5.3 In A 99?

darrell1971 · March 28, 2008

I have a 99 suburban 5.7 4x4 with 160000 mi. motor runs ok but I'm starting to put alot of money into it for repairs. I was wondering If there was any way to swap in a newer 5.3 motor without a whole lot of problems.

I'm looking to upgrade the motor because the rest of the truck is still in good shape and I just replaced the axles tranny and transfer case. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

gexline21 · April 9, 2008

I have a 99 suburban 5.7 4x4 with 160000 mi. motor runs ok but I'm starting to put alot of money into it for repairs. I was wondering If there was any way to swap in a newer 5.3 motor without a whole lot of problems.
I'm looking to upgrade the motor because the rest of the truck is still in good shape and I just replaced the axles tranny and transfer case. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

the 5.3L is a totally different motor. it would require alot of changes - mounts, electrical wiring, computers and a lot of custom work.

98silvz71 · April 9, 2008

Get ya a 383 Motor if you are looking for more power. You can get it from GM, its a crate motor meant for that year to replace the 350's. You just swap your intake, exhaust manifolds, and accessories over to the 383 from your 350. If you aren't looking for more power just rebuild the 350. It is possible to put the 5.3L in but it would be cheaper to pick up a 03 Suburban and less of a hassle.

darrell1971 · April 9, 2008

thanks for the input guys,i'm still weighing my options on this truck. i just had to replace the cats and o2 sensors (p0420,430.)another $500 down the drain! the old girl's my work truck and i need to keep her going. that 383 sounds interesting though any ideas where i can get one? i live in the buffalo ny area and there aren't too many places around here to get something like that.

MustGoFaster · April 10, 2008

I believe they can be direct ordered to your local dealer, IIRC

a 350 rebuild kit should be fairly cheap as well. or purchase a rebuilt shortblock if you have some wrenching skills.

I'm no expoert on it, but if you were to figure the cost of a 5.3 and all of the work needed to get it into the 'burb - you'd be able to build a fairly potent 350 for that kind of cost. with as long as it's been around there's got to be some pretty well tested components and computer materials to make that at the very least much more efficient than the stocker