Engine Swap?

RICKJ1941

MEMBER
2001 GMC SIERRA
5.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC

My friend's son just flipped his dad's truck listed above 1/2 ton. Can you swap the GMC Engine for a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4-ton Truck-4-Wheel Drive? The GMC is toast as the roof is caved in and the frame is bent beyond help.
If possible, can you give a short answer as to where, or if, an engine swap kit is needed? Sorry, I don't have the VIN for either Truck. Thanks for your time and help.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Yes, you can swap them, but it will come with a price. As you are likely already aware, the engine will fit. However, it is a 2001 engine, and your vehicle is completely set up differently. For example, things like the fuel injectors will be different, the intake and all of the sensors related to things such as engine coolant temperature, oil pressure, variable valve timing will not exist on the older engine, and so on. You will need different exhaust manifolds, intake will need changed, vacuum-related components, wiring/sensors, and somehow, we need to get the PCM in the recipient vehicle to recognize everything so that it will run properly, pass federal emissions, and so on.

So overall, anything is possible. However, this type of changeover is difficult. If you were trying to place the 2015 engine into the 2001, it would actually be easier simply because there are fewer components.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Monday, October 16th, 2023 AT 8:15 PM

RICKJ1941

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thank you so much for your help and advice. My friend's kid said someone ran out in front of him. He rolled the GMC three or four times. He didn't believe in seat belts, (lucky to be alive!), So he's in the hospital here in Lancaster, CA, with a broken back, both arms are broken and one of his wrists plus a severe concussion.
Anyway, I figured the emission and ECM would be the major problem, but never thought about the intake, and the rest. I was a mechanic for a long time until I got emphysema in 2004. I did smog checks, performance tuning and most other line mechanic work. I had several v-8 Vegas I used to race here at lacr before it was closed to put up "track houses!" what a waste! I think my friend should part out the GMC and put the money towards a new short block for his son's 2015 4x4. He won't be driving anytime soon anyway. I wonder if he learned anything about seat belts from all of this? :) Thank you again joe. Respectfully, Rick

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Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 AT 5:40 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Rick,

You are very welcome. I never wore seat belts either until it became a law here in PA. Now, it is second nature to put it on when I get in the car. LOL

As far as the Vega, they didn't last too long here with the winters. Rust ate them up really fast, but I did have a 75 Cosworth. Loved it. My buddy had a 72 (I think) wagon and put 5.7L in it. It was fast, but the brakes were horrible. That one ended its life in the rear of a Ford pick up. LOL He couldn't stop.

Regardless, take good care of yourself and I'll say a prayer for the poor kid who got hurt. It must have been a really bad accident. He's lucky to be alive.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 AT 6:32 PM