L-EATER

iTrader: (2)

How can I tell if a motor is a 5.3 or a 6.0 if it is sitting in the shop floor? Are there some casting numbers somewhere or any other unique features? I found one at a salvage yard but I want to be sure it isn't a 5.3 (haven't seen it yet). If it is a 6.0 I am going to get it and slap the Whipple on it.

GREGGO

iTrader: (2)

On the front of the engine (timing cover end) there will be a # cast in the right side in front of the #1 cylinder. If it is a 5.3, it will have 4.8/5.3 and a 6.0 will have that stamped on it. Hard to miss, the #'s are about 1/2" tall. If the alt is still on it, it will obscure it a little.

Greg

Texas Terminator

it's on the back passenger side of the block too.

L-EATER

iTrader: (2)

OK- Thanks, guys. I went to the yard and that is when I found out the motor we are talking about is still in a wrecked truck in Texas somewhere (I"m in Missouri) I gave them a deposit and it is supposed to be pulled and shipped within a day or two so I should have it next week sometime. I can't wait so I will probably pull the 5.3 before I even get the 6.0 so that when it comes in it won't take as long to do the job.

BigTex

iTrader: (16)

Great news!

If it were me, I'd do a few things before you install the 6 liter. If you dont already have a torque converter, I'd get one since install would be a piece of cake at that time. Also, I would install a cam, and do something with the heads. Minimally, I would remove the castings from the combustion chambers and install thicker head gaskets. That would help you lower compression some, and reduce the chances of detonation.

For a cheap cam, think about the 01 LS6 cam. It has more lift than stock, a split duration which is what you want for boost, and a semi-wide LSA, also good for boost. Or spend about $300 more and get a custom cam ground to whatever specs you want.

No matter what, it will be easier and less time consuming to install the cam, change springs, etc... before the motor goes in. You'll be glad you did.

parish8

iTrader: (6)

yea, what big tex said, except for the lower compresion, it is all ready at 9.2-1 i think, would you really want it any lower?

i would make sure it is an 01 or newer(aluminum heads), i don't think it is worth your time swaping if it is a 2000 or older(iron heads), you probably allready knew this but just checking.

BigTex

iTrader: (16)

Good point on the 01 model. If its an 99 or 00, it wont bolt right in. Those have a little different crank.

Compression on the 6 liter is supposed to be the same as the 5.3s @ 9.5:1, if its lower than that, its news to me.

I'd think getting compression to about 9:1 would be pretty good with the whipple.

L-EATER

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the ideas-I really would like to do a converter, cam, headers, and heads all at once but.... there are 3 things: 1) the wife doesn't even know about the 6.0 much less my other plans 2) don't have enough money right now (although my friend Mr Mastercard does!) 3) I have been guilty of changing more than one thing at a time before and ended up chasing my tail,

I had a Mustang that was running 8.12 in the 1/8th and I threw heads, headers, cobra intake, throttle body, mass air, roller rockers and a fresh tranny at it all at once and the next time out it went 8.20. Took a long time to tune it after that and it never did do like I thought it should so this time I want to change just one thing-the engine itself-and then maybe around Christmas time start modding.

I should have it next week sometime-hopefully in time to get some track numbers next weekend. I keep you posted on the results.

BigTex

iTrader: (16)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by L-EATER:
<strong>...1) the wife doesn't even know about the 6.0 much less my other plans</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Been there, done that. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Seriously, if you don't do a cam or anything to the heads, at least put a converter in it. You will have it open during the install. You can do cam etc... later with out much trouble, but to do a converter later, you'll have to drop the tranny. It will save you several hours. Hand over Mr. Mastercard!

http://www.converter.cc/trucks_and_suvs.htm

BTW- Check with a sponsor for a better price on a converter. I'd go with the Truck 2600. With the 6.0 and whipple, that 2600 will act more like a 2800 in your truck and the moderate stall will put you right in the whipple's sweet spot.

L-EATER

iTrader: (2)

I really was considering headers and a converter but the junkyard man called Friday afternoon and told me he had the motor so I went and picked it up yesterday. I started on it this afternoon and 5.5 hours later the 6.0 is bolted in although nothing is hooked up. I put it in without the intake so all that bull at the back will be easier to do (top tranny bolt, etc) If all goes well I will have it finished tomorrow nite so I should be able to get some track times this weekend. I figure I will do a converter when I do the tranny after the newfound torque trashes it! I hope I'm kidding but I know I'm not.