Jump to content

Engine Swap Opinions?

CoffeyLover

Recommended Posts

CoffeyLover Enthusiast

CoffeyLover

Posted
Posted

Alright, so due to my recent troubles (search the forum for "Engine Idle Trouble) I'm needing a new engine for my 2003 Silverado 1500. It had a 4.8, and I am thinking about putting a 5.3 in it.

 

It has been recommended to me that I put a 6.0 lq4 in the truck. But what exactly do I need to do this? Does it have to be a 01+ lq4? And do I need the wiring harness and computer? What exactly do I need to make this happen?

 

What are your recommendations? I will not be doing the swap, my mechanic will. I do not possess the knowledge to trust myself to do the swap.

 

Thanks guys!

tylerjenkins92@aol.com Senior Enthusiast

[email protected]

Posted
Posted

Yes it has be a 01+ or it won't bolt to your 4l60. And all you really need is the computer as you already have a harness there, just make sure the computer is for a 03+. Heck you can just put the engine in it and run your 4.8 computer if you want. But everything will just sit right in and swap, same headers, same mounts, looking at the engine on the outside you can't even tell what it is be it a 4.8,5.3, or 6.0 unless you look for where it's stamped on the block.

CoffeyLover Enthusiast

CoffeyLover

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Yes it has be a 01+ or it won't bolt to your 4l60. And all you really need is the computer as you already have a harness there, just make sure the computer is for a 03+. Heck you can just put the engine in it and run your 4.8 computer if you want. But everything will just sit right in and swap, same headers, same mounts, looking at the engine on the outside you can't even tell what it is be it a 4.8,5.3, or 6.0 unless you look for where it's stamped on the block.

 

Okay, and how do I get this programmed to my vin?

 

So the installation is the exact same whether its a 4.8, 5.3, or 6.0?

CoffeyLover Enthusiast

CoffeyLover

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So you think the 6.0 is the best option? What are the advantages of the 6.0 over the 5.3? (Besides the obvious capacity increase)

tylerjenkins92@aol.com Senior Enthusiast

[email protected]

Posted
Posted

A good bit more power of course, plus the option to reach 400hp with just the right heads, with minimal fuel economy loses. Of course a 6.0 comes with pretty good heads as is.

CoffeyLover Enthusiast

CoffeyLover

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Where do I go about purchasing one of these? I wanted a new one (I have trust issues with a used engine with no warranty) but they are $4,000!!!

CoffeyLover Enthusiast

CoffeyLover

Posted
  • Author
Posted
To find one cheap you're going to have to get one used...

 

What would you say is a good mileage for a used one? Obviously the lower the better, but what is a good number not to exceed?

CoffeyLover Enthusiast

CoffeyLover

Posted
  • Author
Posted
If I was looking myself, I'd probably limit myself around 60,000 or so miles.

 

Alright. Thanks for all the info. I guess that is what I'm gonna have to do.

 

Do you know, if buying a new one from GM Parts Direct, does it come with the computer? I figured it didn't, but I cannot find the computer on the catalog.

CoffeyLover Enthusiast

CoffeyLover

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Everyone I have talked to has told me to run the 6.0.

 

But here is my biggest issue with it. I have a 1/2 ton silvy with stock drivetrain and 4.56 gears with an Eaton locker, wrapped with 35" BFG A/Ts.... will a 6.0 motor shred these parts?

 

I really want to go with the 6.0, but I am afraid of other parts needed to run it. I know it would need a new computer, what else would it need? I'm trying to make this happen asap.

 

Thanks!!!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • hotfish
      Forward collision and lane keep assist still a problem on 2022 refresh?

      By hotfish · Posted

      Did you ever get this worked out? Mike is doing the two start thing now too. This is after a new camera back in December. 
    • KARNUT
      AFM Disabler Question

      By KARNUT · Posted

      I’m doing an experiment on a vehicle I don’t have much money in. I’m going by the premise that after they last 100K miles they were no mechanical problems with assembly. Or defects with the parts. With oil changes by the minder for the first 127K miles when I acquired it. I quickly went through low mileage oil changes then settled on 5k oil changes with close to 170K miles on the vehicle currently. I did have the option to turn off the cylinder deactivation. I didn’t on this vehicle because it’s in ECONOMY mode at least half the time. It should be a no brainer frequent oil changes are the key. The manufacturer gets away with the long oil changes with its severe service  maintenance. Just ask them what is normal. 
    • baglie1
      Hot air constantly blowing through floor vents, drivers side only?

      By baglie1 · Posted

      Even set to "recirculated", the air pushes out and is hot. I have noticed that sometime it doesn't want to switch between recirculated/vented air. Say it is set to Circulated Air and I want to switch to Vented, when I click the Vented button, it just quickly lights up/clicks and immediatly switches back to Circulated. It's done this a few times now. So maybe it is an actuator getting stuck? But then, that doesn't explain the hot air when everything is off does it?
    • Chuck FB
      Gas Prices

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      I wonder what the price is out at the coast, Big Sur or other out of the way locations as I bet they are charging quite a premium over the in land pumps. 
    • Chuck FB
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Were you looking at the HD trucks on the GM website or the half tons as that makes all the difference. As far as I know there are only two options for the HD trucks and that is the standard 2 speed transfer case or the 2 speed transfer case that has the added 4 high auto feature and they put that transfer case by default into the LTZ and High Country although its optional in the LT and not sure if its available in the work trucks.    The half tons, that is where its been a total mess in my estimation for a few years now with most trucks below the top trim having the single speed transfer case as standard but with the option of having the two speed such as one would get by choosing the Z71 package, however then not being able to get the two speed transfer case with the towing package unless it was a higher trim truck AND had the 6.2 gas so one could combine the towing package gearing diffs with the two speed transfer case. Having said that if its a trail boss package then it gets the two speed transfer case but not necessarily able to get the tow package as it would depend on trim level and engine chosen. Believe me, people have bought the GM half tons assuming "of course it will have a two speed transfer case" only to find out after when they really pay attention to what they now own .... crap, there is NO low range !.    I don't believe Ford or Ram have gone that way yet with their half tons but like I say its been a few years now that GM has done this with the half tons. 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...