just out of curiosity

07burban88 · Apr 3, 2026

hypothetically speaking. if one had another gmt900 and it had no motor, but one had a sbc 350. how hard would it be to swap said 350 engines into gmt900, specifically a 09 Tahoe. was browsing FB and found an all-black Tahoe, hole in the block

mountie · Apr 3, 2026

07burban88 said:
hypothetically speaking. if one had another gmt900 and it had no motor, but one had a sbc 350. how hard would it be to swap said 350 engines into gmt900, specifically a 09 Tahoe. was browsing FB and found an all-black Tahoe, hole in the block

Hypothetically, replace it with a same 5.3. Save the HEADACHE !!

SpareParts · Apr 3, 2026

It could be done and a unique option. Why not go with a 454? You just have to work through each problem as you go. This what i can think of for potential problems.
Motor mounts. Fairly easy.
Flex plate. I'm sure someone sells an adaptor kit.
Trans controller. Would need an after market controller Around $500.
Exhaust.
Might be a job all in itself to get dash gauges to work.
If carbed a different fuel system setup.
How to hook up the gas pedal.
Oil pan not a problem if you need a different style.
Power steering pump hose fittings might be different sizes. Easily solved.
Alternator hook up. Easy
Ignition. Easy

Everyone is gonna be against it but i think it would be a cool fun project. How cool to pop the hood and see a nice big chromed rat engine under the hood!

mountie · Apr 3, 2026

SpareParts said:
It could be done and a unique option. Why not go with a 454? You just have to work through each problem as you go. This what i can think of for potential problems.
Motor mounts. Fairly easy.
Flex plate. I'm sure someone sells an adaptor kit.
Trans controller. Would need an after market controller Around $500.
Exhaust.
Might be a job all in itself to get dash gauges to work.
If carbed a different fuel system setup.
How to hook up the gas pedal.
Oil pan not a problem if you need a different style.
Power steering pump hose fittings might be different sizes. Easily solved.
Alternator hook up. Easy
Ignition. Easy

Everyone is gonna be against it but i think it would be a cool fun project. How cool to pop the hood and see a nice big chromed rat engine under the hood!

I agree……. I responded if he just wanted the Tahoe to run. BUT….. If he wants a project to modify the Tahoe, that would be cool !

SpareParts · Apr 3, 2026

If i still had a 454 sitting around i would be all over doing it. 350 would not cut it for me though as i would only do it to a Yukon XL, Suburban, Escalade ESV.
Plenty of them around with bad engines or trans under 2k in otherwise decent shape.

Doubeleive · Apr 3, 2026

hypothetically used 5.3's are in abundance, short block and off you go
all you have to do is get one from a matching 8th digit vin
make doesn't matter it's plug-n-play, you don't even need the ecm or anything.

when you go to a shop and ask about putting a used engine in they turn around and call the junkyard, how much for a vin F or a vin T, or a vin R
they just go by the 8th digit in your vin. matching vin motors slap right in

OR VietVet · Apr 3, 2026

Doable....yes. Cost efficient....no. Get the wallet and checkbook out. Also, gonna need lots and lots and lots of beer.

mountie · Apr 3, 2026

Could modify a replacement 5.3 a bit. Heads, cam, etc….

SpareParts · Apr 3, 2026

mountie said:
Could modify a replacement 5.3 a bit. Heads, cam, etc….

Boring

OR VietVet · Apr 3, 2026

Do a stock 5.3 and do a Black Bear Tune and put money in the transmission for longevity. No AFM of course.

OR VietVet · Apr 3, 2026

SpareParts said:
Boring

But smart

SpareParts · Apr 3, 2026

OR VietVet said:
But smart

If just to run it or flip it sure.

mountie · Apr 3, 2026

SpareParts said:
If just to run it or flip it sur

SpareParts said:

Boring

Click to expand...

It’s a big / heavy Tahoe……. Not a Corvette...

strutaeng · Apr 3, 2026

07burban88 said:
hypothetically speaking. if one had another gmt900 and it had no motor, but one had a sbc 350. how hard would it be to swap said 350 engines into gmt900, specifically a 09 Tahoe. was browsing FB and found an all-black Tahoe, hole in the block

April Fool's was yesterday...

Fless · Apr 3, 2026

strutaeng said:
April Fool's was yesterday...

Or even the day before yesterday.

Marky Dissod · Apr 3, 2026

OR VietVet said:
Do a stock 6.0L, and a Black Bear Tune, and put money in the transmission for longevity. No AFM of course.

Fixed it for you. Even an LQ4 would be better bang for the buck than an ol Vortec treefiddy.
Obviously an L76t/LY6/L96/LC8 would be even better.

07burban88 · Apr 4, 2026

i just want something different than the normal ya know?

SpareParts · Apr 4, 2026

It's really up to you and what you want.
It can be done for sure. If you are doing all the work yourself cost is not bad. Just time effort and some parts and a little fab work.
If i could not do the work myself i would never do it as it probably would cost a lot! I can do it all the work my self and bet it would be under 1.5k and i got the time.
No matter what any of us say it's up to you. It's your stuff so do what ya want. That's how we get custom cars and car shows.
If you do it, please don't do a half as* job and actually make it something you want people to see.

Marky Dissod · Apr 4, 2026

07burban88 said:
i just want something different than the normal ya know?

OK, great, just don't make it SLOWER AND worse in terms of fuel economy at the same.
A 6.0L would just be a better return on investment.

homesick · Apr 4, 2026

OR VietVet said:
... Get the wallet and checkbook out. Also, gonna need lots and lots and lots of beer.

LOL, that explains the wallet and checkbook.

Seriously, it would be great to drive a newer truck with an old-fashioned analog drivetrain. Simple, reliable, cheap and easy maintenance...

joe

just out of curiosity

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