FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

I'm going to need to put a new engine in my 92' Chevy 1500 Z71 very soon. The current engine sounds like it might explode at any minute, which means it probably has years left on it.

But I don't want to take my chances and I'm looking to get my mind off the Miata for a bit so I actually take the time to drive it.

Sure I could put another big v8 in there, but that is seriously boring. That being said I don't have the tools or skillz to fab up custom sub frames, mounts, adapters for a supra engine or some crazy **** like that. So I'm wondering if anyone knows off hand some good engines that either have conversions for mounting it already available, or direct fit options. I looked into the 4BD1T Isuzu diesel and it looked promising, but the engine is semi-rare, and expensive.

I'd like to maybe throw a 4cly or v6 in there and maybe throw a turbo on it with a MS or similar engine management. Basically what I'm looking to use it for is maybe pulling my miata, and having the ability to throw big **** like tables/tv/etc in the bed. No plowing, no heavy towing.

Cliff notes: Truck needs new engine, looking for options besides a v8. Needs to be semi easy to swap and fairly inexpensive. Truck is used for towing miata at most.

Bond

iTrader: (6)

Why not another 5.3l V8, they are cheap and enough and good enough for towing a yata around.

Pen2_the_penguin

iTrader: (4)

^^^what he said. I helped drop one into a friend's S10... It was worth the total of 1k that we spent for a donor car, and engine... alas, the frame twisted after about the 40th pull.

chicksdigmiatas

iTrader: (11)

His truck should be the 5.7. People pull out the isuzu diesel engines all the time to put in a 350. So, the reverse swap shouldn't be so bad. If i was back home, i would probably be able to get you one for like 100.

rweatherford

Those 4-cyl diesels are very tall and heavy might want to check it out. In stock form they are pretty doggy. I personally wouldn't waste my time with anything but the 5.7 but I'm getting old and cranky. I've seen too many "projects" at work sit there and take up shop space for a few years while custom mounts, wiring, etc.

Just remember this is a 1500 and the drivetrain is not set up for heavy weight or high TQ. Even Dodge 3/4-1 ton trucks have issues with Cummins engines and they were built for them.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

jDm b16A y0!!!11!!!!!!1!!!!!

j/k, I recommend not hot-rodding the tow truck/winter beater. Let it be just that, a beater.

Mach929

iTrader: (3)

i wouldn't change anything, not worth the trouble

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

I think you guys all have a point. I mainly just want to get a bit better gas mileage out of it since I may have to tow the Miata ~700 miles a few times this summer. Which is why I was thinking maybe a 6cyl with a turbo. Either way it's gonna need a new engine, guess I'll just start sourcing the 5.7L.

Sparetire

Put an Ecotech in it. My S10 is a powerhowz.

Mach929

iTrader: (3)

the same rules don't apply for towing, many times the bigger less efficient motor will be more efficient while towing

thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

I have a 2000 silverado 4x4 with a 4.8 v8. I think it's rated at 275 hp, and I get about 17 mpg with it. I'd say swap to a 5.3 or 4.8. It's a full roller engine.

elesjuan

iTrader: (11)

F20C?


Look into a Gen III 5.3 liter from a newer truck, Seriously.

I've seen hundreds of them in salvage yards for 500 - 700$ WITH harness and PCM! Itd take a tiny bit of wiring, but it'd be completely worth it.

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think I may try for a newer GMC engine like elesjuan has suggested. Diesel sounds badass, but probably more work that I want to do, plus 3500 for a fair condition 4BDT1, ef that.

After some research on what is available I'm gonna start the junk yard look, might be fun to buy one and rebuild it. With the miata 90% back together I'm going to need something to do.

miataspeed2005

iTrader: (3)

Put a smart car engine in it and you'll get good miles per gallon o_O

Savington

iTrader: (31)

Do a MY2000+ 5.3/5.7. My parents' Suburban gets 13-15 towing, depending on terrain. If you want anything better, you'll need to fill from the green gas pumps.

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

Took me a second to figure out that meant Model Year.. I think what you have suggested is exactly what I will be doing. I've started the hunt

chicksdigmiatas

iTrader: (11)

GMC typhoon motor. 4.3 turbo motor if you want a 6cyl turbo, my grand prix has a 3.1 turbo, its yours if you wanna drive to tn.

rweatherford

I know you are kidding... The 60 degree GM FWD motors and I think the 90 deg FWD motors have different bellhousing patterns than the RWD engines. I'm sure about the 60 deg engines.

Obviously the Typhoon engine would work.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

I wouldn't want to tow with a turbo V6. I've found situations where even the 5.7 feels a little lacking (up the Grapevine). Wouldn't want anything smaller.

fmowry

iTrader: (8)

5.3 or 6.0 swap from a later model GM truck and a copy of HPtuners for better gas mileage.

Putting a smaller turbo anything in it would be retarded. Hell, you can flip the manifolds on the 5.3 around and pick up a cheap turbo kit and run speed density with HPtuners.

When I finish my Miata/LS6 swap I'll do a jeep/5.3 swap.

Cheap 5.3/6.0 pullouts complete with wiring harness/accessories are a dime a dozen.

Frank`