I have a 2000 ECSB with a 5.3 and about 175k miles on it. My truck still runs fine, but I am well aware that this motor will not last forever.
I just recently learned that I could put a 6.0 in it fairly easy, and now I just can't envision anything else going in there. This truck is my daily driver and I'm not looking to drag it, but definitely want some power.
I am not sure what year model 6.0 I need to be looking for, and what all I will have to do to put this in my truck. The mods I am looking into would more than likely be all bolt on (CAI, pulleys, maybe some headers and cat backs) and a tune. Also, what kind of tranny mods and I going to have to do? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome! There are plenty threads available already with all the information you need, just do a simple search and you'll find more info than you know what to do with.

 

you can run your stock tranny with a 6.0 im pretty sure..

 

You can, but the stock tranny won't last too long if you have a heavy foot

 

Don't get a 99-00 iron headed 6.0, they have a longer crankshaft and will not directly mate up to your current trans. As for transmission mods, if staying NA, you can have FLT (sponsor, link to the right) build you a fairly stout 60/65E (I'm having a level7 built for mine), or do an 80E swap.

 

I have seached and searched but to be honest I think I am more confused now than before I started.
From what I have gathered so far, I need to find a 02+ 6.0, and it SHOULD work. I know and understand I will have to have a tune to accomodate for the newly found HP and changes. What will have to be swapped off of my 5.3, and is it ok to put the parts off of my current motor that are creeping up on 200K miles?
Is this a direct bolt up or is there some modifications that need to be done? If so, what are they?
I realize that if I put a modded 6.0 in my truck and bolt it up to my high mileage, stock tranny it won't last long, but do I rebuild and beef up my tranny, or go with an 80E?

 

Here is another situation I am trying to overcome....
After extensive research I have pretty much discovered that there are a few levels to choose from:
crate motor= lots of $$$
complete running motor w/ around 50k = average about $1500
complete running high mileage (150k+) that would probably need to be rebuilt = anywhere from 400 up.
buy a block and build it up= the cheapest initial investment, but obviously alot of time, work, and $$$ involved to get it where it needs to be.
Since my 5.3 is still up and running strong at the moment (knock on wood), I have time to play a little. It would alot easier for me to spend a few G's a little at a time, rather than all at once. I would like to find a stock motor that I can buy all the stuff for here and there, and once it is complete I can swap them out.
Any suggestions?

 

anybody?

 

Personally Id probably go the short block high mileage rout then have the bottom end built using forged pistons, you'll likely want more power later so might as well.
Pick up a good set of ported heads, cam etc in the classafieds to save some money and have the trans built to handle it. If you have a stock G80 or open rear end you'll want to address that as well.

As far as exchanging parts from the 5.3, im assuming you are refering to accessiores, brackets etc..? They all swap over directly, including intake if you decide to reuse the stock one, which is fine and there are aftermarket as well.

 

I appreciate all of the input. Guess I need to start doing some shopping! I will keep any and all progress updated as I go. Probably won't get alot done until after the first of the year; I just cant convince my kids that Daddy's new motor takes priority over there Christmas lists.

I have come across a really good deal on a K&N CAI. I am assuming that if I put this on my 5.3 now, I will be able to put it on the 6.0 later????