I have a '01 ECSB with a 5.3/4L60 and the motor has the commen cold start knock that is driving me nutts. I was told that in newer year models GM changed things to stop it. Anyway I want a little more power, So I want to pull the 5.3 and swap in a 6.0. What year models of engines should I be looking for, and Is there any minor powerformace things I should do before putting it in. I am putting long tubes, and a cam in, but this is my Daily Driver so I really don't know what to go with? Thanks

 

Depends how deep you want to go with it. I would get an 05-06 lq4(it may just be the 06's) if you can. They have better rods and a few other minor things to make them slightly superior to the 01-04 engines.

If you wanted to you could put some ARP head studs and rod bolts in although it's not mandatory.

 

If you have alil extra to spend get a lq motor that is 05 or later. They all have the ls2 internals in them(stronger) then pre 05's