Crate motor... worth it? anybody tried it?

[DWebPro]

I purchased a brand new reman 0 mile LC9 5.3 locally with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.

Why did you go with a 5.3 and not a 6.2?

 

[Jmccormick]

Why did you go with a 5.3 and not a 6.2?

Ease of installation, and my Escalade already has a 6.2. I didn't see a good reason to do the 6.2 swap.

 

[Shunto]

Wow... just wow!!
Thats looks just great!!! That is a clean looking truck.!! I'm sure that you saved a lot on the swap being that you did it yourself. The white is amazing too!! very popular color here in the N/E.

Best of luck with it!

 

[Shunto]

One thing I've noticed, you all don't live in California... In Cali we can only put in a motor that came from the factory in the vehicle. For example, we can put a L92 in no problem but LS3, LS9 or even LSA would be running a risk of getting your car taken.

"Taken" meaning confiscated?

 

[MickeySHOE]

Interesting topic we have here, I literally just executed your idea a couple months ago on a project suburban.

I purchased a 2008 Suburban LTZ from my Uncle's Beer Distribution company. It was a company vehicle purchased new for the CEO back in 08. The truck has the LC9 5.3 and was creeping up into the 260,000 mile range. Started knocking on initial start up and burned a few quarts of oil on the regular. I purchased the truck for a song and dance.

The bones of the truck are spectacular. zero rust, 4 brand new tires a month ago. The interior was spotless and never used. The CEO had no kids and was 65 years old. Literally never used, not exactly sure why he had a suburban to begin with.

The truck also came with an 8 page excel spread sheet detailing the maintenance since day one down to each fuel fill up with cost analysis lol.

The transmission, front and rear diffs and transfer case have all been rebuilt or gone through via the chevrolet dealership.

I purchased a brand new reman 0 mile LC9 5.3 locally with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.

Also did the valve cover TSB update.

New starter, and radiator

I also rebuilt the entire front suspension just for good measure. It didn't need it but I had so little into the truck i felt it was a good idea to know it was all fresh.

The truck also had stone chips all over from the highway use. The cover was cracked and the valance was missing. I opted to replace the front body pieces with new GM parts and had a friend at the local body shop respray the front clip.


Now I have a nearly new Suburban with low mileage drivetrain and a rust free body with a MINT interior. I have very little money into the truck considering how much they go for with even 150k on them. I feel I have a better truck than a 150k truck to begin with.

My opinion, your idea is a good one if you can find something like this, with documented maintenance from the original owner since day 1.


Here are a few pics!

How I bought it,

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old engine out

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New crate engine

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New engine installed

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New front end painted.

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Ridiculously clean interior.

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Here's the truck.

The old guy swapped the original 20" LTZ wheels for the base wheel's and tires. Thinks it rode better lol. Oh well.

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Hope you enjoy the pics, sorry for the lengthy response!

where did you purchase your LC9???