We knocked it out of the park with this build! A customer brought in his 2003 ZR2 S10 for a 5.3 LS swap and we delivered! Check it out and SUBSCRIBE!! Music by: / @huccixv
All chevy ZR2s and GMC high riders are 4x4 with an 8.5" rear axle with a gov-lok, 7.65" front diff, 4" wider axles, 3" taller factory lift, 3.73 gears, 4 wheel disk brakes, 31x10.5R15 tires, and a very stoutly built fully boxed ladder bar style frame. They are a completely different animal compared to any other S10 and they are built like a tank. The L35 4.3L just wasnt enough engine for serious use and a LS upgrade really makes them shine and can get better gas mileage. I have an L33 aluminum block 5.3L (5300HO) engine with the factory 799 heads (same casting as the LS6 243 castings). The H.O. L33 5.3 weighs the same if not a little less than the iron block and headed 4.3L so you dont have to worry with front end sag from the torsion bar front suspension. The L33 is a flat top piston aluminum block with 9.9:1 compression. I'm running with the "Truck Norris" cam from BTR and I have a bed mounted turbo. It's not exactly a cheap swap to get the 5.3 into a zr2 but it's well worth it and you'll be happier with a v8 LS swapped zr2 than you would be with any other factory truck and it would be cheaper to build a v8 zr2 than it would be to buy any new truck. Adding a turbo isnt that complicated and 7-8psi will add around 50% more power. Offroading the truck you should have the turbo mounted in the bed but if it's just a 4x4 custom road queen just hide the turbo next to the frame rail under the bed like alot of 2wd guys do. Nothing hurts feelings like beating new "muscle cars" with a 20+ year old 4x4 s10 on 31" mud tires. If you can build it yourself you can save alot and 98-99 Ls1 camaro/firebird manifolds will work if you cut off the collector flange and weld on an extension. The 98-99 manifolds are cast steel instead of the 2000-02 manifolds that are cast iron. I've also heard that TBSS manifolds will fit but I'm not sure what mods are required for them to fit. Youd be hard pressed to find a tougher modern-ish truck thats as capable off-roading as it is stock but a 4000lb curb weight with a 200hp v6 just isnt as much fun as a cammed 350-400 hp v8 swap or a modified and turboed 5.3L making 500-600hp. The 8.5 doesnt like the turbo power much if it gets enough traction but a ford explorer 8.8" is almost a direct bolt in and if you really want a lift and more space for easy swapping do a solid front axle swap with a dana 44 front axle. The limit is based on your wallet but a fully customized and extremely built zr2 will still be cheaper and way cooler than any new truck that wont be as tough and wont have nearly as much power to weight. Mines an all blacked out 2000 zr2 extended cab (looks basically just like this one but completely blacked out with a whistle coming out from under a false bottom tool box in the bed. Mine is still IFS with no extra lift. These trucks are awesome and an LS just makes them that much better.
I love this! Beautiful! I got a super clean 02' ZR2 Blazer LS that I would love to do a swap in. My 4.3 Vortec has 300k miles but runs like new & still gets the 16mpg 02' sticker mpg! You can't even feel it running at a red light w/ the AC on.. There's just something about a V8 that I love! Especially for towing. Just put a new heavy duty 4l60e in her & many other engine & drivetrain parts. The old man I bought it from here in SE Texas for $3k many years ago kept it in the garage & know one has sat in the back seats to date (almost July 2023) & it's clean!
I had a 95 1/2 ton in highschool with the 4.3 and 300,000 miles when I got it for free. My uncle bought it brand new off the lot in 95, let a tractor roll into the side of it, then it made its way to me. Rode like the day it was made. My first year in the Marine Corps a tornado destroyed my mom's house that had my truck parked next to it. That truck didn't even have a scratch on it. 4.3s are immortal and still one of the best engines ever made, in my opinion.
