Newbie Checkin In

[laroy.liner]

Hey all I own a 95 SC 2WD Sport Side with the 5.7.
Back in 96 or 97 I added the Edelbrock RPM Performance package with Doug Thorley Headers and Flowmaster exhaust. He is a little tired with over 150k and leaking oil and fowling plugs before I put him in storage.
Due to the oil leaks in the driveway, the wife wants it gone (come be a part of saving a Chevy.)
What I would like to do is swapp in something reliable with a minimum of 350hp/tq. The GM crate engine program looks attractive. But not final!
I'm in the Army and my finances are okay, but I want to stay under 5K, with me and a buddy doing most of the work.

So there you have it any advice would be appreciated.

[RedHeartbeat]

To stay sane you can order a new replacement engine to replace the factory Vortech and it will be just as good as new. It won't be 350 HP but not many guys have that at the rear tires. An LS2 or LQ9 salvage yard engine can probably be had for about $2500 or so if you shop around. Then you need a wiring harness to simplify the install, about $700. A custom tuned PCM, Engine mount adapters, fuel lines, exhaust(truck or Fbody manifolds), electric fans if you go LS1/LS6 or LS2, transmission spacer/extension and bolts. I'm sure I'm missing something here.

[bud8fan]

red just about covered it...welcome to the board...

[Red03SilSS]

Welcome...

[laroy.liner]

Red,
Like the LQ9 idea and was leaning towards it, but will the wireing harness be a pain in the arse for me?
I've swapped out engines before but no electrical work had to be done.
This is probably the only thing intimidating me.

After the swapp how long will my rear end hold up? The tranny was just rebuilt with a tran-go shift kit about 15k ago?
I don't have the vortec in my truck? (it was purchased in 0ct 94) I wished I would have gotten that engine.

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[RedHeartbeat]

Do a Gen3 engine(LS1,LS2,LS6,4.8,5.3,5.7,6.0 - take your pick, they all have more power than the 94 engine), you won't regret it. Get a salvage yard engine, a NelsonPerformance engine harness and tuned PCM. You'll need to plumb fuel to it plus install a new high pressure/high volume fuel pump in the tank. Get the Fbody(preferred) or truck exhaust manifolds and you're ready to roll. It's a pretty easy change over. You'll need engine mount adapter plates. Those can be picked up on Ebay for about $40.

The rear end will last forever in a 94. If you don't have limited slip, get one.

The Nelson harness is like 5 wires to hook up. Simple Simon.