built 5.3 in 2000 s10 project... kinda.

[AmericanMuscle]

well I have been wanting to do this swap in my blazer but
space + time + tools x zero = no 5.3 swap.
when I decided to look for a newer s10 5sp to build an extra 4.3 up that my buddy had I came across a 2000 s10 that has most of the work done already. engine and tranny are in on poly mounts(a fresh built 4l60e and a stock 2003 5.3 with 9000 miles on it), all accessories are there and installed on the engine the engine wiring is done, but there are a few loose ends on it. what is left on the truck is exhaust and a radiator install. he has e-fans for it but still only has the 2.2 rad in it. the frame is notched but the guy did it right.
my plans for it are to put an ls6 cam in it(on its way) ls6 or better intake, head work and of course finishing the other pieces. my 4-4 drop from my blazer will be getting swapped onto the truck and from there it will be done for a while till I get a rear end for it. I have friends that are going to help me with the project and some money to spend on it.

shopping list:
cam-$175 should be here shortly
intake-hopefully $300 or less
headers-300-350
radiator-200?
head work-$600ish
misc stuff $500-$700

to do list:
-radiator and routing hoses
-find good machine shop or coworker to do heads
-wiring
-put battery under bed
-find exhaust shop
-find and install go fast goodies onto(into) engine
-drop truck and rebuild front end with poly bushings
-swap rims and tires
-swap ss mirrors
-install gas pedal

someday/wish list-
-linked rear
-zq8 or better sway bars
-roll pan or rod style bumper
-paint
-alarm and pw door locks
-floor mounted ratchet shifter
-....

some questions.
what are the best performing headers? is it really worth the cost if I already have the manifolds that fit? should I find a 4.3l rad or is there something better for not too much more? what manifold should I try and find? a modified ls6 intake or is there something better for around the same cost?

If anyone can tell me what I have forgotten or recommend something I would love the help.

[AmericanMuscle]

damn being tired and not being able to spell

[AmericanMuscle]

things to add to the shopping list.
-ls2 timing chain
-ud balancer

oh and the deadline for this should be in mid june-ish.

[guhman2002]

Does it run now?

[AmericanMuscle]

nope, and it will be getting torn down before it ever gets started up. working on a deal with heads and some roller rockers right now. hopefully grabbing my radiator, a new rear end, and the hoses for my ac this coming week. teardown is going to start on friday evening or sat. I cant wait to get into this thing and start getting some progress done.

After finding out that the truck intake flows as good as the ls6 intake to 6000 rpms I'm planning on cleaning it up and reinstalling it. Also going to paint the block and a few other things while I'm waiting for some parts.

[AmericanMuscle]

parts update
rollmaster timing set-$50-new
ls6 stage 2.5 with .660 dual afr springs - $950

not the best deal in the world, but not bad for 1000miles on them.

selling mtn bike and an unloved rifle to fund this thing...


EDIT: looking for bigger angry cam.

[philntx]

Do you need to be concerned with emissions testing? There are areas in AZ with strict enforcement.

[AmericanMuscle]

yes and no, I'm in oro valley, but will be living in marana or oracle soon(little towns around tucson). I'll get inspected for cats and the like, but passing emissions with a cam shouldn't be hard, I'm not looking for anything too extream this is my daily. but a higher lift and a little more lump in the idle then the ls6 cam. A buddy of mine is giving me what I paid for it with shipping when it comes in.