Engine options. Stay with 5.3 or get a 6.0?

[STINSAN3]

I would recommend the 6.0, as I've had two L76 Vortec Max trucks (one 07 with the 4-speed, and one 09 with a 6-speed). If you've never driven one, they will make you want to throw rocks at the 5.3 (and I've had 3 different 5.3 trucks). The 6.0 is a great motor, and will pull your lifted truck on 35's around much easier. However, with that being said, I don't know if I'd throw a ton of money into a truck with that many miles (no offense), and would probably go with a direct (and cheaper) swap. Get it back on the road as easy and cheap as possible....get your financial affairs in order....and start saving up for a nice down payment on that 2500HD that you really want

You're absolutely correct.

[STINSAN3]

Got my truck fixed, just put the 5.3L back in and I'm probably gonna sell it.