Hi guys great forum here.

I have a 03 Suburban 1500 AWD with a 5.3L and 110k miles. I'm thinking of upgrading with a 6.0L LQ9 crate engine. Mostly I want the extra cubes for towing. I tow a 26ft camper pretty regular and the 5.3L does "ok" but not what I would call great. Before I make a decision I want to figure out what I am getting into.

I understand engines very well and in general terms EEC as well, but I don't have a lot of late model GM V8 specific experience. So here is a list of questions:

1. I'm pretty sure this is a bolt on physically. Transmission, motor mounts accessories all match up and fit from my 5.3 right?

2. What do I need in the way of electronics. I obviously need new fuel and spark curves, but can I get those flashed to the current computer and is there an off the shelf option? Will all the peripheral functions of the PCM still work? How will this effect the engine interaction of things like stabilitrack and traction control?

3. Is the throttle body the same and can I use the stock MAF?

4. Does the exhaust bolt up and is the 5.3 exhaust OK (incl cats) or do I need bigger?

5. Do I need a new fuel pump?

Anything else I am missing?

thanks for any help.

 

It's an easy swap, everything will swap over, you can use your current fuel pump, accessories, intake, injectors, MAF, throttle body, exhaust, etc. All you need to do is get the PCM flashed for the 6.0. One of our sponsors such as BlackBear, Wheatley, or Nelson can do that for you. I plan to have Justin at BlackBear tune my PCM when I swap in my new FLT Level7 trans, and re-tune it when I eventually swap in my LQ9 6.0.