I realize the 5.7 LS1 engines from Z-28's, Trans Am's and Corvettes are the hot ticket for a V-8 swap in an RX-7 (an 87GXL in my case), but would a truck or SUV 5.3 be worth the effort?

I ask this because I have access to a brand new still in the crate 2002 5.3 liter engine for an Escalade, complete, including coil packs, wiring harness, exhaust manifolds, intake, throttle body, front accessory brackets, etc., etc. A friend of mine has it for sale and would take $2800 for it.

I also realize the intake and oil pan will not work in an RX-7, but he has a brand new Z06 Vette intake from a brand new Z06 crate engine (the rest of the Z06 LS6 is in his 32 Ford Street rod, along with the fancy schmancy transmission that was with the Escalade 5.3).

Anyway, I figure if I can get the 5.3 and the Vette intake for around $3K and come up with a used F Body oil pan, I'd be in business with a BRAND SPANKIN' new engine.

The thing is, I don't want to do if the Escalade engine for some reason (other than the ones I already described) won't work, or if it just plain isn't a "runner" and it's going to be dead slow compared to a true LS1 5.7

What about it? Is this thing worth buying?

Thanks,
Scott Russell
Jackson, TN 38305

 

You will make nice power with a 5.3, especially with the vette intake. Long tube headers will really wake it up. There are a few guys that have documented 5.3 swaps on v8rx7forum.com

There's a nice article about the differences between the various GEN III engines at:

http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/eb040538.htm

 

wow, as a brand new motor without any problems or potential fubar's, man you should jump on it at that price. wow.

good luck on the swap, you will not be disappointed.

 

Do it! After you get everything sorted out, look for an LS1 or LS6 shortblock to swap the 5.3 heads onto...

 

u really do need to check out this website www.v8rx7forum.com for v8 swaps
u could probably get the same motor cheaper somewhere, but if it comes in handy and comes with everything, why not. btw u'll need the f-body accessories, again, search the websitefor what u need EXACTLY, and check on the swap forum on ls1tech.com too

brand new u mean c6 z06 ? whose wont fit, if its a c5 then yea

 

Let me clarify. I have a friend who is building (it's nearly finished) a 32 Ford street rod. He wanted some particular transmission that (at least at the time) only came in an 02 Escalade. He already had a brand new 02 LS6 engine brand new from GM to go in the 32 coupe, but the trans he wanted was an Escalade only deal (at least that what I was told). The trans was going to be like over $4K to buy by itself but GM sells the 5.3 liter engine with the trans, complete with all the wiring harnesses, bracketry, etc., etc. for not much more than the trans costs to buy by itself.

So if I haven't thoroughly confused everyone by now, it's just the 2002 Escalade 5.3 engine he wants to sell. The LS6 engine and the trans that came with the Escalade 5.3 are now in the 1932 Ford Coupe street rod. He also has some totally chromed out induction for the LS6, so he said I could get the factory LS6 intake with the 5.3 if I bought it. Further, he's come down to $2500 on the 5.3.

With all that said, I spent quite a bit of time today reading about the Gen III engine family through links I found here and on the V8 RX-7 site and , I was able figure out that through places like F-parts and others like them, I can buy a low milage all aluminum 5.7 liter LS1 complete with transmission, wiring harness and ECM (with a warranty no less) in the $3K to $4K range. I think I'm going to pass on my friend's 5.3.

I have an Outlaw Drag Radial Mustang going together right now and I'm already WAY over $20K invested in that project and probably have at least that much to go. I really don't need to embark on another project, so I may just re-sell the car and stay on track with the race car. I love 2nd Gen RX-7's but to honest, this car was not much more than an impulse buy.