Yeah, its definitely a decent engine, not something I would do, but hey, to each his own. They recently swapped an LS1 into a fox body mustang in PHR, because it is such an awesome engine, even when totally stock. Definitely not something I would ever do, but what the hell.

 

This thread has gotten outta hand. I even asked for it to be deleted. I made a mistake when I asked if anyone had done it in this chapter of the forum I didnt know there was a engine swap chapter. but the insults are getting ridicules. Its not your truck. Its mine. I didnt ask for opions all I asked was if it had been done. This is a poor display people sharing ideas too maybe sway me from doing this swap. I can make that 5.3 go in that truck alot easier then I could a ford 5.4. I just want something that I can get some mileage and performance with. The 5.3 is alot easier to tune then the 5.4 and a heck of alot cheaper. I have a 01 SS camaro that has the LS1 and is a very stout machine. I've got a great 351w and stout c6 in the truck. No complaints with either just the 130 miles I drive a day sucks at these gas prices. a 5.3 will get me easy 22 mpg. that beats the heck out of 13 with this current setup. Now I'm pretty easy to talk to I just dont appreciate the insults.

 

Good grief, you arent gonna get any support on this subject from a Ford guy or a Chevy guy. If you got some sorta sweet deal on this truck and the engine trade one or the other for something more kosher for the brand.
Case closed!

 

I can honestly say that I don't know about getting 22mpg with the 5.3, as the one I had in my Silverado (granted, it was a TOTAL lemon) never got better than 16mpg.

 

Well it can be done...the GM to Ford...I should know. Look at my gallery. The one with the sleeper, yep, thats right, thats a 455 Oldsmobile (don't know if its a tornado or not), and a weep a little each time I look at it, partly because of its beauty, and partly because its a monstrosity. Can't complain about the power though. However! (Yes, there is a however) I have a 400 at home ready to be rebuilt and slapped in there. That will be a god send that day, and I can replace all of the wiring too! (Horray for doner trucks)

Also, heres my 2 cents. It costs me around $160 bucks for a complete fill up, 32 gallons. Heres what justifies it. Since I am in university, I usually park it at home away from the rust demons and such during the winter. I will probably spend close to $800 bucks a year on the gas...maybe more. The truck only cost me $1600 so if I go to school for 5 years, then the total cost of this truck will be around $6500 or more (these are estimates remember). Now, I could spend $8,000 to get a newer used vehicle and get better gas milage, but that already exceeds the cost of owning this truck plus gas! Just see if it will really be justified swaping a better gas milage engine in, thats all I'm saying. Also I know there are better gas milage vehicles for under $8000, but theres another reason I drive a 77 ford Ranger.......its because I like it

 

You come to a FORD forum and then you complain that you werent treated nice when you mention dropping a CHEVY motor in a FORD truck but mention that the Cummins swap is ok. Last I checked, Cummins is just a supplier not the "enemy". If you wante fuel economy, you might as well go buy a motorcycle. The old Fords are heavier than the new, and theyre not too aerodynamic. Good luck with your thought of 22 mpg.

 

I think you're 22mpg estimate is way off. You might see 18 on the outside, but an EFI swap on the 351w, and an overdrive trans could yield that. The newer chevy trucks don't have a lot of metal in them like that '79 does.

 

Your not going to get 22+ mpg out of a 5.3!
My 77 F100 w/302 and C4 gets 18-20mpg easily on the hwy, and that's stock....
IF you want to spend countless hours doing the swap(which means a lot of down time, so how are you going to get to work then?) that's you, but don't expect anything good out of it.

 

22 mpg on the highway, maybe going downhill.

This swap you mentioned is going to cost money, $$$$$, and it ain't worth it.

Personally, I drop a 5 speed on this truck and you'll get your 22 mpg. Theirs other better options to increase fuel mileage.

 

good god man - that was an interesting read.

It's funny to see the narrowmindedness of many...

I'm not a chevy guy by any means (never owned one but am open to it), but I can't say I haven't thought about putting an LS! in something. It was my ranger at 1st, and then the crew cab, but the ranger has a 302 now (looking for 351w) and the crew cab may get a cummins.
The hot rod will have a 350 in it - because it is a period piece (nastalgia rat rod I guess)...

I say the LS1 is a great, economical (power to cost ratio) beast. Wiring isn't too bad - hell, my buddy has one in a bug!

Don't let the diehard FREAKS stear you away. Research a bit more on a more open minded forum and GO FOR IT!

 

I perfer Ford engines in Fords. Personal preferences.

 

Methinks the tone was unnecessary.

 

Not sensative - just sick of the diehard (enter make/model here) BS.

I have respect for ANY well built car/truck, no matter what the make or model. Some (make that many) may not be to my personal tastes, but to each their own.

I just hate to see all the "I can't believe you'd even mention that blasphemy" type CRAP responses on a board like this. Sure it's a Ford forum, so there are bound to be the diehard idiots, but so many????
I hate the "I'll never touch a chebby" crap, as much as I hate the "you drive a ford??? - idiot!!" crap I get.

I have owned Fords all my life (have 5 right now) and will continue to (old ones at least - new ones are going down the crapper - just like every other). I just don't get the diehard mentality of it all. I have enough of an open mind to admit the LS1 could be a nice choice for the truck...

 

ChaseTruck754, the name calling is unjustified.
I own 5 fords at this time too.

 

Better yet, how about a 351W with the GT40P (Explorer) heads in a truck???? Sounds familiar???? (see 86 f150 in my Gallery). Makes great torque, it'll roast the 35" tires. You do have to drill the headbolt holes from 7/16" to 1/2" but other than that, they're bolt on. Plenty of Ford options out there.