The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop What's the best modern drive line

I'm putting a 53 bolt together for some log distance touring and thought I would like a LT series v8 with an ECM and a 5 or 6 speed manual tranny. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I travel long distances in my Suburban with a stock six and SM-319 OD.

Same here, exept my 6 is hopped up a bit over stock.

The old stovebolt engines, if properly rebuilt, will just keep on going, with few problems. Update your rear gear ratio (and brakes for safety,) and you can cruise at highway speeds. That is in my plans.........
but,.. if I DO go newer, I like the 4.3 with 5 speed in my '89 truck.

I thought a 4.3 with a 4speed autowould be a nice setup.

I think a diesel engine is the best swap because of the ample power and improved mileage, and they're extremely simple and reliable.

Grigg

I like the fact that I can get in my 1998 C3500, turn the key and it purrs. I'm going for that effect in my 1951 Suburban with a 1986 Tuned Port and a 4L60. See the link for pics.

"turn the key and it purrs" Love that new technology, computer controlled fuel injection!

Do you mean LS series V8? The best driveline is whatever you're happy with. An LS with a 5 or 6-speed would make a great driver. You could also use an older TBI engine and still have fuel injection for trouble-free driving. Many of the 4.3's are TBI, but you could also get a 305 or 350.

You could swap to a diesel, but it's hard to find someone good to work on a diesel if you have trouble with it, at least compared to a SBC. Go with whatever you're comfortable with.

If you're going with more power, you need to make sure your suspension and brakes are sufficiently upgraded for the higher speed. I assume you're doing this, but don't know what you've done with the chassis.

I'll probably get beat on for saying this on this site, but if you're looking for a reliable long distance driver, upgrade to a newer motor. Not only will it be reliable for longer and require less tinkering, but if you do break down on the road you'll be able to find parts almost anywhere.

Deisel will probably last the longest and have the best torque, but diesel fuel is also much more expensive than regular gasoline is. And I don't think that the economy of the diesel is enough to offset the higher fuel price. There is no "best"---BUT the LS 1(and up) motors are some of the best built, highest horsepower per buck that you'll ever find. There's a truck dismantler near me and he sells 4.8's and 5.3's to a whole bunch of people for hot rods and conversions. I bought a 90K mile example from him last year for my '51. For $1400.00 I got a 4.8 with a 4l60E the wiring harness AND that harness reworked, reprogrammed, VATS removed and computer reflashed. I can't rebuild a 216 for that kind of money, not that i would. 300 HP, 300ft/lbs of torque, 20 mpg. You just can't get that amount of all around performance for that little money anywhere else. There are 4 wires to connect and that's it. If you keep the AC compressor on there, you can add an AC unit later on. Power steering pump is already there. You do need to change your steering column, but if you go to power steering, that would need to be redone anyway. I'm keeping the stock wheel and column but going with a 70's power steering box.
Don't get me wrong, I like my inlines just as much as the next guy, but for that kind of money, I couldn't put a rebuilt 6 cyl. in there for less money than the LS motor, trans and fuel injection.

I agree K10, LS Fuel injection is the way to go!

I think you did darn good with the tranny included & VAT removed. Out here the wrecking yards don't usually do the VAT (anti theft). Usually the computer will need to be reprogrammed. it's about $300 bucks and worth the startup expense, a good tuner will optimize for your setup.(Cam,Headers,tiresize & gearing).

We spent $1400.00 for a 2006' 6 liter with accessories. We did light up the dash to see 6000 miles on the wrecked van, before pulling the engine.

There's a guy over here put a BMW V8 and trans in his TF series truck,bags of power,torque and 30+ MPG all day long,sorry I don't have any more info on this but it sounds to me like a great set-up.

The reason I wouldn't do the BMW V8 is the cost of parts, and finding someone to work on it.

If you go to the Inliners site, there is tons of guy using the GM 4200 I6 form Trailblazers and Envoys. Some are even throwing turbos at them. Seems like a real solind setup.

The dimensions of the 4.2 Atlas are almost spot on to being the same as the 235.

For long distance touring, you need reliability, easy maintenance and modern performance: a no-brainer here, as mentioned already, go for an LS engine: powerful, reliable, repaired by any Chevy shop and a great variety of sizes and trans: from 4.8 litre to 6.2 litre, (even hybrid!), choice of transmissions (manual or auto). They come with power steering, a/c compressor...
Go read the LS1Tech forum, there is an area for conversions, these engines have been installed everywhere! You can get your harness reworked and computer reprogrammed and the whole thing is real easy: swap engine/trans, connect everything and the truck will start at the first touch of the key!
And to choose wich one you want, look up (online or at the dealership) the specs of late model Chevy vehicles (trucks, Corvettes, Camaros) and see the level of performance you need/like.
Unless you tow something really heavy, you do not need a diesel and the stock, period engines are too weak to live happily in modern traffic.
You will probably also enjoy a front clip for power disc brakes and power steering: mid '70s Camaro are great.

I have to disagree with that. There's many of us here, myself included, that use our trucks with the original or period engines as daily drivers. We have no issues with "modern traffic". I easily keep up with highway traffic running 75+ mph.

Yeah, I have to disagree too. I'm sitting in Kansas City after driving my '54 600 some miles at 70-75. I had no issues with "modern traffic". Or with the truck.

