2002 Tahoe/4.8 to 5.3 swap what's all needed

[IrishFly]

I tried using the search section bit for what ever reason it won't allow me to search.

So my 4.8 in my 02' Tahoe is in need of swapping so is the 5.3 plug & play? Other than needing a ecu?

 

[Tonyrodz]

I tried using the search section bit for what ever reason it won't allow me to search.

So my 4.8 in my 02' Tahoe is in need of swapping so is the 5.3 plug & play? Other than needing a ecu?

Straight swap. You'll just need to tune the pcm for the 5.3. Just to make it easier on you--I'd reuse your intake--just in case if you get a newer motor.

 

[01FormulaTA]

technically all you need is 3.622 crank and some 6.098 rods lol

 

[Logani]

I realize this is an old thread but was about to do the same thing: 02 Tahoe 4.8-5.3 swap. Where's the recipe? Who's the goto guy for the pcm work, here?

 

[strutaeng]

No recipe. Just remove 4.8 and drop in 5.3. It's that simple.

Everything is identical (basically, all 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2 and even 7.0 "LS" engines are pretty much identical). Get your ECU reflashed (or "tuned") and off you go. @BlackBearPerf is a vendor here and can do the tuning.

Because there were slightly different variations on the production run on things like EGR, return vs returnless fuel lines, flex fuel, injectors, etc., just keep your intake to make sure everything stays matching. And needless to say, this is assuming it's all Generation III engine, so 00-06 SUVs and 99-07 classic trucks

 

[Marky Dissod]

I realize this is an old thread but was about to do the same thing: 02 Tahoe 4.8L-5.3L swap. Where's the recipe?
Who's the goto guy for the pcm work, here?

Recipe? Remove 4.8L, replace with 5.3L (or 6.0L, if you find it for a price competitive with a 5.3L).

Everything is identical (basically, all 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L and even 7.0L "LS" engines are pretty much identical).

Externally speaking, yea, pretty much, in terms of how much space they take up EXTERNALLY.

Because there were slightly different variations on the production run on things like EGR, return vs returnless fuel lines, flex fuel, injectors, etc.,
just keep your intake to make sure everything stays matching.
And needless to say, this is assuming it's all Generation III V8s, so 00-06 SUVs and 99-07 classic trucks

Yep. Don't forget about the physical throttle cable linkage that you need to stick with, in case you find an engine with signal throttle bywire electronics.
If you find a Gen4 5.3L or 6.0L V8, you'll need to
delete the Engine Half@$$ horseschidt because no one should use it.
delete the VVT because you CANNOT possibly use it.

Whether or not you use BlackBear Performance, PCM Performance, or another reputable pcm tuner,
be sure to communicate to the tuner clearly what you want and don't want.