I've got a third kids college fund in my ZR2, and this is ALMOST better lol. I'll eventually throw a couple more cylinders in mine but I'm happy where I'm at... slip for a 7.84 and I drive it everyday. This is also a VERY NEAT build. I'd love to see more of it
So you really didn't get too detailed in the build CPW Harness CPW A/C Then questions are - CPW ZR2 Specific Motor Mounts or which mounts? Milodon or Modified 5.3 oil pan? Electric Fans obviously? Stock 4.3 Radiator? Is the CPW Harness the one that requires you use the 5.3 / LSx computer? and that is what makes everything work? Abs, tach, electric fans? Any trans cooling?
Beautiful ZR2, I’ve owned my 02 ZR2 blazer roughly 6 years and absolutely love the old truck, the 4.3 is still running nicely but yeah, LS swapping it is the way to go, I did luck out mine being the 5speed manual .
I've got the 96 ext. cab 4X4 Sonoma highrider looks just like this ZR-2 all but front clip , I want a 5.7 vortec and a 5 speed tremec trans. Also want the AWD system from an Astro van up front . I would rather have steelie wheels with caps .😊
You talked up the Wiring harness very well but failed to mention who made it. Like I'm not hearing it if you said it. You just kept saying they and them..who?
I heard with the GM performance manifold, diff throttle body, cam, vortex S/C, lowered compression ratio so you don't have to run an intercooler, and a 93 tune, you can make over 400hp with the stock 4.3...
Really would love to chat. I have a Non ZR2 4x4 with an LT1. Motor is toast and I’m gonna go with a 5.3. Oil pain is my issue. Need to figure out that obstacle.
lol... If you think a $400 oil pan is too expensive don't even attempt a LS into a ZR2 S10. Not only do you need the oil pan when it comes to the Milodon stuff, but if you use that pan... You will also need the windage tray, oil filter relocation, and dipstick tube at the very least... Increases the price of the Milodon pan more to $600-$800. The CPW wiring harness is $1000 too btw lol.
This build total cost was around $17K. Price is determined on what engine setup and options you choose to be on the engine, such as A/C and Cam and Headers and things like that.
I’m also looking for what motor mounts lol. I’m doing a swap in my zr2. From what I can see the stock oil pan clears since the frame sits higher but don’t know for sure yet
This Customer spent around $14k on this build. Thats with us supplying everything and parts cost a year ago. We can get you a quote together if you'd like. Just need to know what options you want.
Anybody know where I can get new fender flares for my 2002 GMC Sonoma ZR2? (Mine are busted up & rough.) Don't care if they're aftermarket as long as they look close to factory original. These seem to be hard to come by.
All chevy ZR2s and GMC high riders are 4x4 with an 8.5" rear axle, 7.65" front diff, 4" wider track width, 3" taller factory lift, 3.73 gears, 4 wheel disk brakes, 31x10.5R15 tires, and a very stoutly built fully boxed ladder bar style frame. They are a completely different animal compared to any other S10 and they are built like a tank. The L35 4.3L just wasnt enough engine for serious use and a LS upgrade really makes them shine and can get better gas mileage. I have an L33 aluminum block 5.3L (5300HO) engine with the factory 799 heads (same casting as the LS6 243 castings). The H.O. L33 5.3 weighs the same if not a little less than the iron block and headed 4.3L so you dont have to worry with front end sag from the torsion bar front suspension. The L33 is a flat top piston aluminum block with 9.9:1 compression. I'm doing the "Truck Norris" cam from BTR and I have a bed mounted turbo. It's not exactly a cheap swap to get the 5.3 into a zr2 but it's well worth it and you'll be happier with a v8 LS swapped zr2 than you would be with any other factory truck and it would be cheaper to build a v8 zr2 than it would be to buy a stock v6 new truck. Adding a turbo isnt that complicated and 7-8psi will add around 50% more power. Offroading the truck you should have the turbo mounted in the bed but if it's just a 4x4 custom road queen just hide the turbo next to the frame rail under the bed like alot of 2wd guys do. Nothing hurts feelings like beating new "muscle cars" with a 20+ year old 4x4 s10 on 31" mud tires. If you can build it yourself you can save alot and 98-99 Ls1 camaro/firebird manifolds will work if you cut off the collector flange and weld on an extension. The 98-99 manifolds are cast steel instead of the 2000-02 manifolds that are cast iron. I've also heard that TBSS manifolds will fit but I'm not sure what mods are required for them to fit. Youd be hard pressed to find a tougher modern-ish truck thats as capable off-roading as it is stock but a 4000lb curb weight with a 200hp v6 just isnt as much fun as a cammed 350-400 hp v8 swap or a modified and turboed 5.3L making 500-600hp. The 8.5 doesnt like the turbo power much if it gets enough traction but a ford explorer 8.8" is almost a direct bolt in and if you really want a lift and more space for easy swapping do a solid front axle swap with a dana 44 front axle. The limit is based on your wallet but a fully customized and extremely built zr2 will still be cheaper and way cooler than any new truck that wont be as tough and wont have nearly as much power to weight ratio. Mines an all blacked out 2000 zr2 extended cab (looks basically just like this one but completely blacked out with a whistle coming out from under a false bottom tool box in the bed. Mine is still IFS with no extra lift. These trucks are awesome and an LS just makes them that much better.
