Project Lead Sled

[LeadSled96]

[IMG][/IMG]

[LeadSled96]

Just curious on every ones thoughts... should I go with the 6.0 or the 5.3? I tow random trailers somewhat regularly along with towing my GTO to shows, I carry a fair amount of tools everyday, I intend to upgrade to 4x4 later on and possibly add a plow. I am sure the 5.3 could do it but would the motor be working too hard? Will my gas mileage be better with one over the other? Any thoughts are appreciated...

[scarybowtie]

Depending on how you drive it and what you are pulling the 5.3 will get better gas mileage. 6.0's aren't known for gas mileage but that 5.3 will be working harder with that heavy suburban and a trailer. It could possibly get better with the 6.0 when loaded. I would go ahead and look for the extra displacement but don't rule out a 5.3 if you find an exceptional deal. And if you get an earlier 6.0 i believe it will already have a crank spacer that you need to mate to the tranny.

[LeadSled96]

Good info thanks! I got a chance to do a lil work on her today. I bought the truck without ever hearing the old 5.7 even crank so I dropped a battery in today added some gas and gave her a shot of ether and it fired right up and purred like a kitten! it has a slight miss on the low end, I'm guessing due to the head gasket and need of a tune up. I popped a brake line the first time I hit the brakes so theres a xtra expense I hadnt figured for. I measured the radiator today, it's a 36" core. So back to a earlier question, what's the best E-fan setup to run with?

[RedHeartbeat]

I like the 2005+ electric fans from the Silverado and Tahoe lines. If you want to attempt to build your own relay setup for the fans there are a few schematics on here. You can also buy a factory relay setup, it's built into the fog light harness, IIRC. Another option is to buy an aftermarket custom harness like the NelsonPerformance model or those available from Painless Wiring.

[LeadSled96]

I like the 2005+ electric fans from the Silverado and Tahoe lines. If you want to attempt to build your own relay setup for the fans there are a few schematics on here. You can also buy a factory relay setup, it's built into the fog light harness, IIRC. Another option is to buy an aftermarket custom harness like the NelsonPerformance model or those available from Painless Wiring.

Im pretty good with wiring so I think I am gonna do all the wiring myself. I think I can just wire the fan signal wire from the 6.0 PCM into the 96 relays and then add the proper connectors for the fans I end up with. Sounds like I need to make a trip to pull a part and see what I can find. After getting that boat anchor to run I took it for a ride around the block and it made me so AMPED I am doing this swap. That 5.7 doesnt feel like it will get out of its own way without a good amount of work.
Has anyone heard of or had experience with SW engines? They shot me a quote on a 44k miles 2003 6.0 for $1400 shipped. Seems like a decent price for that low of miles...

[LeadSled96]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-oZhgzwo...ml#details-tab

Thinking about retrofitting this in...... anyone have one or familiar with it? I found it on ebay for $278.00 so seems like a good deal.

Also found this after hours of searching so thought I would share it. It looks like a good product but I am unfamiliar with the company making it.

http://www.thedetailss.com/95-99_CK_Double_Din.html

[LeadSled96]

I almost have the old 5.7 ready to pull. Still have mounts and some body teardown to do before I pull it.

[myzterray]

I am currently shopping for a motor. I expect to buy over the next couple weeks. I wish I could afford one of the 6.2s but budget doesn't permit. I want to get as much baseline HP and TQ as I can but still stay in my budget of around $1000. If anyone has a 6.0 for sale please get in touch. The wiring doesnt seem like it will be all that bad after doing the Camaro I just finished. I completely de-pinned the harness and went through it wire by wire. I think I can avoid doing that this time and just graft in the needed wires for the LS motor to run. I read your thread the other night Myzterray, looks like you about have yours whipped! I have always liked the two door Tahoes but they just aren't big enough for what I need.

yea man its kicking my arse! hopefully this week ill be able to mess around with the wiring.

[myzterray]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-oZhgzwo...ml#details-tab

Thinking about retrofitting this in...... anyone have one or familiar with it? I found it on ebay for $278.00 so seems like a good deal.

Also found this after hours of searching so thought I would share it. It looks like a good product but I am unfamiliar with the company making it.

http://www.thedetailss.com/95-99_CK_Double_Din.html

i started off doing sound systems and i always loved jvc products. definitely more bang for your buck!