Sooooo, is there any difference between the ls6 oil pump and standard truck oil pump?

 

My ported LS6 pump was EXACTLY the same as the one that came off my 5.3. You could see where they ported some things my oil pressure went up a bit too.

 

I think it was like greentahoe found, the 01 and earlier pumps had higher failure rates than the 02+ ones. The Camaro guys were the ones who experienced the most problems and started the "LS6" monniker to distinguish them.
I bought a ported model although I had articles for a DIY project. It talks about how to raise the pressure by shimming the check valve ( the only real difference on the older pumps ). A dremmel and bits will get the same thing, just depends on how much your time is worth to ya!

 

FWIW, Lingenfelter (LS1Tech sponsor) has "LS6" oil pumps on his website for under $90...honestly, besides the pumps that are ported and modified, I believe they're all the same (4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, etc.)