Build Vs Buy (5.3 to 6.0)

[Big Buttons]

So you want 350-400 to the wheels? Get a used 6.0 from a yard, clean it up and put in a decent cam de-bur the heads, some LTs and boom 350-400.

I have the same set-up on my 5.3L and have 358 to the wheels.

You WILL need transmission work done. Either build the 4L60 or swap in a 4L80.

 

[TxDrewski]

Suggestion.............

http://high-performance-engines.com...?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ATK&Product_Code=HP93

That may just be the ticket lol.... I was basically debating the pros/cons of a new 5.3 vs building a 6.0. At 460HP/460TQ for that price, and not having the issue of time invested in building a 6.0 I get from a yard or CL, seems to me that might just be the best all around blend of time/money/longevity/ease of install/etc etc etc...

---------- Post added at 10:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:59 PM ----------

I mean the more I look at it.... That thing is just BAD lol.

---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------

You WILL need transmission work done. Either build the 4L60 or swap in a 4L80.[/QUOTE]

With mine being the Z71, would I have to use a Specific Z71 4ll80 or could I just buy a used one from a low mileage truck?

 

[Big Buttons]

Any 4L80 will do. Will need crossmember, driveshaft, and computer I believe.

 

[TxDrewski]

Any 4L80 will do. Will need crossmember, driveshaft, and computer I believe.

As far as the tune, could I have Black Bear tune my computer? it will be required when I drop the 6.0 in anyway.

 

[Big Buttons]

Yes they can

 

[mattluttrell]

The cheapest route could be to trade it for an Escalade or Denali of equivalent year, rebuild the 6.0 with a cam, headers and tune it after break in.

You would get the transmission you need, the block you want and the torque we've all mentioned.

 

[TxDrewski]

Thats a negative sir... I love my tahoe lol. I cannot stand the looks of the escalade or denali.

 

[Big Buttons]

I also don't believe that the denali and esky come with the 4L80

 

[justinlw]

Nearly everything is interchangeable with the later 6.0 including intake, harness, PCM, transmission, etc. you could take a 6.0 long block and swap everything from your 5.3 and be done after a custom tune. The trans may or may not hold up, if it goes then have it built for the extra power. If you decide to swap in the 4L80, I believe your driveshaft will work with swapping out the yoke only. I put a 4L80 in my '67 chevy with only a yoke change (removed a 700R4).

 

[TxDrewski]

Usually I can spot 4l80s on CL within a couple hours of the house... Ill probably pick one up and take it to PATC in Shreveport. have the 6.0 and built tranny ready to go and pull out my 5.3 an 60E and do the swap, then build the 5.3 and 60E and have a good combo for something else or to sell to recoup the cost. Anyone on here own/know of a good shop to do the swap in the Tyler/Houston/Dallas/Shreveport area? all are within a couple hours of me.