There's a very nice '99 Tahoe 4-door 4x4 for sale near me with a blown engine for $1000.

I have a good 350 engine and transmission from a '89 GMC van, and I'm wondering if I could swap that engine in?

My understanding is that the Tahoe 350s of that year are a Vortec, and the '89 van 350 is an LS of some type.

I don't know what these differences mean, however, I'm just wondering if a straight engine swap is possible/economical. Thanks!

 

The 10 year difference has some pretty dramatic changes between those vehicles.
Aside from the electronics differences with the engines there are also electronic differences with the transmissions.
A salvage engine could be a less expensive choice , but even that needs to be from an exactly same model vehicle The reluctor for the crank sensor could be different if not from the identical engine , which if not the same , could have a problem starting or performance problems which no one would suspect.

 

So systems like OBDII etc. would involve work to hook up to this motor? Would it be possible but just involve getting new parts?

Is the series of 350 from '89 a different architecture/engine from the Vortec in the '99?

Thank you!

 

Can anyone else confirm that this swap just won't work because of the old vs. new electrical systems?

And is Vortec really that different from my '89 350?

Just looking for a second or third opinion...

 

'89 was TBI injection. '99 was a spider style Vortec motor. Apples and oranges. Major systems differences not to mention transmission differences. Not worth the giant hassle trying to swap in old trucks.