Looking to do a very budget chevy v8 swap- lookign for motor source

[m3j0n]

I don't have the budget for a actual LS swap (this is a 4th car), so I decided to go with an aluminum block 5.3L (L33), but it seems prices went way up since I last ordered one. So now, I'm considering an iron block 5.3L (I believe a LM7).

Just wanted to know if anyone can suggest a great place to source a motor at a great price. Thanks for the suggestions. Located in South Florida, but willing to buy one non-local if its a good deal.

[e30_302]

Junkyard? Where my 5.0 came from, $225.

[eurotrash]

Engine is gonna be easy. Craigslist for someone parting a truck is gonna be your best bet. The t56 is gonna be the major cost.

[The Dark Side of Will]

https://www.car-parts.com

If you're willing to accept a truck transmission, an NV3500 could do the trick a lot cheaper than a T56.

[SmokeE30]

I would agree a whole truck drivetrain could be the cheapest alternative if you want to pick it up from a yard or somebody parting one. You can't use the accessories or oil pan but they can be sourced pretty cheap online

[1991 e30 bmw 318is]

www.car-parts.com

If you're willing to accept a truck transmission, an NV3500 could do the trick a lot cheaper than a T56.

ha thats what i did... 150$ vs 2000+$ see how it holds up not best gearing but i don't think it will be to bad.. i got it from a 97 chev 1500 4.3

[jalopi]

Just looked up the gearsets on wikipedia - first is pretty bad if you get the one for a big GM truck but the other gears are pretty nice, they'll work fine with a 3.73 or so. Great if you've got power. Problem is wiki says they're rated to 300ft/lbs of torque... might be an issue with a built 5.3, they can make some serious power.

[1991 e30 bmw 318is]

Just looked up the gearsets on wikipedia - first is pretty bad if you get the one for a big GM truck but the other gears are pretty nice, they'll work fine with a 3.73 or so. Great if you've got power. Problem is wiki says they're rated to 300ft/lbs of torque... might be an issue with a built 5.3, they can make some serious power.

yaa seems to be a bunch of guys with 5.3 5.7 and 6.0s beating on them and they say there been going great. also 300ft/lbs in a truck rated to tow 10.000lbs so in a car with small tires and under 3000lbs i think it will be ok with a little more then 300ft/lbs... not sure about slicks and drag racing but for my street car on a budget i think it will be fine.

[m3j0n]

yeah, I was originally going to use a aluminum 5.3l "L33" mated to my stock e36 tranny. In the last year, my cost on this motor has more than tripled... I don't really understand why!?!?! I guess a lot more people are doing swaps? Just trying to find a motor. hell, I'll even take a iron block LM7 at this point. Getting desperate.

[jalopi]

I thought the aluminum block 5.3s were always kinda expensive? Guess people finally really realized what they are.

[TSI]

There's a couple of yards on Benoist Farms road in Palm Beach that have all you need :)

[jalopi]

Even if you have to use an iron block, the extra 80-100lbs isn't gonna kill you. You'll still be hauling/kicking ass everywhere you go.

Besides, I'd prefer to have iron in case of an overheat situation, only gotta worry about the heads at that point.

[m3j0n]

There's a couple of yards on Benoist Farms road in Palm Beach that have all you need :)

really?... Didn't know that and I'm up there every week. Which one do you recommend for the chevy motors? every yard that I go to doesn't have the late model stuff.

[TSI]

really?... Didn't know that and I'm up there every week. Which one do you recommend for the chevy motors? every yard that I go to doesn't have the late model stuff.

ABC and LKQ both should have the stuff. Maybe not in the u-pull yards, but if you ask they might give you access to the 'good stuff' pile.