Convert 07 Tahoe 2X4 to 6.2 possible, or newer 09-14 engine possible?

[TAHOEBLACKONBLACK]

does anyone know if I can convert my 07 Tahoe 5.3L 2X4 over to a 6.2L, or newer 09-14 5.3L? My trans is the 5speed..

 

[Jason_S]

The quick answer is that anything is possible if you throw enough time and money at it.

People have been swapping the duramax/allison combo into these for years now, so another engine that comes out of the same body style is very do-able. The problem is that it might take more than just swapping in an engine and reprogramming some modules (ecm/pcm/others). getting it done the proper way could end up requiring that you also swap the engine bay harness and replace those modules with the newer variants. By the time you are done, it would be more cost effective to sell the Tahoe that you have and buy one with the engine that you want.

Why are you wanting to do this? Are you wanting a newer engine with, hopefully a less problematic AFM setup? For what it is worth, I have been told by a tech that you could level a forest with the number of TSB's that are out on all of the engines with AFM.

Some recommendations that I have been given regarding AFM:
-Run synthetic oil, it will help keep the oil passages cleaner and minimize the chance of issues.
-Change your oil every 5-6k, and ignore the counter on the cluster.
-DO NOT put anything in your engine oil that is not engine oil. Usually, I am a big fan (religious) of half of a can of Seafoam for 50 or mile before an oil change. Based on his recommendation, I have refrained with good results and the synthetic oil should also clean that stuff out, just a little slower.
-Not sure if this was AFM related, but clean your throttle body. Carbon builds up and the computer can't sense and adjust for the airflow effectively and gives you a rough idle.
-Another one that probably isn't AFM related or specific. Have your coolant flushed/ changed per the recommendation. Otherwise GM Orange Coolant becomes GM Orange MUD. Everything on your engine that touches your coolant will thank you, including your wallet as somethings work better and last a little longer.

 

[TAHOEBLACKONBLACK]

The quick answer is that anything is possible if you throw enough time and money at it.

People have been swapping the duramax/allison combo into these for years now, so another engine that comes out of the same body style is very do-able. The problem is that it might take more than just swapping in an engine and reprogramming some modules (ecm/pcm/others). getting it done the proper way could end up requiring that you also swap the engine bay harness and replace those modules with the newer variants. By the time you are done, it would be more cost effective to sell the Tahoe that you have and buy one with the engine that you want.

Why are you wanting to do this? Are you wanting a newer engine with, hopefully a less problematic AFM setup? For what it is worth, I have been told by a tech that you could level a forest with the number of TSB's that are out on all of the engines with AFM.

Some recommendations that I have been given regarding AFM:
-Run synthetic oil, it will help keep the oil passages cleaner and minimize the chance of issues.
-Change your oil every 5-6k, and ignore the counter on the cluster.
-DO NOT put anything in your engine oil that is not engine oil. Usually, I am a big fan (religious) of half of a can of Seafoam for 50 or mile before an oil change. Based on his recommendation, I have refrained with good results and the synthetic oil should also clean that stuff out, just a little slower.
-Not sure if this was AFM related, but clean your throttle body. Carbon builds up and the computer can't sense and adjust for the airflow effectively and gives you a rough idle.
-Another one that probably isn't AFM related or specific. Have your coolant flushed/ changed per the recommendation. Otherwise GM Orange Coolant becomes GM Orange MUD. Everything on your engine that touches your coolant will thank you, including your wallet as somethings work better and last a little longer.

Thanks for the reply! The reason I'm thinking about swapping is because of oil pressure problems. I've changed the oil pressure sensor and cleaned the filter. Today, I'm replacing the oring that connected to the oil catch pipe. Hopefully, I see it crystallized and that'll be a relief. I don't think the oil pump is bad because the pressure intermittently drops below 20 psi. Most of the time it's at about 25 at idle and a little over 40psi in higher rpm range. Good sign that something is leaking pressure. If that doesn't fix it, it will have to be oil pump and I'm not messing with the timing to get that replaced. Chevy won't do it due to mileage. I figure instead of risking other stuff going out after changing the oil pump, I'll just replace the engine. After speak with others and reading your post, I'll just do an OEM replacement 5.3 and rebuilt trans. Will save time and possible headaches.

 

[Jason_S]

Having never replaced an oil pump on a 5.3, I am not the one to offer advice. Having said that I found a thread on another forum that indicates that you do not need to mess with the actual timing. You only need to pull the timing cover and maybe oil pan. I also would not look at replacing the transmission unless you are having issues with it or have need of a purpose built unit.

Link: http://www.gmfullsize.com/threads/location-and-replacement-of-oil-pump-on-5-3l.21136/

 

[992dr]

does anyone know if I can convert my 07 Tahoe 5.3L 2X4 over to a 6.2L, or newer 09-14 5.3L? My trans is the 5speed..

This would be a direct swap, no modifications needed as long as you swap in a Gen IV motor.
You have a 4 speed.

 

[TAHOEBLACKONBLACK]

Having never replaced an oil pump on a 5.3, I am not the one to offer advice. Having said that I found a thread on another forum that indicates that you do not need to mess with the actual timing. You only need to pull the timing cover and maybe oil pan. I also would not look at replacing the transmission unless you are having issues with it or have need of a purpose built unit.

Link: http://www.gmfullsize.com/threads/location-and-replacement-of-oil-pump-on-5-3l.21136/

It was actually the oring connected to the oil catch pipe in the oil pan that was causing oil pressure issues. No new motor needed. Thanks for the help.

 

[992dr]

Haha, talk about jumping the gun.
Glad it was something simple.

 

[Jason_S]

Expect the worse, hope for the best and every surprise will be a pleasant one. Or so I am told.