My truck is a 5.3, a 2003 with cast iron block. I got a good deal on a 2008 5.3 aluminum block motor with 19 K miles. I want to install the 2008 engine with a few mods ( cam ,tune, cold air intake). Will this 2008 truck motor hook up in my 2003 with no or few mods? My 03 has 150 K miles and has a lifter ticking on cold days at start-up, afte a few minutes it stops. All advice appreciated...

 

If you've just got the shortblock from the 08 then you can swap your heads and the rest of your top end and accessories over from the 03 IIRC, but hopefully someone else will chime in to confirm or correct me.

 

275.00 for a 58x to 24x conversion module
250 for a Dr X link for the TB *or swap your intake/tb set up over*
drill the side of the block to put your knock sensors, cut and extend the knock sensor harness to make it to the side of the block.
install.

 

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...=447052&page=3
exactly what im talking about with the drilling the side of the block
post #28

 

I have the long block. So let me get this straight. I don't need a x swap module if I use my intake system. I need to drill the side of the block to move the knock sensors from under the intake to the side. Then make my knock sensor harness long enough to reach around to the side. This is my first experience with these type of motors. I have a 69 Camaro with a 383 stroker and a 67 with a 468 and I have built most any other kind of motor there is from 351 Clevelands to 440 mopars but I think now it's time to get my feet wet with newer tecnology. Thanks for all your help.

 

If you can afford to do it, I'd keep the 08 intake manifold as it's superior to the 03 style.

 

the 78mm is lacking on the top end of the newer 5.3s if you can afford the intake setup id do it. if you cant then the 78mm is enough for you then. the Dr X link isnt needed if you keep your stock intake setup. you have to keep in mind that the 07+ 5.3 has DOD which means 8 lifters are longer, and will need to be replaced if you recam the truck. so if you recam the truck its going to require you to pull the heads.

head gaskets
head bolts
8 pack of LS7 lifters, *or just throw a 16 count in there*
2 lifter trays *4 if you redo all of them*
a single bolt cam or a 3 bolt
push rods
springs
timing gear *if you swap to a 3 bolt cam*
LS2 timing chain wedge vs the stock timing chain tensioner

 

2004 GM went to a non return fuel system and by 2008 they had made the switch to an electric fan.