 2500hd, the throttle doesn't seem too different from whats in my van, its cable driven also... what am i missing?

[mdmead]

Yes, stick with the 350. I'm in the process (sort of...) of doing the 5.3 swap and it is anything but easy. Obviously the wiring is going to be a challenge, but you will have to do custom mounts, install an electronic throttle (or get the parts to keep the cable and have the computer reprogrammed.) You will probably need computer work anyway. And with my AWD there are pan clearance issues and the A/C compressor interferes and needs to be moved. If I was starting again, knowing what I know now, I'd do a 350. (And the only reason I don't now is I still have dreams of swapping the 5.3 for a 6.0 or 6.2 somewhere down the road.....)

electric throttle? i have the 6.0 in my 2500hd, the throttle doesn't seem too different from whats in my van, its cable driven also... what am i missing?

Hmm, I thought all the recent LS based engines have the electronic throttle. I know my 5.3L has one and I've read many swap threads talking about using the electronic throttle or finding an older cable-operated throttle body to swap on. Maybe there are some versions out there that are cable operated. (My 5.3L came out of a Tahoe... '00 or '01 I believe. I did get the entire engine harness, computer and electronic throttle with it.)

[GnarliSafari]

mines an 02 6.0, weird...

[sfeaver]

My father has an 06 Express with a 6.0 and im almost positive its cable throttle too.

Scott

[GnarliSafari]

maybe because a tahoe is more of a luxury/soccer mom vehicle they stick the electronic throttles in them, where as expresses and silverados are commonly work vehicles they want something more reliable. id imagine the electronic ones are nice, but not so nice to have serviced...

[LiftedAWDAstro]

My 3/4 ton truck is drive by wire...seems very reliable to me. I also thought the LS series engines were all drive by wire now.

[sfeaver]

Just looked in the GM electronic parts catalog program and the express vans without active brake control (I think this means stabiltrack thats available in the 1/2 ton models) has the cable throttle. With that other option it has electronic throttle. At least for 2006 model. For what its worth...

Scott

[Cobra]

well that's some interesting info, you guys keep making a 6L swap look doable