@@SterlingRobertson no they really aren’t. If they were an LS2 then they’d be called an LS 2 and not LR4 or LMG (or whatever that exact engine was coded as). They are close and loosely based on LS platforms but they are not true LS engines unless it came from a car that was truly designated with a LS engine. Everyone buys a junkyard Silverado engine and that’s great because they are cheap and can be modded to do a lot but might as well call an apple an apple. Still doesn’t make an apple an orange.
For example if you buy a 2005 Silverado 5.3 (5300 Vortec) you now have a LM7. The same year LS car engine is the LS2 6.0 from the corvette. It does not make them the same thing. None of the truck engines were LS designated.
How would everyone like to see a "how to" video of this swap in detail?
Yes
Most definitely
Bring it!
What was the total
I would
All chevy ZR2s and GMC high riders are 4x4 with an 8.5" rear axle with a gov-lok, 7.65" front diff, 4" wider axles, 3" taller factory lift, 3.73 gears, 4 wheel disk brakes, 31x10.5R15 tires, and a very stoutly built fully boxed ladder bar style frame. They are a completely different animal compared to any other S10 and they are built like a tank. The L35 4.3L just wasnt enough engine for serious use and a LS upgrade really makes them shine and can get better gas mileage. I have an L33 aluminum block 5.3L (5300HO) engine with the factory 799 heads (same casting as the LS6 243 castings). The H.O. L33 5.3 weighs the same if not a little less than the iron block and headed 4.3L so you dont have to worry with front end sag from the torsion bar front suspension. The L33 is a flat top piston aluminum block with 9.9:1 compression. I'm running with the "Truck Norris" cam from BTR and I have a bed mounted turbo. It's not exactly a cheap swap to get the 5.3 into a zr2 but it's well worth it and you'll be happier with a v8 LS swapped zr2 than you would be with any other factory truck and it would be cheaper to build a v8 zr2 than it would be to buy any new truck. Adding a turbo isnt that complicated and 7-8psi will add around 50% more power. Offroading the truck you should have the turbo mounted in the bed but if it's just a 4x4 custom road queen just hide the turbo next to the frame rail under the bed like alot of 2wd guys do. Nothing hurts feelings like beating new "muscle cars" with a 20+ year old 4x4 s10 on 31" mud tires. If you can build it yourself you can save alot and 98-99 Ls1 camaro/firebird manifolds will work if you cut off the collector flange and weld on an extension. The 98-99 manifolds are cast steel instead of the 2000-02 manifolds that are cast iron. I've also heard that TBSS manifolds will fit but I'm not sure what mods are required for them to fit. Youd be hard pressed to find a tougher modern-ish truck thats as capable off-roading as it is stock but a 4000lb curb weight with a 200hp v6 just isnt as much fun as a cammed 350-400 hp v8 swap or a modified and turboed 5.3L making 500-600hp. The 8.5 doesnt like the turbo power much if it gets enough traction but a ford explorer 8.8" is almost a direct bolt in and if you really want a lift and more space for easy swapping do a solid front axle swap with a dana 44 front axle. The limit is based on your wallet but a fully customized and extremely built zr2 will still be cheaper and way cooler than any new truck that wont be as tough and wont have nearly as much power to weight. Mines an all blacked out 2000 zr2 extended cab (looks basically just like this one but completely blacked out with a whistle coming out from under a false bottom tool box in the bed. Mine is still IFS with no extra lift. These trucks are awesome and an LS just makes them that much better.
