Hi guys,

I am looking to start an engine build for my truck. I know there is a ton of information out there on this and other forums. However, I have come across waaaay too much information and have a hard time trying to apply it to my application.

I have a 2000 Silverado 4wd with a 5.3. I want to slowly start building a new motor to swap in. This is my daily driver, off road toy, and light towing vehicle so I am not looking to get crazy with a build. I would like to increase power and economy or at least maintain economy and do so on a reasonable budget. I would like to be around the upper 300 to low 400 on Hp & Tq. Just something more fun to drive. Looking for ideas and advice on what engine to start building up. Also, is starting a build on separate engine the way to go or should I just look at mods for the 5.3 already in the truck?

Things to consider, Current motor and trans have 155k on them. Still have the GM 10 bolt in the rear with a fairly new built 4.30 diff.

Alright, lay it on me.

 

Crank HP or rwhp?

 

Sorry about not specifying. Looking to get upper 300 to low 400 at the crank without having to turn 7000 rpm.

 

Cam, headers and nnbs intake and you should be in the range you want if not damn close to it!! With 155k youre barely broken in.... I somewhat intentionally killed my 5.3 at 262k and an oil pump and probably a set of bearings and i couldve kept running it... But akready had my 6.0 built and waiting....

 

Swap in a 5.7 or 6.0 with a mild cam, some cleaned up heads and some headers with a good tune and you are there.

 

I forgot tune....

 

I looked at doing headers and a mild cam (202/212 .507/.500) but could not find much information on that cam. Power increase at what rpm, change in economy, etc.

As for swapping out a new motor the ls1 is what I am leaning towards however do I have to be worried about the durability of the aluminum block? I do tow and drive plenty of hills up in these mountains. Generally I'm only towing a 2000-4000 lbs trailer. will the LS1 bolt up to the 4l60e? I've read a couple threads about issues with the torque converter and flexplate.

I know the 6.0 is stronger but I feel it will take a huge hit to the economy.

Also this is my first swap. I have friends that can lend a hand that have done some engine swaps, but mostly ford and foreign motors. how difficult will the wiring be swaping to something not exactly designed for this truck and tranny?

Thanks for replies, and sorry for being a noob.

 

Ls1/6 any ls engine will be a drop in direct bolt on swap....though you may need to swap balancers if you do that... As most of the ls1/6 with aluminum blocks cameout of cars which have a different spacing on the accessories.... As far as durability with an aluminum block, gm started using aluminum blocks in a lot of the nnbs trucks... Lc9 and l92 were aluminum as were a few others.... As far as that cam, be best to talk to the manufacturer directly and see what they say about mileage etc...

 

Depending on the year, the 5.3L already makes 300 HP at the crank.

The cam you are asking about is fairly small and that's really why you can't find much info on it.
Here is one that is just slightly larger for comparison. https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...-depth-531293/

The old XR265 cam is a 212/218 .525/.529 and is a fairly small, yet popular cam that offers not trade off down low.
This is an old thread but gives you an Idea of what it's capable of. There are other cams on the market that may perform like you want. https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...oughts-435536/

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Keep them coming.