1999 5.3 vs. 2002 5.3

[michaelandmeganc]

Let me clarify this real quick before placing an order for a back-up engine. Are the 1999 and 2002 5.3 liters the same engine? What's the difference if so? Interchangeable?

 

This is the engine I'm looking at: http://www.gmpowertrainwarehouse.com/12457705.asp

 

I keep seeing this is for a 1999 and some sites such as eBay are telling me the engine is not compatible with a 2002? Anyone with experience care to shed some light on this subject?

[Chris]

Some minor things were changed somewhere around 2001. Power output is lower on the 1999

[oldscsc]

My experience is limited with the 5.3. For what it's worth, though, the 6.0 (LQ4) was different in 1999 and 2000. An updated 6.0 was released in 2001.

 

Unless you can find a 100% sure answer that a 1999 engine would work, I'd stick with a 2001 or 2002 year engine.

[Chris]

The LQ4 went from iron heads to aluminum heads. The 5.3 was a cam and tuning change i believe

[oldscsc]

The LQ4 went from iron heads to aluminum heads. The 5.3 was a cam and tuning change i believe

The LQ4 also has a longer crank snout for 99-00, which makes it unusable for a swap into a 4L60 trick.

 

Finding out one of those surprises after you've already bought an engine wouldn't be any fun. I'd stick to what I know would work.

[02suburbanZ71]

In 2002 the first 5.3 flex fuel was offered. L59

[michaelandmeganc]

So there's no sure answers that a 1999 to 2002 will work. For what it's worth, $2,800.00 isn't a sweat for a brand new crate engine for me. But in no way will I be able to financially come up with $3,000. plus another $3,000.00 for a core until mine gets sent in. So if I can't get a sure answer a 99' will work, then I'll either be stuck with a.) a reman from Promar most likely, or a low mileage junk yard dog with new gaskets, timing chain, etc.