First off are the 4.8,5.3 and 6.0 all the same block?I thought that a 6.0 is really a bored 5.3 with the same stroke.I own a 1999 5.3 Z71 and my ? is would all my engine components work on a 6.0 block [so ultimately all I'm changing is the block with its internals]? Which engine [6.0 model] should I be looking for and after a swap if it is this simple is all you have to do is change the tune?Or have I over simplified this process?I know it is a **** load of ?'s but I'm trying to learn more on the engine swaps.

 

Yes, all your parts from a 4.8/5.3 will bolt up to a 6.0 block. A tune is definitely recommended to get the most out of this upgrade.

 

from my understanding... no; the 4.8 & 5.3 are similar... 5.3 = stroked 4.8 w/dish pistons. 6.0 = different block

if you're gonna change to a 6.0... you'd need the block and rotating assembly... everything else should be fine.. (from my understanding, i could be wrong)

the only REAL difference that i've really heard of in the LQ4 and LQ9 is the heads and pistons in the LQ9 make the compression higher and therefore it performs better... basically, you could get yourself an LQ4, and custom build your stuff up to perform even better than say a stock LQ9... (high compression pistons, some headwork, hell maybe bore it over a little and make yourself a 370 or 383)

edit: oh yea, and the PCM will need work too, which apparently you already know... either get a PCM from the engine you get your hands on, or get some tuning software and get it changed over. (hope i helped, if any!)

 

I thought the 6.0 is a larger bore and longer stroke than a 5.3 but the same dimensions and same style heads and all. From what I understand, those 3 engines should look just alike from the outside. I would probably try to find at least a 6.0 bottom end. block,crank, pistons, and then put what ever heads and intake, and cam you want and have your own unique engine. Hmm, sounds like a fun project.

 

4.8/5.3 share the same block and heads
5.3/6.0 share the same crank
4.8 has a different/shorter stroke crank
6.0 has different block and heads
All heads, cams, sensors are interchangeable

 

nah... heads are for sure different... the 5.3 has a 3.779" bore just as the 4.8, yet it has a 3.622" stroke, same as the 6.0, but the 6.0 has a 6.098" connecting rod to the 6.275" in the 4.8 and 5.3...

or atleast thats what this little deally i have here that shows thats what the Gen III engines have... it doesnt show the LS2 or any of that good stuff, so it may be out-dated...

but, i will agree to find a 6.0 with the bottom end and build the top end to whatever you want, while also adding some little touches to the bottom end (ARP bolts throughout, etc) to give that added security... fun project fo sho...

edit: he beat me to it!!

 

if thinking of swapping motor than yes the 6.0 will bolt right in with a 5.3 flywheel and a new custom tune.

 

The heads on both the LQ4 and LQ9 are 317 heads, no difference. Early LQ4s (1999-2000) had iron heads, but since 2001 all 6.0L (iron) engines have had the same head, the 317. 317 heads are essentially 243 (LS6) heads, but with larger chambers (76cc = 317, ~65cc = 243). The pistons are the only differnce (LQ4 = dished 9.5:1, LQ9 = flat top 10.5:1). Just get an LQ4/9 long block and swap it in place of your 4.8L, it is a direct replacement. Heck I put one in my 2001 Camaro SS.

 

I did it