5.3 to 6.0 swap ?

rrrush1 · August 17, 2004

I would like to swap my5.3 for a 6.0 GEN III 345 hp engine. will it bolt up & will the computer work.

budhayes3 · August 17, 2004

You can find alot of info on that at www.ls1tech.com. I know that some modifications must be made, possibly swapping PCM's, but you'll get definite answers from that site, alot of guys have done that exact swap. Sounds like it's go-fast time!!

Dusterman · August 17, 2004

You can find alot of info on that at www.ls1tech.com. I know that some modifications must be made, possibly swapping PCM's, but you'll get definite answers from that site, alot of guys have done that exact swap. Sounds like it's go-fast time!!

ls1 tech is THE place to go for that info!

scooter70 · August 17, 2004

ls1 tech is THE place to go for that info!

Yeah, but be careful for one of the moderators for the Conversions & Hybrids section. Some guy who goes by "Scooter70"....

OUMike · August 17, 2004

This sounds like a job that can be done, but for the money it definatly would NOT be worth it. For less money you could easily achieve the same horsepower through methods such as supercharging.

Just MHO.

scooter70 · August 18, 2004

This sounds like a job that can be done, but for the money it definatly would NOT be worth it. For less money you could easily achieve the same horsepower through methods such as supercharging.

Just MHO.

The only difference is the longblock itself. All sensors are the same, so it's just a matter of dropping in the 6.0 block and heads and plugging in all of the wiring. The computer should run it but will probably need some tuning to take full advantage of the new motor.

A 6.0 longblock can be found for probably under $1k (try salvage yards and eBay) but you're not going to see supercharger-type HP gains. If your own labor is free, then this swap is much cheaper than a blower.

-Matt

99-2door · August 18, 2004

Did I mention that I have a complete 6.0L for sale?

No?, ok then

99Silver6.0 · August 19, 2004

The 6.0 swap is easy. The LQ4 can be had for roughly $1000 give or take a few bucks. The HO LQ9 has a bit higher CR and a bit mre power. But it costs considerably more. The 6.0 will even run fine on the 5.3 tuning. All I gotta say is watch your tranny. It will give out behind the 6.0! I picked up an LQ4 6.0 out of a 2001 2500HD and I have not put it in because my tranny is already on the decline! Gonna save up some cash for a 4L65. Then she goes in. The 4L80 swap is to extensive and expensive. Blown 5.3 or an N/A 6.0, you truly are pushing that 4L60 to the extreme!!!!!

Germanator · August 19, 2004

doesn't the Escalade come with the 6.0 and the 4L60E? I thought it does and the H2?

99Silver6.0 · August 19, 2004

doesn't the Escalade come with the 6.0 and the 4L60E? I thought it does and the H2?

Sclade has a 4L65, H2 does to. The 65E is in the SS also.

rrrush1 · August 19, 2004

I ordered a new 6.0 LQ9,should be here in a week ( $3914.00 tax incl. delivered )

I had the trans. rebuilt into a heavy duty 4L65 last summer. I'm pulling the 5.3 out right now. I'm considering a set of JBA cat forward headers . I used to run headers 40 years ago . back then you couldn't keep the exaust gaskits from blowing ,had to replace them every 2 months . did they solve that problem yet ? JBA looks like a straight forward install, no fabrication ect. I put a Borla cat back on 5 years ago. I use the truck to pull a 5th wheel trl.that weighs 8000 lbs. the 5.3 does a good job,but it's got 100,000 miles on it. It's easier and cheaper to replace it at home than when im traveling.I'm a retired truck driver and have a lot of time to do stuff.

I thought about buying a new truck but they don't make one exactly the way I want it. I can modify my 1999 K1500 Z71 reg cab sport side for a lot less than 25 to 30 thousand dollars . The last time I did any serious mechanical work was in 1974 so it's going to take me a while to get up to speed. (I'm working on it) I'm also considering a supercharger ,that Radix intercooled one is interesting. the LQ9 has a 10:1 compression ratio, is this to high for a blower?

Thanks

RRR

budhayes3 · August 19, 2004

As far as header gaskets go, I installed my Gibson shorties about 3 1/2 years ago, and so far so good (hope that I didn't just jinx myself). I used high temp RTV on both sides of the gasket (be careful because if you too much of this stuff it could contaminate the O2 sensors), and rechecked and retorqued the bolts every day for about a month.

GF7PE · August 19, 2004

why not get one of those new SLP stroker short blocks and do it the right way

99Silver6.0 · August 19, 2004

I ordered a new 6.0 LQ9,should be here in a week ( $3914.00 tax incl. delivered )
I had the trans. rebuilt into a heavy duty 4L65 last summer. I'm pulling the 5.3 out right now. I'm considering a set of JBA cat forward headers . I used to run headers 40 years ago . back then you couldn't keep the exaust gaskits from blowing ,had to replace them every 2 months . did they solve that problem yet ? JBA looks like a straight forward install, no fabrication ect. I put a Borla cat back on 5 years ago. I use the truck to pull a 5th wheel trl.that weighs 8000 lbs. the 5.3 does a good job,but it's got 100,000 miles on it. It's easier and cheaper to replace it at home than when im traveling.I'm a retired truck driver and have a lot of time to do stuff.

I thought about buying a new truck but they don't make one exactly the way I want it. I can modify my 1999 K1500 Z71 reg cab sport side for a lot less than 25 to 30 thousand dollars . The last time I did any serious mechanical work was in 1974 so it's going to take me a while to get up to speed. (I'm working on it) I'm also considering a supercharger ,that Radix intercooled one is interesting. the LQ9 has a 10:1 compression ratio, is this to high for a blower?

Thanks

RRR

10:1 isnt bad. Not sure what boost you can safely run on it. Just make sure you put some ARP rod studs in there while you have the motor out. The con-rods in the LQ9 are MASSIVE when compared to those of the LQ4. If I were you, I would seriously look into some long tubes. Much more HP to be had for just a slight increase in price. TOG and ASM make good headers. Although JBA by far makes the best shorty headers. To date I have never heard of anybody having leaking issues though with headers on LSX based motors. Just keep 'em tight. You could always build you a 408 stroker! More Performance nwo builds a pretty beefed Magnacharged 6.0 rated at 620HP/550TQ. Only drawback is its near $20K price tag!

scooter70 · August 23, 2004

I'd stay away from using RTV anywhere upstream of the O2 sensors. That's just asking for trouble. O2 sensors are ~$75 each, so anything you can do to protect them is a good thing. Use a quality copper or graphite gasket and you should have no problems. I had some graphite gaskets on a pair of Hooker headers on my '70 Corvette and they sealed when nothing else would.