It's about time for a 6.0

[ScottyBoy]

I have wanted a 6.0 for a few years now, ever since I first got my Bleackbear tune back in 2010 and I was bitten by the "mo powa" bug. But it's all been hopes and dreams mostly since I'm a poor broke sumbitch who never has any extra money available for mods. Well... Now my stock 5.3 is getting a bad lifter tap. Some days it a lot worse and sounds almost like a knock. But it usually goes away after about 5 minutes or so of letting the engine warm up and getting things moving. I really don't wanna rebuild a 5.3, so it's time to start searching for a lq4 or lq9 engine. I am also learning more and more about the performance upgrades available. I know I can get long tubes and a cam, and update my tune, but I am clueless on what cam to go with. You ask a thousand people and they will all suggest 1,000 different cams. So the search begins and the parts aquiring process begins. I'm hoping to find a GOOD condition low mile 6.0, or else a good core that I can have rebuilt. I do plan on doing a MILD cam and LT headers, but I really don't wanna do a stall or swap to a 4L80 transmission (not yet at least). I plan on doing a really mild street build as this is my daily driver and family hauler. I still take it on road trips at least twice a year, so I need to keep that in mind when selecting a cam I guess.
Wish me luck!!

 

[07Burb]

I'm in for this! Please keep this thread updated as you acquire parts and commence with the build

 

[ScottyBoy]

I'm still in the research stage, doing my homework. But it's definitely gonna happen. I have $3500 set aside to get started. I feel like I will easily blow that budget, but I will try to not go overboard too much. My first order of business is to locate a suitable donor engine where I won't have to drive 6 hours to pick it up, or pay a fortune to have it shipped.

 

[07Burb]

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if you end up in the $5k range but still well worth it in that range IMO Especially if you like your Burb and plan to keep it. Cheaper than buying something new

 

[ezdaar]

LQ9 short block and L92 top end.
Toss in a decent cam and your very close to or over 500.

Done and done.

 

[01TX_Tahoe]

Interesting thread... Since my original motor is coming up on 200k miles, I've been thinking about getting a 6.0L also but like Scottyboy, I'm on a budget too. And with one kid in college, one in highschool and a teenage daughter, I'm really broke and my budget is really tight! Be interesting to see how much you pick one up for.

 

[Tahoewhat]

That sucks Scott, but at least your going bigger with it. Waiting for mine to start doing anything so I can slap in 6.0 or 6.2 or 7.0 (ha ha)

going to sub to this for sure, keep us in the loop.

LQ9 short block and L92 top end.
Toss in a decent cam and your very close to or over 500.

Done and done.

Eh.. this man may be on to someting here, but not sure..

 

[JKmotorsports]

Awesome. Good luck on the build. Keep searching and you'll eventually come across a good deal on a motor. I picked up a LQ9 from an Escalade for $1300 and only 34k miles. An elderly couple owned it and it was regularly taken in for scheduled maintenance, and when I tore the motor down for inspection, you could tell they weren't lying; almost looked like a new engine inside. Anyway, you can keep the 6.0 swap under $4k even with basic add-ons like headers, cam, tune, etc. and if you perform all your own labor. But it will add up quick if want more power and if you have to pay someone to do some of the work for you. My 6.0 build totaled out to just under $10k and that's with no labor cost since I did all the work myself. Also keep in mind, the more power you add, the more you'll have to spend beefing up the rest of the drivetrain. Don't make it so aggressive and the drivetrain will last a little longer than if you were to stay somewhat mild. I'm on transmission #4, 3rd set of gears, 2nd set of axles, and 2nd posi-unit. Lots of weight + big wheels + gobs of hp/tq = broken parts. Just another thing to keep in mind while you're planning out your build and budget. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[07Burb]

He's Alive!!! Happy to see you post and happy you still have the Hoe, Jeff

 

[Pachanga02]

In for this. Good luck with it Scott.