Thinking of Putting A LT1 in my 98 Blazer - Advice

Burner · September 1, 2002

I won't pretend to know a whole bunch about engine swaps - I've only worked on a few cars in my life.

I always thought my Blazer could use more power for it's size - it goes OK but I think with a V8 under the hood I would get the same milage (4.3L is a Guzzler) with more power.

There's a LT1 for sale in my area and I was wondering what would be envolved in doing an engine swap like that.

My 98 Blazer has a 4.3L V6 in it. I've seen pics of guys with 350's in their S-10's and Blazers so I know it's possible but I don't what sort of things/pitfalls I would have to expect.

I think the Blazer has the same rear end as my 97' Camaro so that wouldn't need an upgrade. I'm not so sure about the tranny though. I've heard that the Blazer Tranny's are weak - which means it's probably not the same auto as in the Camaro's.

The exhast system would need an upgrade as well as the fuel system. (I think)

Any comments/suggestions are much appriciated!

mnstrmdnss · September 9, 2002

i have also been contemplating on swaping my 2.2 in my sonoma for a 5.3 sierra/silverado motor. i do know that you will need the LT1 computer and wiring harness to match the engine, plus depending on how complete the motor is, youll need to get the power steering pump,alternator,and a/c compressor to match the LT1 motor. youll probably want to beef up the exhaust system with larger pipes, maybe a bigger cat also. the tranny is the same as in camaros and firebirds, its the 4L60E, which will handle and mount to a v8 with no problem. plus ill have to double check, but i believe you may have to drop in a more powerful fuel pump, cuse i think the v-8 needs higher fuel pressure.

on the other hand, it would be a lot cheaper and easier to just add a drop in supercharger that will bolt right up to the 4.3 v6, and will give you like 75hp, add some bolt on headers,( i call them "shortie" casue they replace just the exhaust manifold, with no modifications), and some hreal good plugs and wires( like the msd 8.5 super conductor), and maybe a capacitive discharge ignition, and that v-6 will run just like a v8, maybe better!, plus, the motor still stays in the truck, a lot easier to do, also. im an automotive technican, so i do know a few things about cars, if your wondering.

SIMPLEmatrix · September 30, 2002

i think that if you want to do an engine swap for speed in your blazer, you might as well spend the few extra bucks and go for the ls1 engine

MarkD · September 30, 2002

Word of advice on engine swaps.

Plan on it taking 3 times as long as you think and costing 2 times as much as you think.

This comment is aimed more at the performance change instead of a swap like Bassdog just did. As I understand it, he swaped just the motor and kept the origional fuel,cooling,electrical systems.

I am confident that Advanced Adapters has a kit for this swap though.

CMNTMXR81 · September 30, 2002

There is a company that makes complete conversion kits for LT1/LS1 V8's for S-10's. All you need to do is supply the donor motor (with PCM) and transmission.

Now, off the cuff, being an S-10 Blazer, it should be exactly the same, however, my guess is that you have a 4x4. This may cause a headache. In order to use your 4x4 system, you won't be able to use the transmission from the LT1/LS1. You need a 4L60E that bolts to a transfer case as well as fits the bolt pattern on an LT1 or LS1 (they are each different).

Then you need to worry about clearance issues with the oil pan and the the front axle shaft.

Either way, I suggest going to an S-10 site like S-Series.org and searching on their.

jelisfc · October 1, 2002

Having put a 454 M20 4spd into an 82 S-10 I agree with the expense and time...mostly the time. If you can get a kit DO IT!!! If it's done right it will be worth every penny for your time and headache. The one thing I ran into was cooling. Even with a three core radiator I'd run 190-200 down the road. Sitting in traffic was not a long term option. I attribute this to a big block in a really small space, including inner fender wells, and no overdrive. With 450+ hp cruising down the road at 2800 rpm you didn't need the heater on even in the winter.