New engine/transmission options - what to pick?

[TheFuzz]

A person I know is doing a auto parts deal and he's moving a bunch of brand new GM crate engines. He's keeping a few of them and said that he wouldn't mind grabbing one for the Yukon for me (he drives all GM vehicles so this works out well for him...new engines for all of his rides, lol).

I don't know what EXACTLY is available, but they are all GM truck engines circa 2004 and older, still in the box. So, here are my questions:

1. Should I just get a new 5.3L and 4L60E and call it good?

2. If available, will a 4L65E bolt up to a 5.3L vortec? Should I opt for that transmission if it's available since it's a little more heavy duty?

3. How hard would it be to drop a 6.0 into my truck? What transmisssion would I need? What wiring harness and all of that? Motor mounts?

Now I know that a bunch of you are going to jump in and say that I should cam it and put headers on and all that jazz since I'll have it out of the truck - but I'm broke. I don't have the coin to do that right now. I'm just going to be happy with the new engine for the time being. I have a BB tune so I'm probably going to need Justin to re-tune for the new motor and trans - especially if I can get a 4L65E. Thats really the route I think I want to go...new 5.3 with a 4L65E if thats possible. Any other options I should consider?

 

[TheFuzz]

Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?

Alright, I'm just going with a 5.3 and new trans. From what I've read, the 4L65E will bolt up in place of the 4L60E without any mods. Can someone just verify that for me? Is there anything different that I would need?

 

[TheFuzz]

Ok so I'm reading a little more into this over at performancetrucks.net, and it seems as though the 6.0 LQ4 engines are dimensionally identical to the 5.3 LM7s. I'm thinking that I'll go with the 6.0 and a 4L65E trans. Can anybody tell me whether or not the PCM and wiring harness and all of that jazz would swap over, too?

 

[WickedGoat]

The 6.0 wil drop right in. The motor mounts should be the same, but they are not expensive if you have to get new ones. Wiring harness should be the same, if not really close. I am almost positive the computers will be different because of the programming but you should consider calling a tuner to verify that. All in all, it will be a straight forward swap, but you may have to spend a little coin to get her done.

 

[tahoebigah]

The 6.0 and 4l65e is all plug and play with your old setup. All you need to do is get your computer retuned for a 6.0 . Also even though you no I think you should put in a mild cam while you have it out.

 

[TheFuzz]

Haha yeah I knew someone would have to mention it...and hell, there isn't anything wrong with my current setup, it's only got 106.5K on the clock and still runs strong and shifts great thanks to Justin's tune...so I can hang onto the new block and trans until something craps out, then do the swap.

Thats kinda why I've decided to pursue the LQ4 and 4L65E, if I can get those at no cost (which is friggin AMAZING if it actually pans out), then theres no reason why I shouldn't save up the loot to get a mild cam and a few other N/A goodies. I haven't really looked into the cam that much yet, but does anyone have any recommendations for some solid power while retaining a good amount of daily driveability/reliability?

 

[blueflamed03]

6.0 and 65e...

 

[road1will]

theres no reason to not do a 6.0