5.3L replace & refresh / upgrade

[Trifecta]

I have an 04 4x4 z71 5.3 with 160K on it that is in need of some head work. As luck would have it, I've acquired another motor with 60K on it that I"m planning to swap into the truck. The new motor does need a cam so I'll be doing a bit of updating to the motor before it goes in the truck.

Question at hand is what are the smart money upgrades to do to the motor before it goes into the truck. It will be used for daily driving and a little off road, really not worked all that hard, but extra torque, hp, would be welcome it it is easy to accomplish during the replacement process. Obviously don't want to impact the reliability these 5.3s are so famous for.

Appreciate any feedback you all can provide.

 

[TxDrewski]

Welcome Bud!
I am in the EXACT same boat with 04 Z71 Tahoe 5.3. Mine also needs head work (148k).
Im dropping in an LQ9 so Ill have about 50 more HP just with a stock swap. Im porting/polishing the heads and tuning so that should be plenty.
Obviously Id pull the heads off the other motor and do a port/polish and instal some really good gaskets. A mild cam would be nice as well, then its all about supporting mods.... Oil Cooler, Catch Can etc etc. Welcome to the forums and Good Luck!!

 

[Marv02]

This one of the mods I planning to do when I start building a new replacement motor not so much High performance mod it a better design.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-13702-kit