I have an 2000 GMC Sierra Z71 ECSB it has a 4.8L with around 140,000 miles. I have plans to keep this truck for a while and also look to put a suspension life on it one day. But the engine is getting up there in milage... It still runs great and has some power but when im driving on the highway at around 70 ish it tends to drop down in a lower gear to keep the speed.

So, Im considering doing an engine swap, but which is the best for the buck, and will bolt up to the trans and **** like that... wires, computer, etc.

Also, If someone has pics of their swap, I like to see.

Here's the truck.




Thanks

 

Vortec, 5.3 and 6.0 are direct bolt in. LM7 5.3 or the LQ4, LQ9 6.0. A lot go the 6.0 route.

 

if your going to go thru the trouble of putting a motor in it go for a 6.0

 

just end this thread right here everyone is going to tell you to drop in a 6.0, that is the best route

 

If you're not concerned about MPG, I'd go with a 6L block and add a little stroke. Pretty easy to get 400+ cubic inches. You've got a heavy truck to move. THat's the one bad thing about trying to make a truck fast. CID rules. Just about any mod you do to a 4.8L will yield more ponies with a 6.6+L. If you want to go fast, get ready to open your wallet. Like an older motorhead once told me.....speed = $. Add more $ and you go faster. Just how fast to you want to go?

 

Thanks for the info. Im not really looking for all out speed, but I need enough power to be able to pull a loaded trailer (not nothing extreme) and keep good highway speeds without having to floor it.

I had a atv in the back of the truck and pulling another atv on a 5X10 and the truck had a rough time handling it. My brother in law was pulliing the 38' fifth wheel with his 06 duramax and was leaving me behind.

 

well diesels are tow monsters so dont feel bad about that! ha ha just buy the 6.0 straight up but since you have a 4.8 now, you are gonna need to get your PCM reflashed with the 6.0's cuz im pretty sure it wont do well without it

 

just finished a 6.0 lq4 swap in a 02 tahoe 4x4 from a 5.3 and it runs alot better. Just to confuse me more, My GM guy dropped off me off tje new 2006 performance catalog and it has an awsome 7.0 ls7 that intrests me now! 505 hp crate motor / direct bolt in he says. Still like the 6.0

 

Amen! A 6L would be sweet but you'll need to strengthen/replace your transmission. With 140K on it and a stout motor in front, that 4L60 won't take long to puke!

 

True True....