Needing a little oil could just be the classic GENIII oil consumption through the PCV system, get a catch can and see if that helps. A puff of blue smoke on cold start up is usually an indication of bad valve seals...if you're experiencing that...

 

i have 187,xxx on my 5.3, and my pappy has 250,xxx on his 5.3.

 

just turned the clock at 116,000 and still going well. Some rear axle seals have been about the only issue, oh yeah and my intermediate shaft which I lube regularly.......

 

215,000 here, and just went through the the original 4l60e. It has had the 'ol cold piston slap on start-up since I bought it at 32,000, but still runs strong and doesn't use or drip any oil!

 

Mine just hit 55,000 if thats helps lol, But seriously these motors can go for a few hundred thousand miles easy as long as its taken care of..

 

My 04 has right at 200k. All stock.. well, I had to change the T-case due to the normal oil pump wear thoguh hole in it. Bought new.

 

105,000 here on my 5.3. Doesn't use a drop of oil. The only time it has been in the shop for ANY repairs has been when idiots have knocked my mirror off...twice.

 

84,000 here, only problems i have had is the infamous fuel gauge and TPS

 

220,000 miles here, and it's never had the seal cracked.

 

Just over the 223,000 mark here on my 99. Starting to use a qt of oil in between changes but she still pulls pretty damn nice for the mods. She's gone thru 5 maybe 6 transmissions, 3 tq's, 1 g80, 1 water pump and now I have a crack on the rad end cap. She is just starting to show her age, which was expected but as far as the motor goes, she's got a good strong tick to her.