2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado
 

Greetings, looking to get some info on how difficult this swap would be. Thanks

Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado
 

Need more info, what are your goals with the truck, is the 97 a v8 already, are you doing the work yourself, are you mechanically inclined, are you paying a shop to do the work? Swapping the engine is relatively straight forward, but what trans are you using, 2wd or 4wd, using a stock ECM to run it or going aftermarket.

Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado
 

I did my 1st LS swap into my 81..I was amazed at how straightforward it was ..using Ebay adapter plates, everything just fell into place..the biggest hurdle I had to deal with was exhaust..mine has a nv4500 behind it with mech linkage..trying to get around all that was a pain..
Like biketopia stated , some more info on your swap would help..
Youd be best to use the trans that comes with the LQ9..
Its gonna be dbw so you'll need the pedal and tac module..or swap it to dbc..that's what I did to mine
For wiring I took one look at the factory harness ,and then I called PSI for a harness..dont regret that..
The pump may also be setup for hydroboost...no bid deal there as you can cap off the unused return port..or swap your vacuum to hydroboost....
The ecm will need a home..I'm betting you dont have from under the dash for it.under hood may be your only choice..
I've seen several of the gmt400 trucks with LS swaps at car shows..the engines look right at home in there..

Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado
 

1997 silverado with a v8 305 i think throttle body fuel injection drive by wire, auto transmission, 2 wheel drive. I will do work myself. Replacement 6.0 came out of a 2003 denali, has fan clutch,drive by wire and came with computer and harness. Original motor has a dead cylinder and guttless.

Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado
 

The current Silverado is a drive by cable, and the donor is drive by wire, so you either need to get the pedal and TAC module to go with it, or convert it to drive by cable with a different throttle body. Grab some adapter motor mounts and it will bolt right in, clutch fan might line up with the shroud you have now but you can probably make the denali radiator and shroud work too if you have it. I would use a 4l60e or 4l80e from the donor vs the one that's currently in the truck. It can most likely be used but will need need the correct flex plate and possibly spacers to make the converter bolt up, and then you need to be able to control it with the stock ecm if its an electric unit. If it's a 700r4 it's about not worth trying to get a TV cable to actuate correctly.

Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado
 

Thanks for the help. This truck is a thrasher work truck so dont want to go through all that with the transmission. Was hoping motor and tranny would bolt right up. Think i will just go with a new crate 350 non ls motor like the one in it now.

Re: 2003 LQ9 in 1997 silverado
 

It can certainly work, just might not be as plug and play. The spacers and adapters are all readily available and cheap.