Does what you said apply to the zr2 blazers 2000-2005?
I love this! Beautiful!
I got a super clean 02' ZR2 Blazer LS that I would love to do a swap in.
My 4.3 Vortec has 300k miles but runs like new & still gets the 16mpg 02' sticker mpg! You can't even feel it running at a red light w/ the AC on..
There's just something about a V8 that I love! Especially for towing.
Just put a new heavy duty 4l60e in her & many other engine & drivetrain parts.
The old man I bought it from here in SE Texas for $3k many years ago kept it in the garage & know one has sat in the back seats to date (almost July 2023) & it's clean!
I had a 95 1/2 ton in highschool with the 4.3 and 300,000 miles when I got it for free. My uncle bought it brand new off the lot in 95, let a tractor roll into the side of it, then it made its way to me. Rode like the day it was made. My first year in the Marine Corps a tornado destroyed my mom's house that had my truck parked next to it. That truck didn't even have a scratch on it. 4.3s are immortal and still one of the best engines ever made, in my opinion.
Dude that ZR2 is freaking awesome! My daily driver is a 2000 ZR2 i rebuilt in 2019.
I've got a third kids college fund in my ZR2, and this is ALMOST better lol. I'll eventually throw a couple more cylinders in mine but I'm happy where I'm at... slip for a 7.84 and I drive it everyday. This is also a VERY NEAT build. I'd love to see more of it
Yooo post a walk around of yours!!!
Yooo post a walk around of yours!!!
Dude I want to do this to my zr2!
So you really didn't get too detailed in the build
CPW Harness
CPW A/C
Then questions are -
CPW ZR2 Specific Motor Mounts or which mounts?
Milodon or Modified 5.3 oil pan?
Electric Fans obviously? Stock 4.3 Radiator?
Is the CPW Harness the one that requires you use the 5.3 / LSx computer? and that is what makes everything work? Abs, tach, electric fans?
Any trans cooling?
wat i'm saying bro 👆👍👍
Beautiful ZR2, I’ve owned my 02 ZR2 blazer roughly 6 years and absolutely love the old truck, the 4.3 is still running nicely but yeah, LS swapping it is the way to go, I did luck out mine being the 5speed manual .
I’m planning to drop a ls1 in my 03 zr2 as well within the next few years. These trucks are hard to come by these days and get compliments on it
I've got the 96 ext. cab 4X4 Sonoma highrider looks just like this ZR-2 all
but front clip , I want a 5.7 vortec and
a 5 speed tremec trans. Also want the
AWD system from an Astro van up front . I would rather have steelie wheels with caps .😊
damn yall still do this, i just got one and i want mine to be build similar to this
Can you get link info for the after market steering wheel and are thinking about doing another video on s10 how fun the build was
how much did this cost i wanna do this to mine
This is the best tuner around Decatur Al
I've been looking for a zr2 for 6yrs.. to do the ls swap and overland it..I wanna get rid of my 05 escalade ext
I have the '01 ZR2 Blazer I'm wondering how close these chassis are and I wonder if a 6.0 with a 6 speed manual would fit in it
Awesome pick em up truck!
You talked up the Wiring harness very well but failed to mention who made it. Like I'm not hearing it if you said it. You just kept saying they and them..who?
Current Performance... He does mention it.
I heard with the GM performance manifold, diff throttle body, cam, vortex S/C, lowered compression ratio so you don't have to run an intercooler, and a 93 tune, you can make over 400hp with the stock 4.3...
And you're only in for 8k. I just looked there is a GM performance 4.3 that makes 350hp and it drops right in for 7k...
