I've got a chance to buy a 5.3 that with the help of 76mm turbo blowing 7psi, pushed a fox body Mustang to a 9.99 at 140mph. It's basically a strong stocker. Forged rods, forged and coated pistons, ARP bolts fasteners, stock heads, stock compression (I think), Z06 cam, LS6 intake, 35000km total, 15 passes in the Mustang, and about 1500 street miles with the turbo. The guy wants 1600 bones for it, and as far as I know so far, that doesn't include the coil packs or injectors. My engine's fine so far, but it is pushing 180,000 miles. I'd been toying with the idea of swapping in a engine, 6L80E combo when those start popping up at the wreckers, but this has me wondering. A used 6.0 around here is 2000 to 2200 bucks, a 5.3 is 1400 to 1800. You'll never find one with 35000km on it though. Does anyone think the boosted experience will make this engine a ticking time bomb? I'm not sure myself. But I CAN directly write off a 5.3 on my income tax, since it's the original displacement in my farm truck. A 6.0 would have to depreciate. I'd probably peddle the intake too. What does everyone think? Thanks

 

The real question Is what are your Plans for truck??? A forged 5.3L set up for a turbo an a stock 6.0 are two completely different animals. You need to figure out what your intended goals are so you can spend your money wisely... If that 5.3L has a low compression of say 8.5:1 and you only want to run it on pump gas with no power adders Its gonna be a dog...