I found a 200k mile 5.3 with a 4l60 tranny, wiring harness and ecm for $500. it does run with no known issues.

I plan to put this into a 85 chevy truck that i play with. i would like to make 400 rwhp with it one day and have looking into forced induction to get it some.

so is the 5.3 ok to start with or should a buy a 6.0 set up for $3500 or so and then still have to build it?

 

Take the heads off and check the condition of the pistons. If they look good put a cam in with some hardened pushrods and springs then get busy. The problem is going to be the transmission.

 

the tranny has 200k and still runs fine ?

 

If it was me, I would spend the extra on a 6.0 and beef up the tranny.
My 5.3 has about 200K miles and I chose not rebuild it but replace it with a ly6.
My 4l60e was rebuilt about 60k miles ago and beefed up for about 200 extra.

 

a few months ago i picked up a 2005 5.3/4l60e with 45k miles for 800 dollars(craigslist). I think you should wait for a better deal.

 

Is his truck still runnin good? Haven't heard much about that truck in awhile.

 

it runs great. it pulls hard on the highway with the stock converter. we just put a posi in it last week.

 

What all comes with the 6.0 and how many miles? Is the 5.3 an iron block? You could get the 5.3, stock bottom end with arp bolts and studs, ported heads, ls6 cam, t76 or so turbo and be makin well into what ever your goals would be and also be on a budget (if your tryin to do a budget build) Tranny would definatly need a rebuild. Guy around here quoted me $900 to rebuild mine and it could withstand nitrous. IMO the 5.3 would make a good platform for a boost/ bugdet build. But then again if your only looking for 400rwhp the 6.0 could make that cam only and no boost.

 

well i picked up a 30,000 mile 6.0 and 480le out of a 2004 escalade so this question can be trashed

 

Are you going to put the l92 heads on it?