Hello all. Read these forums for a while, but am just now joining.

Anyways, I'll try to keep this brief. My 6.0 gave up the ghost after running it on low oil pressure for the last 70k (I'm a courier by trade and that took all of 3 months).

I found a used 6.0 at the local parts yard for $1500, but they were trying to talk me into swapping in a 5.3 which can be had for $600 (on a tight budget right now).

At first I balked, then I started thinking about it more. I don't tow heavy (about 4k) and with the mileage I do (250k+ per year), the fuel savings would be good. The last Uhaul I rented had the 4.8 and it had enough power with the load in a van, I figure the 5.3 should have enough ***** to overcome the extra drag of the trailer. So, what do y'all think? Even if just temporary 'til I can build the high compression 6.0 I want.

 

Your gonna have 1500 into the swap from a 6.0 to 5.3 on specific years the 4l80e flywheel wont work to 5.3 due to the torque convertor bolt pattern i think plus I know for sure you will have to have the pcm retuned to the 5.3 wiring harness is the same, you should call around more looking for a 6.0 I know I can pick one up for 1000 with less then 100k on it, your gonna be spending just as much goin to a 5.3, somebody else will chime in with some better info

 

The 6.0 parts will bolt right up on the 5.3. the problem is that you will need to tell us what year as you may need additional parts. the other problem is that you will need to have the computer re-tuned for the 5.3L Your not gonna get much if any better mileage with a 5.3L The 4L80e takes alot of power.

The money you save from the purchase you will spend in retrofitting... Keep it simple and get another 6.0 replacement motor. as mentioned you should be able to pick one up cheaper if you shop around.

If you post a location you may even get some help locating one.

2000chevysilverado The fly wheel is different on the Torque converter side not the engine side. As long as he use the 6.0 fly wheel with his transmission he will be ok unless he has a 99 or 2000 then he would need to purchase the factory spacer and longer bolts to move the fly wheel out on the 5.3 if he has a 2001 up it will already have the spacer and longer bolts on the 6.0

 

The $1500 dollar unit, How many miles were on it??? Complete with wireing and computer that might not be a bad price. If its up near 100K miles its not worth more then $1000 with all that crap.

You should still be able to get a complete long block for around $1000

99-00 are less desirable and are also not worth as much because there specific to those years for a direct fit.

 

Whats sad is, I was at the u pull it in austin getting my hydro boost set up. And this guy was buying up all the 6.0 engines at a 120 bucks a piece

 

Hmmm....I thought I had filled out my signature when I signed up.....It's an '06

I've combed the usual sites and called the two local parts yards and the pricing all seemed the same $1300-1500 range for ~80k unit. I'm in Southern Utah (pretty close to Vegas) if anyone has a lead. Unfortunately there are no u pull its/pick a parts here.

I also forgot to mention that I'm having Blackbear do a tune anyways, so that cost is moot. I'm all for keeping it easy, I just want to explore all sides of it first

Any thoughts on mileage differences?

I know the 5.3 does fine towing the weight I'm towing with the 4l60, but with the extra drain of the 80, will it perform?

Thanks all!

 

You can probably find one as cheap as 1000 if you want to drive for it...

 

With a tune, the 5.3 shouldn't be a big power downgrade. Torque is probably another story.

 

car-part.com I promise you will find a deal with that.