Drivetrain swap! 97 - 99

[Shiftx450]

It was fine for almost 1k miles.

Was just driving across the interstate going about 75mph. As always. And it just started to have a sudden loss of power.. Pulled over and I heard the noises. Thought it was my fuel pump and a lean ping at first.

Brought it back to nj at my pops and replaced the fuel pump, same issue.

The previous one did the same exact thing on the same stretch of highway. Weird right? Only 11 miles apart. Only last time I felt it and mashed the ad pedal, was screaming somewhere over 4k and watching my speedo drop and bang. Rod came through the motor. Thought I was on fire at first.

Both times it acted the same when driving across the interstate. Only this time I let off immediately.

---------- Post added at 09:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 PM ----------

Ran out of daylight to complete the compression test. 1,3,7,2,4,6 all have 150psi.

5 had 130

Couldn't get to number 8 tonight, will have results after work tomorrow.

 

[SunlitComet]

consider your self luck so far then with those numbers. did you see the dizzy when the engine was installed or was it already in place.

 

[Shiftx450]

Well I still have yet to test no. 8

The distributor I put in myself.

Fairly new one from the other motor, so I reused it.

It's an accel as is the coil.

 

[SunlitComet]

well if you happen tho get a cam retard reading measured while at 1000 or higher post it for analysis.

 

[Shiftx450]

From my code reader?

I was reading stuff on there browsing around, it said timing advance and was fluctuating between 17 and 25 at idle..

Mean anything?

If not, can you be more specific on how to obtain?

 

[SunlitComet]

that is just ignition advance ignore it for now. it is responded to the engine knocking causing the fluctuation. typically it floats around the 16-17° area at idle. look for a setting call cam_retard. it is an gm enhanced perimeter. might find under live data section. see what that says first.

 

[Shiftx450]

Kinda jumping around here, I should've checked that and my no. 8 cylinder first but I drained the oil to check for debris, ran a magnet through and there's lots of steel but its gritty like sand.

Sticking to my magnet

---------- Post added at 05:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:12 PM ----------

Kinda thinking I'm ****** here and should just get a new motor.

This steel grit oil had to have done damage in itself, let alone the catastrophic engine failure you hear on the video.

Oil was pennzoil sae30, less than 1k miles and was real dirty. Looked more like 5k oil.

Is it in my best interest just to go get some cheap oil and verify compression in my no. 8 cylinder and check that regard timing figure first?

 

[SunlitComet]

yes and use 5w-30 as gm intended. we can make judgement form there. what the worst that could happen. i certainly don't think it will improve itself. there is obviously damage already done anyways.

 

[Shiftx450]

Right.

Ok thank you.

Give me a few days and ill get some oil, finish compression test, and attempt to verify the ignition retard as stated.

 

[Shiftx450]

Anybody want to buy it?

Done messing with it.

$1500

 

[SunlitComet]

what happened?

 

[Shiftx450]

Zero progress since my last posting.

Just need it gone. Lack of funds, time, and patience.

 

[SunlitComet]

put it on hold then but keep it for later.

---------- Post added at 08:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ----------

did you not do a compression test at all?

 

[Shiftx450]

K. The later time has come.

Getting title this week, she's still sittin behind my dads just as I've last touched her. Nothing new to talk about.

Except how I want to put a 6bt cummins and 6spd manual trans in.

Any input??

Got some cash rolling in soon, would like to do this as easy and efficient as possible. Pulled up a few links on motor mounts and harnesses.

Would love some good solid input.

 

[Shiftx450]

Change of plans, no matter which way I try I keep coming up with $10-12k for motor, trans, harness, mounts, and cooling stuff.. On a truck I'll probably get $4k for if someone were to hit me, as bad ass as it'd be I don't think it'll be too practical.

So now I'm thinking ls1 or ls2 and t56 trans.. Spotted an ls1 from a 2000 Camaro and 06 gto setups, both have harnesses, complete motors computers fuel systems etc and transmissions.

Seems like a more feasible route.

Any input??

 

[SunlitComet]

Some do the ls route but can get pricey. You can always pay for extra insurance to cover add-ons like a 12k drivetrain. rates go up quickly tho.

 

[Shiftx450]

Ok thank you for the response.

What about this, I can get an 01 2500hd 4x4 with 6.0 and 4l80e complete doner truck.

Would be an excellent candidate and should have everything I need right?

How about suspension, can I take the 3/4 ton suspension and put on the Tahoe?? Keep it simple like leafs and torsion bars? What about front control arms and hubs? Entire rear end?

---------- Post added at 03:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:55 AM ----------

One way or another I'm getting this pig back on the road.

I love my current 01 2500hd now, bought in 05 with 60k miles, almost 183k now and is so good to me

 

[SunlitComet]

Will take some finagling to get the drivetrain in there. Not sure on the suspension from the donor truck. Have not seen it done or recorded myself. Drivetrain will be a big plus for the Tahoe.

 

[Shiftx450]

What kinda finagling will I be up against? Will motor and trans bolt and fit right up?

I could buy a whole truck for what the Ls setup will cost, and the wife will be driving it so the auto trans a plus as much as I'd hate to say it.

Well if the suspension won't be practical, how about the 5.3 and the 4l65e ?? That's what my dad's avalanche has and it has been real good to him. I'd really like the 6.0 and 4l80 but not opposed to the half on drivetrain.