Got a freind with a 97 z71 and a heavy foot
now that he's blown the engine can we put a 5.3 in the
place of the 5.7? (Found a great deal on the 5.3)

 

As long as you get everything with it like PCM harness and all that smack

 

ITS NOT AS EASY AS YOU THINK. YOUD ALSO NEED TO MAKE SURE THE TRANS/TRANFERCASE WILL MOUNT TO TJE ENGINE, PROBLY NEED DIFFERENT MOTOR MOUNTS, EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, AND SO ON AND SO FORTH. MY SUGGESTION TO YOU IS TO LOOK UP A 383 STROKER MADE FOR THE 96-99 CHEVY TRUCKS. JEGS HAD ONE AT ONE TIME.

 

Best bang for the buck would be a 5.3 out of a junk yard with transmission, transfer case, manifolds and all wiring, sensors and components. Then modify the truck (engine and transmissions mounts, exhaust, etc...) to make it all fit. Will take alot of elbow grease to pull it off but you 'll have more money in your pocket.

Or if you want less work and similar results just get a new block (performance would be best like a 350 hp motor from GM performance) and throw all the EFI components on the new block and tune it up. Not as much mpgs but considerably more power (and money)

If I were doing ANY engine swap I would look for a manual transmission. Sooooo much less bs in the long run with a manual when putting in a different motor. Initial setup sucks with the slave cylinder and installing the pedal and all.