Ok so im planning on doing a swap in my 2003 tahoe when i get back to the states from being deployed. Im trying to get an idea on some things i need to do or be ready to expect when doing this swap. Which is a better motor for me to buy, The caddy LQ9, or the chevy LQ4. Also i dont think ill have the money for a charger so im looking into the FAST lsxrt intake, and i do want to install a cam but i am unsure of what cam to put into. I believe i will just be leaving the stock heads on there unless i run into a good deal on some aftermarket heads. I know definitly the 4L80e is a must, i have grown to dislike the 4L60e, what i dont know is if the 4l80e will plug into my 5.3 wiring harness. i know i will have to send my pcm in for a tune, any suggestions on a good place to send it?

Hopefully yall will help me out here, this will be my first motor build and im really looking forward to it when i arrive home from this god forsaken place.

 

hmmmmmm........guess no one is interested, how about this, what do i have to do to make the 6l80e perform with my 5.3 pcm

 

I'd say regardless of your application, if you can find and afford an LQ9, get one. Otherwise LQ4 will do just fine. Not sure if the 6L80e can be retrofitted for the older trucks. You'd have to do some homework on that one.

 

Well i very much dislike the 4L60, i have been having problems with the one i have in my tahoe, from what I have been reading, ill have to customize the transmission brace and change the driveshaft, along with 2 electrical wires on the harness and a proper tune and it should work.

 

Yeah, that is it. A sticky is in the gm drivetrain section on the subject. You could upgrade your current 5.3 with heads and cam and be ahead of a 6.0. It might even be a cheaper easier alternative. The 4l80 takes a tad away from performance because of its weight. The reliability factor is worth it if you ask me. You might also consider buying a truck already built there are a dw for sale from time to time that are great buys. Heck I'd sell my truck or trade it if someone were interested.