Swapping A Worn-Out Motor

[ktmrdr85]

I'm trying to now find a used (of course) 2002 CC/SB Silverado w/the 8.1L/Allison combo, which are pretty easy to find on ebay. I want to know how hard it is to swap out an old worn out 8.1L with a brand new one (I assume any 2002 truck that I find will be very used, high-mileage, and ready for a new motor. I also assume that I can find a brand-new motor for pretty cheap on ebay or something close).

The main thing that I'm actually worried about would be having to swap computers and things such as that. I'm really into projects as many of you can see, and I also go through a lot of trucks also as you can see.

I'm pretty confident that my dad could do this swap in less than a day if properly prepped, and he's also really good with wiring, so I guess I'm not really too worried but he's out of town right now and I don't want to bother him with this simple question till he gets back.

Also, would you swap to a new motor? Or just rebuild the one you have?

[g9m3c]

Well, I'm sure there are plenty of low mileage '02's out there; what exactly do you consider "worn-out". I would suggest finding a truck you're interested in, and then ponder this question.

[ktmrdr85]

Worn-out to me would be if the truck started having major mechanical problems or is slowing down and not making as much power as it used to and it finally stops for the last time when you are on your way to some important place while it happens. Then you have it towed to your house to swap the motor.

I would guess that one of those motors could go well over 300k, i just want it to be reliable though.

[g9m3c]

I would say finding a reliable '02 would be fairly easy. And yes, you are probably right on the miles, if one is taken care of properly, there's no reason it couldn't make it to 300K.