LS3 Erod Swap in '95 Tahoe

[wtbtahoe]

I have been thinking about doing a cool sport truck project with a 95-99 2 door Tahoe, and one of the goals of the build was to replace the Vortec with a later LQ motor; but with Calirornia smog laws I think it pretty much eliminates any of the regular LQ motor swaps. But I believe that the LS3 Erod package can be used in a Tahoe in California since it is legal on pre '96 vehicles that are OBD1, so I am focusing on a 95 Tahoe.

I would also like to use the 6l80e trans since I am planning on removing the 4wheel drive case and trans, and would probably do some upgrades to the handling setup; might even go further and replace the frame with a two wheel drive setup.

Anyway, the post is to get feedback on the engine swap pitfalls/issue and if anybody has any experience in doing this swap. I have done this type of engine swap before but that was in a Chevelle using an LS1 and that had been pretty well engineered by the time I did it. I have also found some of the other Tahoe/LS swap threads e.g. the S&P build, and I have read all of those, but this is thread is specific to California and this engine swap, or any others that are out there that are legal. Still formulating the plan and looking for the project truck, and haven't started anything yet.

Welcome any and all constructive feedback that anybody has to offer.

 

[992dr]

As long as you have all smog accessories from the donor motor it will pass. Things like CAI and SCers ussually have carb numbers which make them 50 state legal, some headers will also have the same carb numbers.

I think if you're going to swap to a 2wd frame, might as well wait and find a 2wd. A member is selling his 2wd here for very short money.

As to pit falls. I really dont think there is any, well, besides cost. You start out with budget and up spending two to three times what you originally wanted to. Unless you are a strict and frugal spender, it can be done for little to nothing. Check out the recent issue of CarCraft, sick Maverick with turbo 5.3, you wont believe how much he has invested and a 6ltr 55 Chevy another amazing install with very little invested and hes runnin 9s.
Check this out http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids-28/ read through the stickies, all very informative.
Also, another good place to look at http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/lsx-truck-conversions/

Heres a little motivation for yah. Hes in Cally to, 6ltr SCed rollin out. Great guy to. I'll have more info on his ride a little later.

http://youtu.be/Urbqb1gYc9A

 

[SunlitComet]

correct if they parts of engine and emissions are from a newer year of same model it is legal in cali by a smog referee inspection.

 

[GMCYukonDriver]

Do you happen to know if it would be possible to bolt the 6l80e to the 5.7? I'm not really interested in doing the full LS swap, but I would like having a trans like that, especially since the overdrive is a 0.70 ratio, compared to the 4l60's 0.75.

How many vehicles does the 6l80 come in? If it's becoming more common, I might just wait until I could get one from a wrecked truck, assuming that it can bolt up. I know it would take a custom tune, but does anyone know if it could be controlled by the stock OBD1 computer?

 

[Gzes]

U can also get a 92-94 mine is a 94 and it has a tbi 350 5.7 its obd1

 

[SunlitComet]

Do you happen to know if it would be possible to bolt the 6l80e to the 5.7? I'm not really interested in doing the full LS swap, but I would like having a trans like that, especially since the overdrive is a 0.70 ratio, compared to the 4l60's 0.75.

How many vehicles does the 6l80 come in? If it's becoming more common, I might just wait until I could get one from a wrecked truck, assuming that it can bolt up. I know it would take a custom tune, but does anyone know if it could be controlled by the stock OBD1 computer?

Not sure off the top of my head have not researched that setup. Frankly I don't think it would be worth it just for that ratio change but there possible to throw a 4l80e if you want the strength.

---------- Post added at 10:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:44 PM ----------

i just went back and looked and the overdrive ratio on the 4l60e is 0.696 and the 6l80e is 0.70.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

yes it possble...just need to do some wiring and your good to go. Our cross members are pre-dilled for the 4L80e, so all you have to do is unbolt and slide back to the next bolt hole.

 

[SunlitComet]

simple wiring for an 6l80e? that i want to see.

 

[_Dylan_]

If you want a higher gear just put 3.08 gear sets in the axles.

You could also put a TCI 6speed 4L60 in it... Or better yet a T56 6 speed manual.

 

[wtbtahoe]

992dr: thanks for the Youtube link, I would love to know more about that Tahoe and how he set it up to work that good. My build wouldn't be that ambutious- I just want it to be capable of handling the power from the motor swap.

The Erod package is already California legal for any swap in a pre '96 vehicle, so none of the earlier two wheel drive models will work. I also like the newer interior that was introduced in '95 so that's why I have focused on that year.

As to the transmission, I haven't completely settled on the six speed, I just think that would be another cool aspect of the build. Doesn't always have to make sense, but you got to admit it would be cool. Speartech seems to have the harness set up for the trans controller and so does GMPP.