Official NBS 4.3v6 to GEN 3 V8 swap Guide

[Frankiels3]

Hey Guys,
Im brand new here and i Just purchased a 06 Chevy Silverado Reg Cab 2wd 4.3 V-6
5 Spd.

Its slow. I no Like. I wanna Go Fast.

Heres my question/ Could be my plan:

6.0 Goat motor with its T-56 Tranny. Complete Swap.
I wanted to keep the Truck Manual.
Is the Goat 6.0 the same as Truck 6.0 ( i know its not the same, but is it close?)

What do you think?
I think It would be fast and awesome. I already know im going to pay a pretty penny for the 6.0/T-56 combo, so thats been taken into consideration.

Thanks A heap Guys!

[zebra]

Hey Guys,
Im brand new here and i Just purchased a 06 Chevy Silverado Reg Cab 2wd 4.3 V-6
5 Spd.

Its slow. I no Like. I wanna Go Fast.

Heres my question/ Could be my plan:

6.0 Goat motor with its T-56 Tranny. Complete Swap.
I wanted to keep the Truck Manual.
Is the Goat 6.0 the same as Truck 6.0 ( i know its not the same, but is it close?)

What do you think?
I think It would be fast and awesome. I already know im going to pay a pretty penny for the 6.0/T-56 combo, so thats been taken into consideration.

Thanks A heap Guys!

the 05-06 GTOs had the LS2 which is similar but, at the same time, very different from the LQ4 or LQ9 used in the trucks. i don't have a bunch of time to explain, but if you do a search for these engines, you'll find a bunch of info around here.

good luck on the swap! it sounds fun

[Frankiels3]

So it would be easier (and a lot cheaper) just to use a 6.0 lq4? In that case would I just keep my 5speed? I do know that chevy offered the 5speed behind 6.0 motors in 06 but I think it was in half cabs, so I assume it's a beefier 5speed. Could I just beef mine up?

[Frenchy]

you can use your 5speed behind any LS, although with much power and abuse it probably wont last long. The 5speed that came behind the 6.0s is the NV4500, about as much of a work truck tranny as it gets. If you want an all out performance manual you're gonna have to go with a Tremec whether it be a T56 or a TKO

[zebra]

So it would be easier (and a lot cheaper) just to use a 6.0 lq4? In that case would I just keep my 5speed? I do know that chevy offered the 5speed behind 6.0 motors in 06 but I think it was in half cabs, so I assume it's a beefier 5speed. Could I just beef mine up?

yes, it'd be easier & cheaper to go with the LQ4 or even an LQ9. as for beefing up your trans, nobody that i've heard of makes any stronger build parts for the nv3500. the manual used with the 6.0s is the nv4500 which ain't what you want for a go-fast truck

you can use your 5speed behind any LS, although with much power and abuse it probably wont last long. The 5speed that came behind the 6.0s is the NV4500, about as much of a work truck tranny as it gets. If you want an all out performance manual you're gonna have to go with a Tremec whether it be a T56 or a TKO

or a TR-6060
unless you start making some big power & constantly dogging it, your trans will hold up. i've talked with a guy who has a built 6.0/nv3500 who drags it and still runs fine. heck... the S/C 4.8 in the gibbs trucks was making 390/425 running a stock transmission with a warranty. there's another guy running an 8.1 with his & that was after his 454 swap. he's got videos of him laying it down with the big blocks and it looks to be fine

[Frankiels3]

Okay so it sounds like I could at least hang on to my stock 5spd for a bit. When it comes time for a t-56 will it bolt right up? I know I'll have to change crossmembers and get a new driveshaft, but as far as the tunnel goes, will it line up pretty close?
Until then is there a short-throw for my nv? How about a performance clutch?

As far as the best and easiest motor to bolt in, what would you guys recommend? 5.3 or 6.0. Remember my trucks an 06 if that matters

[Frenchy]

T56 bolts up, plugs in, just get the dshaft shortened. Hurst made a short throw for the NV but discontinued it, and centerforce has a clutch setup for ya

[zebra]

Okay so it sounds like I could at least hang on to my stock 5spd for a bit. When it comes time for a t-56 will it bolt right up? I know I'll have to change crossmembers and get a new driveshaft, but as far as the tunnel goes, will it line up pretty close?
Until then is there a short-throw for my nv? How about a performance clutch?

As far as the best and easiest motor to bolt in, what would you guys recommend? 5.3 or 6.0. Remember my trucks an 06 if that matters

like sleeper said, t-56 bolts up
i believe the late 2000+ nv3500 crossmembers will work with the t-56 as well.
tunnel lines up, but you'll have to cut a new shifter hole & cover the old one as well as wanting to get a short-throw shifter & a custom handle to put the knob in an easy-to-use place.
ebay or a forum will be your best place to find a hurst STS for the nv3500 because, again like sleeper said, they discontinued it about a year & a half ago. i've been trying to find one for a while.
a lot of guys get the Z06 clutch for their swaps & i can't remember if the truck flywheel works with the trans or not... i'm leaning more on a 'no' with that one.
the 5.3 & 6.0 bolt in just the same... if you're wanting to build a power machine, the 6.0 is the better base to start with.

for the 6-speed swap, there's a real detailed writeup on performancetrucks.net about it... i believe it's a sticky

[Frankiels3]

Cool beans.
Okay I'm going to start looking for a 6.0.
Depending on cash flow I may start looking for a t-56 as well, but I'll prob just lean towards keeping the nv right now and getting a new clutch.

Btw while were in the subject, I despise my rear gear ratio and the whole one wheel wonder thing.
What if anything do you recommend for a rear end swap?

[Frankiels3]

OH and is there a certain year 6.0 I should look for?
Is there a certain year that makes it easier?