[Houston54]

The availability of 5.3L engines from the typical truck platforms is becoming very tight in this area but I am seeing more 5.3L from other platforms such as Impalas, Monte Carlo's, trailblazers and Envoys. These seem to have lower miles than the truck motors generally.

Are there any major differences on the 5.3L between the two platforms with the truck being RWD and the cars being FWD? I am looking for a donor for a 58 Chevy truck project.

It appears the throttle body on the car platforms is oriented such that it would face the firewall in my application. At first glance it appears the intake could be unbolted and turned 180 degrees and reinstalled to the heads. Am I mistaken in this?

Other areas where differences could impact use in my project would be trans/block bolt pattern differences, engine mount location differences, accessory mounting, and others I am sure.

I recognize the exhaust manifolds from the transverse mounted engine would not work for my truck.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Houston54

TAre there any major differences on the 5.3L between the two platforms with the truck being RWD and the cars being FWD?

Yes. The FWD 5.3 uses the GM metric bellhousing bolt pattern, which is the same as on the 60 degree V6 motors and the Buick 3800 Series II/III motors. You can use a 700R4 from an S-10 with the 2.8 V6 or the trans from a fourth Gen F-body with the 3800 Series II.

[cobalt327]

The truck engines seem more used friendly, IMO. I believe some of those other engines have VVT and some also are displacement on demand.

[Phoneguy]

The fwd motor has a unique water pump and drive. Also they are displacement on demand and have special lifters and camshaft. It can proably be changed but I don't know. Also I know the starter is mounted to the bellhousing on the fwd cars and I don't know if a standard starter will bolt on.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Phoneguy

The fwd motor has a unique water pump and drive. Also they are displacement on demand and have special lifters and camshaft. It can proably be changed but I don't know. Also I know the starter is mounted to the bellhousing on the fwd cars and I don't know if a standard starter will bolt on.

And the crank is shorter at both ends as compared to a RWD version.

[LATECH]

I would also think the oil sump and pan /windage tray is also configured different between the two JMO

[65impalass283]

I would skip it for all the above reasons. Have you been to LS tech com I have just started researching a swap and found it very informative.