It's your truck, do what you want. But don't use the excuse that you 'had' to do it to keep up with modern traffic.

Keep up? Or put up with?? Think Los Angeles trafic. Stop, go, stop, go..................

Point taken,but they're pretty reliable units,they're also relatively common here and there's no shortage of garages other than main dealers to get work doneshould they need it.

I'd be willing to bet the average speed is no where near 70-75mph.
The main bonus is,you'll look good getting there...eventually!

I too ran a 235 for thousands of miles as a daily driver and then took a round the country road trip. No reason at all you can't use an old engine, they work just fine for what they are.

Grigg

For "modern" and "daily driver" I would start thinking suspension, brakes, and handling. I would also "Keep it simple".
There is a lot you can do with Chevy products for engine and trans. Keep it Chevy. Keep it simple and reliable.

I'm surprised by this, but I still wouldn't recommend it. These engines were notorious for poor fuel economy and low power in the Trailblazers (The I5 in Canyons and Colorados is just as bad). You're better off with an LS as they're more readily available and swap parts (including aftermarket harnesses and performance parts) are much more common for the LS than the inline engines.

Amen. I took a bolter in the planning stage out for an educational rush hour freeway ride last week with modifications limited to a hopped up 235, 3:55 gearset, and 2 front leafs removed. On the other hand if a wrecked Trailblazer SS came up a 395 HP stock inline could be fun and rear sump pans are now available. Who wants common?

I'm going to disagree with the poor fuel economy and low power for the 4.2 engine. I average 20 MPG in my Trailblazer. I drive with a very heavy foot too. I've gotten even better fuel economy on road trips. As far as power goes, the 02-05 engines had 270 HP and 275 Ft.lbs. The 06-09 engines had 290 HP and 277 Ft.Lbs. The guys that have been turboing the engine are claiming 400-450 Hp at the wheels. Compare those numbers to an old Stovebolt!

I will admit, they can be a little doggy around town, but that has more to do with Torque Management function in the ECM. Not to mention, A Trailblazer weighs close to 5000 lbs! I have no complaints about their abilitly to haul or tow. In fact, my Trailblazer tows better than my truck.

Yes, the LS motors are extremely plentiful and the aftermarket is enormous for them. I come from the school of thought, dare to be different.

My parents have an Envoy with the 4.2. They're getting 20-22 mpg, and there's certainly no power issues.

Check this out! http://www.hotrodparts.com/rollsbentleyparts/6_cyl_gm_4_2l.htm

GMPP did consider adding a Ramjet variant of the Atlas 4.2 to their Plug and Play crate engine program, as there was interest in them for older inline engined vehicles that a V8 conversion was't possible or required major steering alterations to fit them. Not sure why it never happened.

I think bankruptcy may have been one problem. LOL. GM also built a turbo version of the Trailblazer SS It never made it to production though.

I suppose that's possible, but from what I've read, GMPP was not involved with the bankrupcy, as it's considered a "separate" business.

I am building a 54 with a 2003 5.3, drive by wire, 4l60e and 75 camaro rear end with 3.08 gears. donor truck had 65K miles. engine, trans, pcm, tac module, throttle pedal, compete wiring harness, fuel injectors and lines set me back 1600. I think the ls based engines are the way to go.

The Trailblazer SS was a 6.0L LS V8, not an inline.

So it is which eliminates my interest. I felt underpowered with a 216 but not so with a warmed up 235.

I guess I should've clarified myself. I had been speaking of the Atlas 4200 and not the LS motors. GM indeed did design a twin turbo Atlas 4200. It never made it into production, instead they opted for the 6.0 LS for the Trailblazer SS.

http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_cars/112_0203_chevrolet_trailblazer_turbo/viewall.html

Most guys I knew, including myself, in the late 50's and early 60's dreamed of swapping a six for a big V8. I pulled a 216 out of a 48 Chevy business coupe and dropped a Olds Rocket V8 in there. I ran out of money before I finished and had to sell it. I had a 51 AD later in 1966 and would have gone the V8 route had I the money. That's why I put the 350 crate in my current 51.
...still a kid I guess. While I love the sound of a six with split manifold I love the rumble of my V8 more. To each his own. Nothing is better just different.

I"m at a cross road the engine and trans on my 42 are shot. My son in law has offered me a 97 s-10 long bed to do a swap. How difficult is that to do? Any info. would be greatly appreciated.

This question should be in a post of it's own, however, a search would reveal quite a few posts about that swap.

you miss the fun of driving if you use all that modern stuff
try following Cletis around with the modern stuff and
see how hard it is to keep up with him.......................I know.

Well, my Suburban has a mid '70s 250ci L6 in it with a th700r4 trans, I can drive it all day at 75mph, but I know how long it takes to get to that speed, even worse if the on-ramp is slightly uphill!... And let's not mention headwind! I have even lost several mph in highway speed by adding an outside sunvisor! I have driven my truck 3500 miles in a week a couple of years ago, I know it could be better. And as much as I hate loosing the L6, a V8 is on its way: the highway cruising speed may not be much better but simply more pleasant to drive.
Of course, you do what you want with your truck, someone asked for opinions, here is mine, not everyone will enjoy driving a period engine on long distance trips, this needs to be said.