Need a pro... 04 Yukon XL engine swap
#1
Need a pro... 04 Yukon XL engine swap
Hi guys, I'm a new member, though I've been looking at the forums for a while. I have some questions regarding an engine swap for my 2004 Yukon XL w/ a 5.3 . I want you all to know I have researched this! Lol, I just never find a thread that quite fits my situation, Usually the OP doesn't provide enough info, or it's a much newer engine in a older vehicle yada, yada. (BTW you can thank them for this plethra of over information) I'm not a top notch mechanic so I don't want to get *** deep in a project I can't get out of. I have been recently researching to upgrade my engine (212k miles) something I can work on before she goes bad, although she's fine now. I started looking at reman bottom ends, with the idea of installing a mild cam and having my heads worked. This I am comfortable with, but never one to half *** anything I started looking at upgrades for exhaust, intake, etc.. I realized that for the cost to power ratio I was better off getting a reman 5.3 to 5.7 about 1k more but more power gains with less work. Then the machine shop manager said something that didnt click till after i hung up. "Basically you'll Corvette bottom end with a shorter stroke" You all know where I went from there I can get a complete LS1 or LS6 Vette engine both 2003 neither over 80k on them for the same price nearly as doing the aforementioned . Where will my challenges lie? My current engine (VIN Z Flex Fuel which I don't use) Transmission is a newly remanufactured 4L60E. Sooooo... wiring, ecm, motor mounts, accessories (water pump, alt etc), If there's anything I left out please let me know I can get it. Oh 1 more thing not that it matters as I will make changes as needed, but I run dual alternators a 145 and 270 amp. Would that custom bracket be usable? Thanks in advance folks, and sorry if I missed that exact matching thread.
#3
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It will all be plug and play but like mentioned above you would be better off finding an LQ9 out of an Escalade, probably will be significantly cheaper than an LS1/LS6, only downside is the LQ9 is an iron block and weighs a bit more but the extra cubic inches will more than make up for it
#6
I will start looking into the LQ9 options, as far as goals, im not looking to race, just better performance. I carry an extra 1500lbs because of my audio system. I want to have some umph again when I hit the throttle.
Last edited by GuttaTrash; 05-15-2017 at 02:20 PM. Reason: Misspelled words
#7
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this is correct, literally any block/heads that has a 24 tooth crank like mentioned above will drop right in. I would have the tune checked afterwards to be on the safe side. Headers will gain power with any of them so consider doing that.
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#8
Hello all, I have a quick question on the info mentioned above about Gen 3 motors are interchangeable. I have a 02 GMC Yukon XL with a L59 (z flex fuel) motor and 185k miles. The motor is shot, leaking oil, under-powered and noisy. With the vast knowledge in this forum is there another motor I can replace without any mods or replacement of parts? L59 (285hp) fits 02-03 and L59s (295hp) fits 04-07 will this work? or can anyone recommend a motor that will use the same computer, mounting brackets and transmission currently installed. All I want to do is replace the engine, thanks in advance.
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gmanbin (07-27-2017)
#10
I have a gauge for that
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You can use any 99-03 5.3 without changing anything else. The 04+ has a different oil pressure sensor and slightly different cam I believe (not enough to mention really). If oil pressure isnt an issue you can use any 04-06 as well as long as you reuse your current intake/injectors/tb.
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gmanbin (07-27-2017)