my 5.3 went south. so, im looking at a crate motor. seen a 400hp ls1 on gm performance webpage. can i put that in my 2002 tahoe? would it be plug and play or would it be more work then really need be. i mean i could just goto my dealer andget a replace motor, but i was looking at alittle more zip.
LS1 crate motor question
- Thread starter IowaTahoe
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Zed 71
Full Access Member
Put the 6.0L in it. Ask the guys in the NBS section, there have been quite a few swaps done. IMO I would also upgrade/rebuild the tranny to handle the extra twist.
Zed 71
Full Access Member
In your post you indicated a little more zip (~400 hp). The LQ9 6.0L will provide enough power, is a relatively easy swap (offered in 2500 series), connects directly with existing tranny, use existing ECU, little modification, etc. You also stated plug and play.
How much are you really willing to spend? How much modifications are you willing to have done and how long can you be without this ride? There are also supporting mods to the tranny with more power. Do you have 4WD? If so other things will need to be considered.
How much are you really willing to spend? How much modifications are you willing to have done and how long can you be without this ride? There are also supporting mods to the tranny with more power. Do you have 4WD? If so other things will need to be considered.
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iwaslowr
ɹǝqɯǝɯ ɹoıuǝs
I think he was suggesting the 6.0 because it is a popular swap and from what I understand is very close to the "plug-n-play" ease that you are looking for... since the GM truck engine platform is very similar for the 4.8 to 6.2 engines. The LS1 may require some additional effort due to likely having lower torque/a different torque curve because of the intake manifold, cam, heads, compression ratio, etc. being intended for a significantly lighter vehicle such as the Camaro, etc. Keep in mind that the 6.0 and 6.2 truck engines have close to, if not more, HP than your 400HP goal in stock form... along with the torque curve intended for our SUV's. Someone with much more knowledge than I can chime in to provide additional insight.... JKMotorsports did the 6.0 swap. Depending on how salvagable your 5.3 is you may be able to get away with rebuilding it stronger than it was in stock form while also modifying it to exceed the 400HP you are after (all for less money than any full engine swap).
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Well I was looking at prices, and someone is offering a 400hp LS1 for $5300 and my dealer wants $5800 for a new long block, $7600 for a 6.2. So I figured I ask about the LS1, if its 400hp and its cheaper then a stock replacement, it's worth asking. If the better route is to go a 6.0 or 6.2 then I'll look at that.
I have seen 6.2 longblocks for as little as 4500 I think on ebay. Your accessories should swap over but I am not 100% sure. I would go that route because the 6.2 is a beast compaired to the 5.3.
Zed 71
Full Access Member
The price difference between the LS1 and 5.3 you stated above are pretty close but you will need more effort to swap in the LS1 and which will be a lot (unless you are doing most of it yourself). Ask the NBS on this forum and GM Fullsize guys.
Keep us updated on your build and good luck. At least this build will get done because you need a new engine. All the other engine build/swap threads just died.
Keep us updated on your build and good luck. At least this build will get done because you need a new engine. All the other engine build/swap threads just died.
blueflamed03
Supporting Member
6.0's can be had with low miles for about $1800, and plug and play...............
good lord! If you are going to drop that kind of cash into an engine, go to performancetrucks.net and pick yourself up an LQ9 longblock and throw a set of L92 heads on it for $2K. Spend the rest on a transmission.