Really would love to chat. I have a Non ZR2 4x4 with an LT1. Motor is toast and I’m gonna go with a 5.3. Oil pain is my issue. Need to figure out that obstacle.
Can that be done on a 2002 Blazer with the shorter wheel base? I want to give it a 2.5” lift as well from a kit that 4 Wheel Parts sell for it…
Yes , Is it 2 or 4 wheel drive?
4 wheel drive@@bryantbrothersracing6114
I'm next. Where ya located
We are in Decatur, AL.
@@bryantbrothersracing6114what size rims and tires they are?
What tires and rims are those ?
To get the size rims and tires information would be great.
Had a question is it possible to to the ls swap with a 4l80e ?
Yes it is.
Did you had to tu cut the tunnel o the floor what about with the transfer case
Yes sir it is, you do have to mold the trans tunnel to do so.
Nice ac set up please part number where did u get the components please I been trying to install ac in my 5.3 s10
Thank you, We use the A/C kit from Current Performance.
@@bryantbrothersracing6114 thank you
I got z71 Colorado 4x4 love to put LS
I wanna know how much this cost the customer lol
How much would this cost for a normal 4x4?
Prob like about $10,000 give or take
What oil pan did you use? Milodon 31083 is 400 bucks too expensive
lol... If you think a $400 oil pan is too expensive don't even attempt a LS into a ZR2 S10. Not only do you need the oil pan when it comes to the Milodon stuff, but if you use that pan... You will also need the windage tray, oil filter relocation, and dipstick tube at the very least... Increases the price of the Milodon pan more to $600-$800. The CPW wiring harness is $1000 too btw lol.
Beautiful Truck!!!.....Sounds Great!!
What a coincidence I have an 03 ZR2. What does something like this typically run?
This build total cost was around $17K. Price is determined on what engine setup and options you choose to be on the engine, such as A/C and Cam and Headers and things like that.
@@bryantbrothersracing6114get ready cause I'm saving up to come by
Audio upgrade please.
Do you have shop if so I have 03 s10 and was wondering if you build similar setups for customers
Cost for motor? And labor, wanting to swap my blazer
What swap kit did you use for the mounts, oil pan and exhaust
I’m also looking for what motor mounts lol. I’m doing a swap in my zr2. From what I can see the stock oil pan clears since the frame sits higher but don’t know for sure yet
We can get you the kit if you still need it. Call us @ 256-686-3215. Ask for Clay
What about the drive line??stock rear-end?
Where did you get those turn signals in the front?
We ordered them from oracle i believe.
Mannn!!! This would finish my dream truck if you could put this in my crew cab sonoma!!! 😢
What oil pan did you use please!
Like it How much cost to do same set up I have engine already s10 new 02
This Customer spent around $14k on this build. Thats with us supplying everything and parts cost a year ago. We can get you a quote together if you'd like. Just need to know what options you want.
I like set up but no lifting lowered
The you finances?
Let me know like it I have this truck forever on garage is original poop engine 2.2 have 22year
wow awesome s10 !!🤩
Thanks!
T-10
Do you guys have any info on where I can do this?
Yes , what are you wanting to know ?
How fast is it? 0-60mph, quarter mile, top speed?
Its pretty fast actually, we haven't had it on the track but it runs good for what it is.
What size tires is in on this thing ?..
He said 31s but they look more like 33-35s.
What mounts did you use?
We used Current Performance Mount kit, We offer these to order if you are interested .
I love this build but my zr2 s10 only has 65k miles so i dont think ill be swapping anything out lol i do how ever want wheels
Oh WOW, thats low mileage. We can get your some wheels.
Anybody know where I can get new fender flares for my 2002 GMC Sonoma ZR2? (Mine are busted up & rough.) Don't care if they're aftermarket as long as they look close to factory original.
These seem to be hard to come by.
Where y’all located and how much cash you need ? 🤤
Decatur, AL and depends on what all you want to do lol.
2 or 4 wd?
