2008 5.3 AFM Oil Consumption Options (AFM delete or 6.0 Swap)

MSteendahl · January 14, 2015

I have a 2008 Suburban 5.3 with AFM which is using about 2 quarts every 3k miles. it gets worse the farther I go into an oil change.

It seems many of these questions have been asked all over the place, I am hoping to get them all answered in one place to not only help me, but anyone else facing this problem.

I have 125k miles, and did not notice the problem until 103k miles at which point the dealer told me it was acceptable "acceptable oil consumption" and gave me a TSB stating that same point. They did not advise me that this problem is common in the 5.3 motor with AFM... I fear it took me too long to find that out on my own.

I have always been pleased with the power produced by the engine and I am not looking to spend money or time and effort making more power, only fixing the problem.

PART/OPTION I. (AFM DELETE KITS)

I see there is a lot of information on AFM causing this problem because of Lifters and possibilities of purchasing a $300 to $400 dollar kit to delete the AFM.

Am I understanding correctly to do this AFM Delete kit I also need to install a new cam? and if so, is this merely for performance, or can I get by with the original cam?

doesn't replacing the Lifters pretty much involve removing the heads? or can it be done by removing the valve covers and working top down.

I have removed and replaced 3 or four engines in my life with no trouble... but I do not feel confident tearing a head off.

can the dealer program to shut off AFM once it is installed and how much will that run me?

How likely is it that after I install the Delete kit I will learn that I still consume oil and need new pistons and rings too? how much will it cost me to have someone do that?

PART/OPTION II (5.3 TO 6.0 SWAP)

assuming that I have to pay someone to install the AFM Delete kit and I would rather get a 6.0 that does not have AFM I see conflicting reports on how plug N play that is.

Will a 2008 6.0 bolt directly onto the Transmission that came with my 2008 5.3? what were the tranny options and do I need to look for something specific on the engine?

It looks like I can keep all my accessories and bolt them onto the 6.0 (retaining Flex Fuel parts even though I never use E85) the only questionable thing I saw there was the starter.

can someone confirm If I need a 6.0 Starter or if the 5.3 starter will work?

Is the ECU installed in my Suburban (5.3) the same as the ECU that comes with the 6.0? does the dealer or a tuner just need to tell it what engine is installed, or do I need a 6.0 ECU?

Is there anything else I might be missing on the Engine Swap option?

Final question... I enjoy working on cars, but fear my abilities in installing the delete kit. how much money am I going to save by tearing into my 5.3 vs swapping it for a 6.0 (provided that is possible without buying a Transmission)?

Thanks for your help.

Chris · January 14, 2015

Well the 6.0 available in 1500's is the L76 and has AFM so it would need a delete kit.

Folically Challengjed · January 14, 2015

How likely is it that after I install the Delete kit I will learn that I still consume oil and need new pistons and rings too? how much will it cost me to have someone do that?

It's very likely. The tune won't unstick the rings, and that's what's causing the consumption right now.

The cause of the rings becoming stuck was either the screwed-up PCV baffle design in the valve cover, or the lack of a shroud on the AFM oil spout in the oil pan, or a combination of the two.

When those 2 items are addressed, along with new pistons & rings, the problem seems to go away in most cases.

FWIW, I'm a little over 60K miles since "the fix", and the 5.3 uses 1/2 qt. or less in 6,500 miles.

Good Luck,

FC