Hey im new here and not the best mechanic but its not my first rodeo either. My 00 5.3 sounds like crap. When it starts in cold weather it sounds like its gonna throw a rod. its got 100k miles, it had a probelm labor knocking and had it scanned and the knock sensor was bad replaced it it still ticks and pings some. Anyways i cant stop the noices and its really annoying hearing them. My question is, is it more profitable to rebuild or replace with another 5.3 or convert it to a 6.0, is a 6.0 really that much better as a motor, or can i rebuild the 5.3 and make it better/stronger. any insight would be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

remove 5.3, part out 5.3, buy 6.0, install 6.0, tune it, drive it!

 

Definitely better to do the 6.0 swap.

 

GM has a technical bulletin about this very same thing. They also got their *** sued by a class action law suit about the "engine knock, lifter knock" noise, that they claimed was the "nature od the beast". Bullshit!! I work for GM, and we've solved 3 cases of this problem by replacing the lifters and the lifter guides.

Cheaper than buying a 6.0!

 

If he didn't have such a high mileage 5.3, I'd agree to just fix it, but at this point I think he'd be happier with a 6.0 swap.

 

Man yall are fast on the replies thanks and great info too. Yeah the whole lifter thing is bs and i hate it because i really liek the truck and always have. So is there a kit that can be used to swap to a 6.0 or whats needed. Nothing big seeing as easy as it sounds. And does the 6.0 have the same lifter issues as the 5.3??

 

Do you have a copy of that bulletin or a #?

 

True, it does have high milage. I'm just looking at the situation of the added cost me may incur.

 

Hang loose Trever, let me see if I can pull it up.

 

Hey trever, here's the Corporate follow up to the originial bulletin (published in 2000) and this is still an attempt to convince us that the noise is now commonplace.

Document ID# 1206539
2001 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD


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Subject: Engine Knock or Lifter Noise (Replace O-Ring) #02-06-01-038 - (12/02/2002)



Models: 2001-2002 Chevrolet Camaro

2001-2003 Chevrolet Corvette

2001-2002 Pontiac Firebird

2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2000-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

2001-2003 Chevrolet Silverado

2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

2000-2003 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2001-2003 GMC Sierra

with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V8 Engine (VINs V, T, Z, G, S, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)




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Condition
Some customers may comment on an engine tick noise. The distinguishing characteristic of this condition is that it likely will have been present since new, and is typically noticed within the first 161-322 km (100-200 mi). The noise may often be diagnosed as a collapsed lifter. Additionally, the noise may be present at cold start and appear to diminish and then return as the engine warms to operating temperature. This noise is different from other noises that may begin to occur at 3219-4828 km (2000-3000 mi).

Cause
The O-ring seal between the oil pump screen and the oil pump may be cut, causing aeration of the oil.

Correction
Inspect the O-ring seal and replace as necessary. Use the applicable part number listed below. Refer to the Engine Mechanical sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

12557752
Seal-O/Pmp (O-ring)

(F and Y Cars)
1

12563963
Seal-O/Pmp (O-ring)

(C/K Trucks)
1


Parts are currently available from GMSPO.