AutoPros V8 Build - Photo Thread

[HeckaTrebeka]

Have a '99 that one of our customers wanted to remove the poor running 3.5L for a more popular motor to source parts for. Bring on the GM Performance 5.3L E-ROD! GM 4L60-E Transmission! GM Performance Supermatic Controller! Advance Adapters to Jeep Dana 300 Transfer Case! Retain A/C, Power Steering, 4WD, pretty much everything other than TOD. Still in fab process, but will update with photos as the progress continues.

So... say I want to get this setup but I don't feel like paying $7500 for a new engine. What totaled vehicles should I be looking for that hold the same engine/tranny?

Ok, so I found that Taho's and Silverado's have the 5.3L v8. But E-ROD? What's so special about those?

[evillecutter]

i cant wait to see this thing done - should have an extra 100hp and extra torque to lug that weight around (in a straight line at least) - supposed to be good on emissions too - in my opinion the vx should have been around 300hp to begin with

[SilverBullet75]

So... say I want to get this setup but I don't feel like paying $7500 for a new engine. What totaled vehicles should I be looking for that hold the same engine/tranny?

Ok, so I found that Taho's and Silverado's have the 5.3L v8. But E-ROD? What's so special about those?

Specifically, the E-Rod they are using is the L33, available from these vehicles:
2005 to 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
2005 to 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD

E-Rod is sold by GM Performance
Here is their site:
http://www.chevroletperformance.com/...ction=overview

The E-Rod package includes pretty much everything to get the engine running.
They also have a very appealing (but way expensive) LS3 6.2L option. It's the same physical size as the 5.3... but I believe cost is the reason nobody goes bigger than 5.3.
I've done a LOT of research into LS engine choices and have come to the conclusion that when it comes to cost vs. hp, the Generation 3 5.3L is the most practical and economically friendly choice. Also, all Gen. 3 and 4 LS engines should pass emissions requirements regarding year of engine manufacture, since the LS1 (Gen. 3) came out in '97.

Let me know if you have more questions on this... I've learned a lot in the last 9 months that I've been searching and would love to share.
(PM me...)

[HeckaTrebeka]

I've done a LOT of research into LS engine choices and have come to the conclusion that when it comes to cost vs. hp, the Generation IV 5.3L is the most practical and economically friendly choice.

Ah, yes! I keep forgetting to ask about economy... what do you think would be the gas mileage when applied to the VX?

[SilverBullet75]

Sorry, when I said "economically" I meant wallet-wise.

But to answer your question:

If a 2001 Z28 Camaro has a curb weight of approx 3600 lbs, and our VX is approx 4000 lbs... and the Z28 has an LS1 (5.7) with commonly boasted 26ish mpg (other forums)..... then I estimate about 21-25 mpg with a 5.3L in the VX.

That's just pure speculation using sorta-similar variables. The real way to find out is to ask the other forum members that have DONE it, like Wisdom.
WISDOM, PLEASE INSERT YOUR EXPERIENCE!

[SilverBullet75]

Also, just to qualify... I'm just a guy with ambition to learn and hopefully soon begin the LS swap process myself.
Not a guru or expert by any means. Just want to help.

[AutoPros]

[pbkid]

Just curious.. Piggy backing off hecka's question,
What are you guys doing for suspension and braking?

Are ya tossing a solid axle under it too?

[Triathlete]

Just curious.. Piggy backing off hecka's question,
What are you guys doing for suspension and braking?

Are ya tossing a solid axle under it too?

I dream of a pair of fully built and locked Spider9's!

[HeckaTrebeka]

Bumping cuz, well, we need some updates!

@AutoPros: How has the project been coming along? We don't need pics if you don't have them available yet, but a good summary of what all you've done to it so far as well as what you have coming down the pipes.

Everything you have to post is greatly appreciated!

[tom4bren]

As of last Saturday, they had everything taken back out (engine, tranny, transfer case) so that they could tweek some of the mounts & fully weld what had only been tack welded in place.

His immediate plan of attack was to make some clearance for the exhaust & figure out where to position the airbox.

It's gonna be really sweet ... & a real sleeper. She's gonna look 100% stock ... till you pop the hood!

[HeckaTrebeka]

Do you have an idea of whether or not they decided to upgrade the suspension/braking at all?

[tom4bren]

They are planning on retaining OEM suspension & braking.

[Ldub]

His immediate plan of attack was to make some clearance for the exhaust & figure out where to position the airbox.

It's gonna be really sweet ... & a real sleeper.

Yah but...

You could FIX the sleeper aspect of the project, AND solve the air box loca problem...by doing this:



.......... ..

Problem(s) solved...problem(s) staying solved...

[tom4bren]

The problem wasn't being a sleeper. Being a sleeper is the solution.

What I meant was that from the outside it looks like any other VX, even if you look in the window. Everything looks stock.

Then you tromp on the gas & she's WIDE awake. You are left there with a dumb look on your face wondering where that black thang went.