gvincent

I was hoping that there was something closer in the way of a pick and pull. Aren't there any Hybrid Z members in New England? am I the only one? If you guys are out there where did you source all your parts? I can't see buying everything I need from eBay and driving 6-8 hours to get it, hoping it is as advertised.... I suppose I can start calling around and searching the web and doing my homework and not be so lazy!!! Greg

OK, now that we have decided that the 5.3 Vortec cast iron block/aluminum head (LM7 and L33???) truck engine would require too many modifications how about the LM4 which I think is an all aluminum version of the Vortec 5300 family?? Does it require the same modifications? What abot the Vortec 5700 family which includes the L31, LM7, and LQ4 are any of these a good candidate and comparable in cost to an LT1? They were in the 96-2003 Express/Sonoma Vans (L31) 96-98 C/K series trucks (LM7) Are LT4's hard to find and expensive? how about LT5's from 1990-1995?? I am trying to find the best bang for the buck using the cost of a low mileage used LT1 as the max dollar amount to spend. The LT1 gives me 285HP stock MY second criteria is a manual trans either a WCT5 or a T56 either available as an existing engine trans combo or a relatively easy as in painless mating of the two. I am really interested in everyones opinions and thoughts on cost VS horsepower VS ease of installation. Thanks, Greg Did the originial 1970 LT-1 engine really put out 370HP?? I was looking up small blocks and was amazed at some of the numbers on those old engines!

Boy this thread is starting to get interesting... So the LT1/T56 Pros: Easy to find complete from a Camaro/Firebird wreck Uses standard JTR mounts, Tons of swaps already done on this site and plenty of support available from all the awesome members on this site!!! Cons: Optispark, bad flowing heads, expensive speedometer hook-up SS Impala Iron heads better but no Standard trans available as a complete unit. 2000 5.3 Vortec Pros: More power available with cheap mods, cheaper initial cost in wrecking yard, Better ignition system. Lighter weight? Cons: Finding one with a manual transmission that will fit in the 280Z shell. Uses more expensive John's mounting system brackets for LSX motors Possibly too tall for hood to close??? What manual transmissions came with these 5.3 truck engines, does the 5.3 engine come in any cars with a manual Tranny? What would I need to mate a T56 to the 5.3 Vortec I can't find it now but read a thread somewhere that the Manual truck tranny is angled and the shifter would not fit right??? Would like to shop around New England wrecking yards for the best most complete combo package intact or easy to put together engine/manual Tranny combos cheap if possible. Am I dreaming???

Sorry if I am posting in the wrong forum but finding First Gen z parts in New England is really tough. I don't know how many on this list live in New England but I though I would give it a shot. Anybody know of a any good junk yards in New England, If any are pick and pull and where is my best shot a finding a complete 95LT1/T56 combo complete with harness, ECU, Driveshaft etc. You guys in Texas, Arizona and CA have it too easy!! Thanks, Greg 1978 280Z in progress, Complete Drivetrain, L28 fuel injected Engine, 5 speed, mild cam and 6-1 headers can be heard before I take it out soon.

A couple of questions really, I was considering going with an LT1/T56 combo from a 95 Camaro/Firebird but have been reading other posts. What intrigued me was the Chevy 5.3 liter Vortec engine. I have one in my 2000 Silverado Z71 pick-up with 114,000 miles and no problems, it does have that annoying piston slap when first started on cold New England mornings but goes away in a few minutes, I was told this was normal becasue of the aluminum/cast iron difference. How does this engine compare to an LT1 power wise and does it have the same SBC mounting points or does it have the same points as an LS1 block. Would I need John's mounts or JTR mounts? I have searched and seem more confused on LT!'s especially the Iron head Impala VS the aluminum head Camaro/Firbird. Some say that the iron heads flow better as they are actually a newer design similar to the 5.3 Vortec heads so if you had a choice which engine would you go with, the LT1 from a 95 Camaro/ Firebird or a LT1 from an Impala with Iron heads, or the lighter 2000 5.3 multi port Vortec from a Chevy truck? What other cars can the 5.3 vortec be found in besides the new SS Impala