I will have to choose between the LQ9 swap OR the Radix S/C on my 5.3L.

This for my daily driver so I want to do what will present the least headaches and further costs as well as provide a good increase in power across the spectrum.
I have always wanted a boosted truck but am weary of the complexity and cost of repairs.
I have a couple of months before the $$ arrives but unfortunately it will not be enough to do both

 

I don't see the point in swapping out your motor for an LQ9. It seems that with all the mods that you have, you aren't really going to be getting all that much more power or performance. I know that you will have maybe 20 more hp, but you already have more tq than the 6.0. I say go with the radix.

 

Thanks for responding,
I would be swaping all of the performance parts onto the 6L and quite possibly a set of AFR heads.
I can also sell the 5.3L to recoup some $$.
On the other hand the Radix will give me much more HP and TQ but at what cost to longevity to the engine and transmission?
This is the question.

 

It's really going to depend on how you drive it. If your going to constantly hammer the throttle whenever you get a chance, you will definately shorten the life of the tranny and engine no matter if it is a S/C 5.3 or a cammed and headed 6.0L that's pushing 400+ HP & TQ to the rear wheels.
Leave the punishing at the track and for those occasional "I got your A$$" street push overs.
How many miles are on your tranny now? Is it a 60E or 65E? Either way, a O.E. tranny will be the first culpret with either engine option you choose in front of it at some point and time.
I'd say save a little money and go the Radix route. You can always add the intercooler later for a little extra power to be had.
Good luck with the decision!

Jim

 

Yeah, it's a 60E with Transgo and servo. I drive agressive but not WOT around town. If I go Radix, I'm doing it once- and correctly with intercooler et al.

 

I think you can do the motor swap for cheaper than you can get a Radix for if you are doing your own work and not paying for labor.

If you plan on selling your truck at some point in the near future (next 3-4-5 years), I'd say go with the Radix. If you plan on keeping it for a long time, I'd probably do the motor swap first, then at some later point do the Radix. That's just me personally, I did the Radix first but I will end up doing the LQ9 swap at some point as well, but I don't plan to sell the truck in the forseeable future so I don't see it as money wasted. I think that a lot of people would get freaked out knowing the it isn't the original motor in there if you decide to sell it, and I can see it dropping the resale value because of that. Just my .02

 

I would go the radix route....

 

I vote for the radix as well.

I'd be willing to help on the install as well, it's a piece of cake.

 

Here is the way I see it:

If you want to go through the trouble of swapping in a 6.0 including all the supporting parts it will need then go for the 6.0. I dont see a quality 6.0 swap being done for less than 4500.00 (without the AFR heads) and about 2-5 days depending on your mechanical backround.

If you are looking to get about 120 rwhp gain, and spend about 5K and 9 hours installing it then go Radix.


personally I dont see a 6.0 truck making over 400 ft pounds at 2500 rpm.....and I certainly dont see you getting 120 rwhp over your 5.3 with the 6.0 swap.

let me know if I can help you out any further

 

You know what I think Bill