6.0 vs. 5.3 conversion questions

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mattt

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Had another idea since I am looking at sourcing the basis of my 6.0 build from a local pick your part. Would it behoove me to get the Denali or Escalade factory computer to swap into my Tahoe, which that could then preclude me from needing to get my stock 5.3 Tahoe computer tuned?
 

Tonyrodz

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Had another idea since I am looking at sourcing the basis of my 6.0 build from a local pick your part. Would it behoove me to get the Denali or Escalade factory computer to swap into my Tahoe, which that could then preclude me from needing to get my stock 5.3 Tahoe computer tuned?
Not a bad idea, but it would need to be reflashed for your vin anyway.
 
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mattt

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Hmmm, really.....VIN has to match in order for the ECU to work correctly? I did not know that. Thanks for the info.
 

bottomline2000

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Had another idea since I am looking at sourcing the basis of my 6.0 build from a local pick your part. Would it behoove me to get the Denali or Escalade factory computer to swap into my Tahoe, which that could then preclude me from needing to get my stock 5.3 Tahoe computer tuned?
Your gonna have issue with inspection since your vin will need to be on the ECM. Better to have it tuned with your original ECM. An 04+ Lq4 with beefier LS2 rods and floating wrist pins would be the way to go. You want more out of it add a cam, headers and other mods based on how you use it.

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zraffz

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I'm actually getting ready to do this in my Tahoe. Correct me if I am wrong but the only thing you need to change to do this swap is the flexplate. You need to remove the 6.0 flexplate + spacer and install the 5.3 flexplate (I have heard talk about using the Silverado SS 6.0 flexplate) can anybody verify what is actually required?


In my case, I am swapping on my 5.3 intake/TB/fuel rails because my donor motor is a 2005 without the return fuel line and DBW TB.
And then obviously a retune.
 

bottomline2000

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I'm actually getting ready to do this in my Tahoe. Correct me if I am wrong but the only thing you need to change to do this swap is the flexplate. You need to remove the 6.0 flexplate + spacer and install the 5.3 flexplate (I have heard talk about using the Silverado SS 6.0 flexplate) can anybody verify what is actually required?


In my case, I am swapping on my 5.3 intake/TB/fuel rails because my donor motor is a 2005 without the return fuel line and DBW TB.
And then obviously a retune.
Literally swap everything from your 5.3. The only time you will see the flat flexplate with spacer on a 6.0 is of its attached to a 4l80 and in that case take the 4l80 too lol. You may need it sooner than later. A 6.0 from a 1500 platform will have a 4l60 behind it..

In my case I have a dished 4l60 sfi rated flexplate connected to a 4l80. I used the same flexplate on my 4l60. The converter is cut for the 3 hole 4l60 pattern but splined for a 4l80. There are a lot of ways to skin a cat.

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zraffz

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Literally swap everything from your 5.3. The only time you will see the flat flexplate with spacer on a 6.0 is of its attached to a 4l80 and in that case take the 4l80 too lol. You may need it sooner than later. A 6.0 from a 1500 platform will have a 4l60 behind it..

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The LQ4 I have is from a 2500HD. Do I need to swap over the accessories (all I can tell is the alternator is a little bigger on the 6.0) and I assume the original 5.3/4L60E flexplate will work? I notice the SS 6.0/4L60E flexplate looks a bit different in design but remains curved like the 5.3/4L60E flexplate.
 

Tonyrodz

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Mine also came from an 05 HD Silverado. My buddy did the actual swap for me. He used everything from the 05--except like you--the intake--due to the no return line.
 

zraffz

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So swap flexplate, intake and starter... got it. I'm excited to start tearing apart this 6 liter. I've rebuilt 2 or 3 of them already and have been itching to build a motor but life has gotten in the way!
 

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