SS engine Swap

schunt · March 9, 2004

Hello all,

I have an opportunity to purchase a wrecked Silverado SS. With the salvagable parts I would like to swap the SS 6.0 L in place of the 5.3 L that is currently in my truck.

I kow that the engine will be a direct bolt in, but I have a few questions about the electronics that I don't really understand.

1) In order to swap the engine, will the whole engine wiring harness need to be swapped as well, or just the ECM?

2) How are the automatic transmissions controlled? And how does the transmisson affect the engine performance? Let me explain further.....

I know that the SS has an electronic all-wheel drive transfer case, while my '00 silverado has a electronic selectable transfer cas (2wd, 4wd, Autotrac, and 4 Low).

3) Is the Autotrac the same as the All-wheel drive setup on the SS?

4) Would it be possible to use my exsisting transmission/transfer case so Keep 4-low and run the truck as a traditional 2wd on the highway?

5) does anyone know of any sensors that maybe included on the SS that may affect the engine performance that may not be on the standard silverado. (wheel speed sensors and stuff like that)

ANY help would be appreciated.

Thanks

2ksleeper · March 21, 2004

What mechanical parts are you planning on swapping? What are the specs on you truck compared to the ss? I would think the only things you would want to swap would be the engine & possibly the transmition. The SS should have the 4l65e transmition which is a little stronger than the 4l60e. I believe you should keep your existing ECM & get a custom tune for the new engine combo. I plan on swapping out my 5.3 with a build 6.0 as I get the money to build the engine sitting in my garage. Here is a link to a discussion for a ls1 engine swap.

Colorado Kid · March 22, 2004

Hello all,

I have an opportunity to purchase a wrecked Silverado SS. With the salvagable parts I would like to swap the SS 6.0 L in place of the 5.3 L that is currently in my truck.

I kow that the engine will be a direct bolt in, but I have a few questions about the electronics that I don't really understand.

1) In order to swap the engine, will the whole engine wiring harness need to be swapped as well, or just the ECM?

2) How are the automatic transmissions controlled? And how does the transmisson affect the engine performance? Let me explain further.....

I know that the SS has an electronic all-wheel drive transfer case, while my '00 silverado has a electronic selectable transfer cas (2wd, 4wd, Autotrac, and 4 Low).

3) Is the Autotrac the same as the All-wheel drive setup on the SS?

4) Would it be possible to use my exsisting transmission/transfer case so Keep 4-low and run the truck as a traditional 2wd on the highway?

5) does anyone know of any sensors that maybe included on the SS that may affect the engine performance that may not be on the standard silverado. (wheel speed sensors and stuff like that)

ANY help would be appreciated.

Thanks

1) I'm betting just the PCM

2) I'd use the tranny from the SS . . . electronically they're identical but the 4L65-E is a little more robust. The trannys (in both of these half tons) are controlled by the ECM (Engine Control Module) which is why they are sometimes called PCM Powertrain Control Module).

3)No.

4)Just use your T-case behind the 4L65-E Transmission, or for less work and a slightly less strong transmission you can use the exsiting tranny and t-case.

5) There shouldn't be any, unless the all-wheel drive T-case has some senosrs in it. Even if that does cause a code with the SS ECM, Wester's ought to be able to set you up with something that will work.