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5.3 to 6.0 engine swap???

dannyd

Full Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2007
Messages
17
HI everyone-
I have an '03 1500 and was wondering if there's anyone out there that's done a 5.3 to 6.0 engine swap??
If you, did you have any problems?
Hope I posted this in the right place :rolleyes:
Thanks-
 
Yes, it's been done, and there are at least a couple of threads on it.
 
I did it reciently. all you gotta do is swap all your external parts (power steering, A/C, intake,Alt brackets Etc) and your good (also The 5.3L flywheel fits the 6.0). You have two types of 6.0's The LQ4 and the LQ9. The LQ4 is usually in the Silverado SS and the LQ9 is in the EXT. The LQ9 has a higher horsepower # up front outta the box and also the LQ9 has Coated pistons so you can push more outta her without fear of grenading her. Also if your goin to do it look into a GT2-3 cam and yellow LS6 valve springs and Comp cams pushrods (if you go into Lingerfelters website its all a kit) It's gonna run you about 500$ but in the long run it's worth it. If your serious about this endeavor. P.M me and I'll call you and walk you through it as best as I can. (that's how I did it)
ALSO:: Before you go into this undertaking I highly recomend reading these books first then decide if this is for you. (in the order as posted so you will know if this is for you before buying the next)  #7

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Engine-Management-Performance-How-S/dp/1932494421/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/279-3423632-2252931

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Modify-Management-Systems-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760315825

 
I did mine about 3 years ago.Lot more power,did not lose any MPG.
Nothing different than a 5.3L as long you get a 6.0L a late 6.0L.Some early 6.0L had a different crank that require a spacer.Mine is an 04 Avalanche,and I found a 04 6.0L LQ9.Did a cam change and a springs upgrade while it was on the engine stand.Did the change over in a day. Would need to retune the ECM to get maximum power.

 
Motion427 said:
I did mine about 3 years ago.Lot more power,did not lose any MPG.
Nothing different than a 5.3L as long you get a 6.0L a late 6.0L.Some early 6.0L had a different crank that require a spacer.Mine is an 04 Avalanche,and I found a 04 6.0L LQ9.Did a cam change and a springs upgrade while it was on the engine stand.Did the change over in a day. Would need to retune the ECM to get maximum power.
AHH yes I forgot to add that in  (y) Thanks Motion427 for pointing that out. My tune was done (is still being done, he trying to nail down the Detanation problem, nothing drastic) By Allen Nelson from Nelson Performance (y)
 
The knock sensor was picky on mine. LQ9 engine. It was too sensitive
You can tell that to Allen,that may help ya.
 
Motion427 said:
The knock sensor was picky on mine. LQ9 engine. It was too sensitive
You can tell that to Allen,that may help ya.
Holy Cow :eek:. I completly forgot about the Knock sensors :E: :E: I took them outta my 5.3. Thanks  (y) #7
 
dang!
Where was I when these threads came out?  I was wondering about that kind of swap.  Or even to a newer 5.3.  Interesting job, but doubt I will ever get to it.  I'm still trying to convince the wife to let me rebuild the honda engine.
 
With HP Tuners, you'd be doing the tuning.
If you know what you're doing, or have someone that can help you out, it is more than capable.
 
Yes with H.P tuners you need a Dyno shop. (believe me, I don't have a dyno shop nearby and I'm still adjusting at which I will be stopping soon and calling it quits :E:).
You must be very patient with HPT.#7
 
What is the best thing to do then?  I can handle the mechanical/electrical part of the swap, but not sure about the "patience" part with programming.  I want to make sure it is done right.... right now.
 
Well if your only pulling out the 5.3 and dropping in the stock 6.0, with out and serious mods. (cam,S/Charger,head work, headers,meth kit, which is what I did). Then go to Nelson performance.Allen can give you a 6.0L computer already tuned (you will have to send yours in return) and you should be able to be good to go. (y)#7
 
Excellent!  All that I want is a little more power with the swap (cam, valve springs, etc.)  Already have CAI and exhaust.
 
HitechRedneck said:
Excellent!  All that I want is a little more power with the swap (cam, valve springs, etc.)  Already have CAI and exhaust.
Then you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck with it. (y)
Just keep asking questions like you are and you should be better informed and prepared to make the swap with out difficulty.
BTW. I find the SA books to be the best as far as detail.

Here are the books that I used in my swap.#7
http://www.amazon.com/Swap-Engines-Almost-Anything-Design/dp/1932494812
http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-High-Performance-Chevy-V-8s/dp/1884089844
http://www.themotorbookstore.com/9781932494600.html
http://www.jegs.com/i/S-A-Designs/840/SA156/10002/-1?parentProductId=1169316
 
I've been considering a swap in my 02 1500.  The LS3 or L92 6.2L is looking real interesting but may be difficult.  Has anyone looked into putting either of these in an AV?
 
I have read LQ9 comes cast or aluminum block. What truck would you find the aluminum block in. Any one know if there is a big price deference if purchased in a wrecking yard.
If you are looking to stroke a 6.0 witch is the best block.
JV
 
Hey guys sorry for the delay, (work). I purchased my engine through engines direct. They specialize in new, rebuilt, or Salvage (and they warranty their stuff). I'll get you the number. If you want to look for a "Salvage" motor the LQ9's come in our sister trucks (EXT's). The quick visual way to see if you got the right block. It will say 6.0L on the block, The way to tell if it's a LQ9 as apposed to an LQ4, just look at the exhaust ports the LQ9's are "D" shaped the LQ4's are round like our 5.3's. My engine with a full quality rebuild (all new parts) cost me around 5,000 (but I also asked for certain parts to be added in as I knew what I was going to be doing).I don't remember the 1800 number off hand (I'll look for it), But speak to Steve. tell him what club your from and tell him that Frankie (with the Jack Daniels AV) sent ya. Great guy. Here is the link. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  (y)#7

http://stores.ebay.com/ENGINES-DIRECT

 
Will installing the 6.0 give me much more pulling power?
Currently have the 5.3 and it struggles pulling my 25 foot boat, hard top also, guessing around 7500 lbs.
Engine all of a sudden started using oil and some coolant at 93,000 miles.

trying to decide between an engine swap and just plain getting rid of the AV
(which I thought would never happen)  :needhug:
 
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