All chevy ZR2s and GMC high riders are 4x4 with an 8.5" rear axle, 7.65" front diff, 4" wider track width, 3" taller factory lift, 3.73 gears, 4 wheel disk brakes, 31x10.5R15 tires, and a very stoutly built fully boxed ladder bar style frame. They are a completely different animal compared to any other S10 and they are built like a tank. The L35 4.3L just wasnt enough engine for serious use and a LS upgrade really makes them shine and can get better gas mileage. I have an L33 aluminum block 5.3L (5300HO) engine with the factory 799 heads (same casting as the LS6 243 castings). The H.O. L33 5.3 weighs the same if not a little less than the iron block and headed 4.3L so you dont have to worry with front end sag from the torsion bar front suspension. The L33 is a flat top piston aluminum block with 9.9:1 compression. I'm doing the "Truck Norris" cam from BTR and I have a bed mounted turbo. It's not exactly a cheap swap to get the 5.3 into a zr2 but it's well worth it and you'll be happier with a v8 LS swapped zr2 than you would be with any other factory truck and it would be cheaper to build a v8 zr2 than it would be to buy a stock v6 new truck. Adding a turbo isnt that complicated and 7-8psi will add around 50% more power. Offroading the truck you should have the turbo mounted in the bed but if it's just a 4x4 custom road queen just hide the turbo next to the frame rail under the bed like alot of 2wd guys do. Nothing hurts feelings like beating new "muscle cars" with a 20+ year old 4x4 s10 on 31" mud tires. If you can build it yourself you can save alot and 98-99 Ls1 camaro/firebird manifolds will work if you cut off the collector flange and weld on an extension. The 98-99 manifolds are cast steel instead of the 2000-02 manifolds that are cast iron. I've also heard that TBSS manifolds will fit but I'm not sure what mods are required for them to fit. Youd be hard pressed to find a tougher modern-ish truck thats as capable off-roading as it is stock but a 4000lb curb weight with a 200hp v6 just isnt as much fun as a cammed 350-400 hp v8 swap or a modified and turboed 5.3L making 500-600hp. The 8.5 doesnt like the turbo power much if it gets enough traction but a ford explorer 8.8" is almost a direct bolt in and if you really want a lift and more space for easy swapping do a solid front axle swap with a dana 44 front axle. The limit is based on your wallet but a fully customized and extremely built zr2 will still be cheaper and way cooler than any new truck that wont be as tough and wont have nearly as much power to weight ratio. Mines an all blacked out 2000 zr2 extended cab (looks basically just like this one but completely blacked out with a whistle coming out from under a false bottom tool box in the bed. Mine is still IFS with no extra lift. These trucks are awesome and an LS just makes them that much better.
How much was the entire price when you finally turned the key and drove it out of the shop?
Total cost for this build was Approx. $17K.
But mine has the patina the way I like it
But I do love this trucks paint and motor swap.
Its Pretty clean to be an 03.
Now imagine if it was a 5 speed
Then it would be like it is now -- but slower
@@andrewking1427 and a lot more fun
I wanna understand that thinks it’s a Silverado
👍🚘👍
Who hunts out of a truck that lopes like that yuppies that who this dude probably pulls up to his Deerstand in a planted field that he paid to hunt
5.3 is not a LS. 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 any that were originally vortec were never LS engines. Still an awesome build though.
it's part of of the LS family. Even GM classifies them in some of there literature that way....
WTF, YES they are.
@@SterlingRobertson no they really aren’t. If they were an LS2 then they’d be called an LS 2 and not LR4 or LMG (or whatever that exact engine was coded as). They are close and loosely based on LS platforms but they are not true LS engines unless it came from a car that was truly designated with a LS engine. Everyone buys a junkyard Silverado engine and that’s great because they are cheap and can be modded to do a lot but might as well call an apple an apple. Still doesn’t make an apple an orange.
For example if you buy a 2005 Silverado 5.3 (5300 Vortec) you now have a LM7. The same year LS car engine is the LS2 6.0 from the corvette. It does not make them the same thing. None of the truck engines were LS designated.
@@kylechandler2242 nobody cares.
What harness did you guys get?
What oil pan u use?
We used The Milodon Oil Pan. We will be making a follow up video for information about this swap.