6.0L LQ9 in a 2000 Silverado 1500

00Rado · April 27, 2018

Hey guys! New to the forum. So my question is a bit of a long one, but I’m sure someone can help me out. I have a 2000 Silverado 1500 4x4. My 5.3L that is currently in the truck is now shot due to a faulty fuel injector. I’ve sunk a lot of time into the truck, and have restored the entire undercarriage so it’s worth the engine swap. I’ve found an LQ9 6.0L that I’d like to put in my rig. It’s from a 2002 Escalade. Now I’ve heard that the 99’ and 00’ 6.0L’s have a longer crankshaft than the 02’s? Would I have an issue mating my transmission to a 2002 6.0L? Or would it just be swapping the flywheel? I have a built 4l60e tranny. Just not sure if the year of my truck prevents me from using an 02 engine. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks guys!

Mike GMC · April 27, 2018

I put an 01 LQ4 6.0 in my 2000 Sierra. I used the 5.3 flex plate and complete intake with all injectors and rail. I also used all the 5.3 coil.packs and complete harness. It all went right in no problem and fired right up. I did get it tuned, but that was only to make sure it was all good, it pretty much ran fine without the tune. I recommend replacing all sensors, crank position, cam position, knock and water temp before you drop it in. I also tore it down to a short block to make sure everything was right and to reseal everything before it went in. Check the timeing chain as well. If it looks loose or stretched, replace it. I spent another $1000 on miscellaneous parts and sensors just make sure it was all good. You should be good with the 02, but stay away f on the 99-00 engines, the crank is longer at the flex plate. Just for peace of mind, you may want to put new rod and main bearings in as well and a new oil pump. All the 5.3 parts except crank rods and pistions should fit the 6.0, so it makes it plug and play.

00Rado · April 27, 2018

So just the 99 and 00 6.0L’s have the longer crank and stay away from those? After those years it’s the same length as the 5.3L? Good call on replacing all of the sensors. I’m planning on doing some head work, cam, headers. Nothing crazy but it’ll be a little more than stock. I so greatly appreciate your time, I just need the confidence that this LQ9 will work so I can pull the trigger on it and pay the man lol. I was concerned about the wiring as well so that makes me feel better. So where did you go for your tune? Locally or online order? I’ve been looking into the Diablo sport tuning kits and they look pretty nice for someone that knows what they are doing.

Mike GMC · April 27, 2018

I did a tune at a local Dyno shop. Yes, the 02 will bolt up just fine. Use the 5.3 flex plate, buy new bolts and use lock tight. Take aong hard look at the 6.0 mainfold and fuel rail. Make sure it is exactly the same as you 5.3. otherwise you may have some trouble hooking up your fuel lines and evap line. The one I found was out of a 1 ton with hydroboost brakes so it had no vacuum fitting for my brakes. I used my 5.3 manifold so every connection was the same as before. If I ever change mine to hydroboost, I have a manifold I can swap in as well.

00Rado · May 13, 2018

So the deal with that engine didn’t happen. I found another one that is from an 04 Escalade. From what I gather it is the same as the 02? Should still work as long as I swap over the flywheel and I take from the 5.3?

SierraHD17 · May 13, 2018

If it's from an Escalade it came with a 4L65e behind it and there is no need to swap flexplates as its identical. It's just the HD truck LQ4s that have 80es behind them and use a spacer and a different plate. Flip your intake manifold on it and dump it in your truck... done.