So after replacing everything on my truck but the short block, something finally gave in. I just got the 4.30 gears and detroit TrueTrac broken in and wham, heard a small tick for a few miles, thought it was a lifter, tick became a knock and then a rattle with within seconds along with a slight loss in power so I shut it down and towed it home. So I need to swap the short block but am debating as to what will be the best decision. Pull this 5.3 and rebuild it or find a used short block and risk going with something used again?
Mods that will swap over to the short block are in my sig. Looking to spend no more than $1,500. What are some good ideas? I can do all BUT machine work myself so the $1,500 only needs to cover parts and machining. Help me guys!

Here is how it was running the other day, was my first time pegging it with the 4.30 gears, hit 6,800 rpm red line quicker than I thought it would.

 

I'd say you gotta figure out what you broke first.

 

Pulled the valve covers and turned it over. All rockers are working great. Gonna have to pull the heads now.

 

probably cheaper to buy a junkyard 5.3 than to rebuild one. I have more faith in untouched GM bottom ends than any machine shop.

 

find a nice 6.0

 

idk man ..id say if youre on a budget get a nice junkyard 5.3...im building my ls1 and have 2500 into it already and nto even done yet.

 

$2,500 into just the short block?

 

If you could somehow increase your budget to $2,000 or so, you can pick up a nice assembled 370 (.030" over 6.0) short block from Thompson Motorsports.

 

That would be ideal but I just recently bought a 2012 Ducati 848 Evo Corse SP so I am trying to be a little smart with how much I am spending.
I am debating on ordering some 0.030 over hypereutetic pistons, reusing the stock rods and crank and throwing in new bearings and ARP bolts. I might be able to squeeze that in for under $1,000.

 

Just buy a nice LQ9 out of a junk yard.