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2011 Sierra 1500 5.3l engine replacement

Rick Sacco
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Rick Sacco Enthusiast

Rick Sacco

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I own a 2011 Sierra 1500 SLE extended cab with the 5.3l flex fuel engine w/ 200k miles.  I've had it since new and love the truck but the engine is on it's way out.(loud ticking and fouling plugs faster than I can replace them).  I'm thinking about replacing the engine myself but I'm having a tough time finding a replacement. Can anyone recommend a place to search? Seems like every time I find one it's the wrong VIN# to match or if I find one it's $3000+. Not looking to break the bank because with my luck, once I get this done the tranny will go on me! Any Suggestions would be greatly appreciated 

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Brian715 Enthusiast

Brian715

Posted
Posted (edited)

Car-part.com. plug in your specs and it will find what you need. I usually sort by distance and you will also get a good idea of how much it will cost you. Might be worth putting a short block in it if that's something you are capable of. I assume so if your thinking of doing the swap yourself. Let us know if you have any more questions! 

Edited by Brian715
CamGTP Senior Enthusiast

CamGTP

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Posted

To be honest any 5.3 made after 2010 that was put in a Silverado/Sierra or Tahoe/Yukon would fit. They are all going to have AFM and VVT in those years and it doesn't matter if it's an aluminum block or iron block. They both bolt in exactly the same but one is 80lbs heavier than the other.

Rick Sacco Enthusiast

Rick Sacco

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The 8th vin is 3.  Would a 7 be compatible? Trying to increase my search parameters. It's currently and LC9 with Aluminum block

CamGTP Senior Enthusiast

CamGTP

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Posted

The LMG is the other version you could source. It's just the iron block instead of an aluminum block.

 

So VIN codes 3 like you have now and VIN code 0 would work. The LMG version just needs to have VVT to be a bolt in, so any engine from 2010-2013.

Rick Sacco Enthusiast

Rick Sacco

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@CamGTP if I were to find a LMG version how would I know if it's a VVT version? Or is every LMG 2010-13 already VVT? 

 

 

CamGTP Senior Enthusiast

CamGTP

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Posted

All engines after 2010 came with VVT. The main difference that is visible is the timing change cover. There is a giant bubble where the VVT camshaft phaser goes inside the cover. All the older engines will just be flat with no VVT phaser.

 

LS-Gen-4-Timing-Covers-VVT.jpg

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...
Rick Sacco Enthusiast

Rick Sacco

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I finally found an engine for the Sierra. 2013 w/ 80k on it.  Any suggestions on upgrades that can and should be done before it's , installed?  I intend to change all the sensors, plugs, coil packs and the normal items.  Without going crazy, are there any modifications you guys recommend? 

CamGTP Senior Enthusiast

CamGTP

Posted
Posted

Honestly the less you change the better sometimes. If the engine is complete I would just put it in there. The factory coil packs are the best out there and no need to replace them if they are not giving you problems. If the new engine has cam/crank sensors I would keep them and you will have spare OEM sensors on your old engine still for back up.

 

Check for gasket leaks, like the oil pan and rear main seal. Those are easy to do when out of the vehicle.

 

New spark plugs and oil change are a good idea.

 

Not much you can upgrade if you aren't planning to do mods with aftermarket parts and such. It should drop in and run just like it did before the issues.

  • 1 month later...
Rick Sacco Enthusiast

Rick Sacco

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Guys, Thank you for the help with this.  Engine is installed and is running great!  Found a few tricks along the way to make the job a little easier.  Only issue I had was the exhaust manifold bolts to the crossover pipe.  Other than that it went went smooth considering I live in MA and did the job outside in the driveway.  

  • Like 1
Jsdirt Senior Enthusiast

Jsdirt

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Posted (edited)
On 12/7/2020 at 4:35 PM, Rick Sacco said:

Guys, Thank you for the help with this.  Engine is installed and is running great!  Found a few tricks along the way to make the job a little easier.  Only issue I had was the exhaust manifold bolts to the crossover pipe.  Other than that it went went smooth considering I live in MA and did the job outside in the driveway.  

I feel your pain. Just did a tranny swap on my 103k mile 2007. Took me 2 days to get the Y-pipe out ... on a lift!! ? One nut rounded off thanks to the wonderfully engineered access GM left us. Had to cut the stud with the sawzall through the left fender well after removing the insert, then smash it the rest of the way with Big Nasty - the Astro 4980 - a hand-held jackhammer, basically. Then spend an hour drilling it out.  NIGHT-FRIGGIN-MARE!!

 

Glad you got the engine done. Congrats on 200k out of the stocker! That's a record, unless they made some minor improvements over the '07-'10 units. My engine should be failing any day now. Only part left of my original driveline besides the transfer case. At 103k miles now ...

Edited by Jsdirt

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