So ive been reading alot about guys going from the 5.3 to the 6.0. Is the power worth the mpg you give up for it? My motor has around 188k miles on it and i was really curious if it would handle much, it seems to run fine but whats going to happen when i put boost on it? I do plan on running a single STS set up as soon as i get the extra cash saved up for it. So what do you guys think? Stick with the 5.3 or find me a 6.0 and work on it a little while i poot around in my 5.3?

 

I would try and find a 6.0 if possible, I had a buddy get one last week out of an '05 with 86K for 800 bucks. They come with better heads than the 5.3's do unless you get a L33 5.3 they come with the good heads also. Not sure what the fuel mileage difference would be from a 5.3 to a 6.0 but if you were to drive it right I would say the difference would be minimal, but this is all just a guess.

 

I say run the 5.3l until it pops. And have cash for a 6.0l for back up if things go bad. Either way if your 5.3 is running fine at 188k it will run fine with power adders. The LS series engines are very strong. I have 250k on mine with zero noise and no oil burn off. Just use a high quality oil when you go to boost it and make sure your tune is good and you will get plenty of fun with your 5.3. I plan on boosting mine one day.

 

I get the same or better mpg with my cammed ls1 than i did with the 5.3..

Its all about how its setup.. You put a big nasty cam and converter in there and your mpgs will drop vs a mild setup..
A boost cam in a 6.0 and turbo,there's no reason that you wont get the same or better mpg's IF you drive normal lol

Like mentioned above throw some psi at the 5.3 while you get your 6oh ready

 

The biggest advantage imo is the down low tq for cruising around with the converter locked in od. It's nice to not have the converter unlocking and locking all the time.

 

This. By far my favorite thing about my truck after the 6.0 went in.

 

X2, This is the first thing I noticed while driving on the freeway for the first time after my swap. Cruises at lower rpms than the old 5.3 and has instant torque if i need to accelerate

 

Yep, so much more enjoyable to drive around in with the 6.0 in. Like everyone else said, having that power in od with the converter locked is wicked. Going from a 5.3 with a tsp220 cam to a 6.0 with 243's and a 222/224 cam I'm getting the same or better mpgs.

edit: if I drive the same as I use to

 

How would I know if I have the L33? is it stamped on the block somewhere? also I have a lead foot lmao its heavy.

 

mmmm...6oh......