Ok so I have a 87 camaro on its last leg, and I also have a 2003 chevy 3/4 ton van. The van had a slight roll over but it still runs. (Like I can start it up and drive it around with my head out the window) Anyway I just wanted to know if anyone has done this swap. Its a vortec motor so how hard is the harness to figure out? Is it possible? Everyone I've talked to says it can't be done, that there are too many wires going from the ecu that wont be use. What do ya'll think?

 

I think you'd be plowing new 3rd gen ground.

I didn't think the 454 was available anymore in 2003.

Basically, you'd have to take everything out of the van that runs the engine, and swap it into your car. Everything. Are you up to that?

 

the 2003 should have a 8.1, which i do believe is a 454. it is a vortec but it should be as lsx type motor am i wrong? it would be a neat swap. with 330 hp and 450ft/lbs or torque it should be a good stump puller too

 

7.4L is a 454.

The 8100 is a stroked 7400. It actually works out to 496 cid. Although it shares many similar dimensions to a normal BBC, getting a vortec to fit will be your own challenge.

 

Ok guys, I'm sorry to say I was miss informed. The motor is a 6.0, not sure what that equals in cubic inches.... I do know its not the 8.1 because the van was my uncles and he ordered it from the factory with the biggest motor they would put in it. (I didnt even know the 8.1 came out yet, i remember my uncle rambling about it right before he went into the bathroom with a bottle of lotion.) Anyway, I dont know if I'm up for it or not. Whats all the crap I hear about the ecu running everything in the car? Like lights inside, radio, all the acces. What am I going to do with all those wires? I have a buddy who works at a tranny shop and he even said some of the new cars have sencors in the rear diff. What would I do with that? Please give me details, I have very little knowledge of anything FI.

 

6L has always been 427 plus or minus a couple of inches depending how it's rounded. the 8.1L is actually 8128cc

The newer engine have a lot of electronics on them. Just too many sensors for the average person to do a simple swap. I remember watching a TV show where whey built a full size Hot Wheels vehicle. They used the powerplant from a Cadillac Northstar and removed the entire harness from the car without cutting anything. They didn't know what they could keep or cut and still allow the engine to run after being transplanted.

You can't jump in blindly and expect a newer engine swap to be an easy job. On the other hand, with enough time and money, anything can be swapped into anything else.

 

That sounds more like it.

It's an LSx based engine. Basically a torque-tuned LS1 made out of cast iron. It can be "worth it", check the sticky at the top of the forum for details.

 

just FYI the 8.1 is a 502, and the 6.0 comes out to like a 364 i think. But you could go carb'd with a controller for the ignition. GMPP has an intake manifold, and then MSD makes a controller, but i think it's like 900 bucks to go that route, but on the other hand, then you have a carb and timing curves just set by chips that go into the controller. You can make close to 500 horses this route with the GMPP HOT cam. Sorry for the long post, but hope it helps.

 

Oops. My mistake. 7.0L was 427. The old 6.0L BBC was a 366.

 

Your 6.0, as stated already, is an newer LS motor. I could be wrong but I believe your engine model is LQ4, which is a fairly sought after motor because it is a true 4" bore and a stronger block if your plans ever include nitrous or a blower. What you might consider, if emissions are not an issue, is to completely eliminate the fuel injection system and run a carb. Edelbrock sells an intake and the corresponding electronics to fire your distributerless ignition system. You will have to also consider other details if you go this route. If you have an automatic trans, you'll need an aftermarket computer to run it. TCI is one source for that. I would personally sell it and use the money towards a dedicated LS T56 six speed.... a much simpler and funner combination.

You'll need motor mounts. Year One and Hawk are two sources for LS to third gen mounts.

And....you'll need a set of V8 front springs to handle the extra weight.

This is actually a very cool swap but I don't know how mechanically inclined you are. There is a lot of guys here that have done the LS swap that can help.

 

It will either be a LQ4 or LQ9. It is 364 cubic inchs, and will be a pretty stout engine if you can get it in and running.

 

ive got the 6.0HO in my ss silverado and it moves the large truck around pretty well, so it should do pretty well in the f-body.