Can I put a non E85 engine in my VIN 0 2009 Tahoe

[Rawdon35]

Hello all,

My wife was driving our 2009 Tahoe. It only has about 147K on it, and pulled up to the atm and it literally just kind of shut off. The engine is seized. The oil pump went out and from what she says with no warnings or lights or anything. Now my question is, is can I put an engine In it that is a non flex fuel engine. I would like to put an 04 or 06 engine in it, because those are a few ive found that are decently priced. I have someone who can do the AFM delete to the computer, but would there a major amount stuff I would have to do or will all the parts bolt right up? i assume everything would be virtually the same because i am going from a 5.3 to a 5.3. Thanks a ton!

 

[Jason_S]

If nothing else, you should be able to use the long block and all of your accessories. I believe that there were some sensor differences, and the PCV is slightly different, but I do not remember the specifics. You may be able to get away with just a short block. I would send the heads through the machine shop before making that determination, but the heads shouldn't be too worse for the wear. Rockers and pushrods are another story.

The main differenced between the some of the flex and non flex vehicles, was fuel lines, fuel alcohol sensor, fuel injectors, and ecu programming. All of which should bolt to the era long block you are talking about. If you find a 6.0L longblock, that should work as well, but you will want the flex fuel injectors and a tune if you want to keep the flex option. You will want the older non-vvt 6.0 if you go that route.

Depending on your budget and needs/wants, a crate engine will get you back on the road with something of a warranty on the engine.

 

[iamdub]

Hello all,

My wife was driving our 2009 Tahoe. It only has about 147K on it, and pulled up to the atm and it literally just kind of shut off. The engine is seized. The oil pump went out and from what she says with no warnings or lights or anything. Now my question is, is can I put an engine In it that is a non flex fuel engine. I would like to put an 04 or 06 engine in it, because those are a few ive found that are decently priced. I have someone who can do the AFM delete to the computer, but would there a major amount stuff I would have to do or will all the parts bolt right up? i assume everything would be virtually the same because i am going from a 5.3 to a 5.3. Thanks a ton!

AFM and Flexfuel are two different things. The Gen3 motors ('99-'06) didn't have AFM and relatively few were Flexfuel. Also, the Gen3 motors have a different reluctor wheel and sensor than what's in your '09. The only reliable way to solve this is to install the newer reluctor wheel onto the crankshaft of the older motor, which requires disassembly of the bottom end and removal of the crankshaft. There are other minor differences but I wouldn't bother because if you get a Gen3 motor and have to disassemble the bottom end, you're almost at a rebuild stage. I'd get a rebuilt or used/low-mileage Gen4 short- or longblock and have a direct swap. I'd also delete the AFM stuff (cam, lifters, front cover, etc.) and replace the gaskets, oil pump, etc. before swapping it in and have the AFM program tuned out once it's ready to run.

 

[about20ninj45]

he could also get a converter box to go from 24x to 56x for the reluctor. lengefelter sells them

 

[iamdub]

he could also get a converter box to go from 24x to 56x for the reluctor. lengefelter sells them

58x, but who's counting
I know about that box, but don't trust it. It seems better suited for race/non-daily-driven cars. It's still a bit sketchy with it's reliability and is an annoyance with it's increased cranking times when starting. That's why i said "The only reliable way to solve this...".

 

[about20ninj45]

**** this user contains fat fingers, reading discretion is advised****

missed the "reliable" part lol but its hit or miss. some guys are using it on their daily drivers as well. If it were me, i would just throw in a l94 (6.2) and call it a day.

 

[iamdub]

**** this user contains fat fingers, reading discretion is advised****

missed the "reliable" part lol but its hit or miss. some guys are using it on their daily drivers as well. If it were me, i would just throw in a l94 (6.2) and call it a day.

It's a shame there's no foolproof way to convert this one way or the other. I had a built LQ9 that I'd love to have been able to put in my Tahoe. But it wasn't worth tearing it apart.

5.3 or 6.2, I'd have the AFM components removed before dropping it in. The aluminum L94 would be sweet, though.