1500 5.3L questions

I apologise if this is redonant however,

I have recently gotten a summit and jegs mag and I have some questions.

Do I have a 4 or 6 bolt main? ( I don't know that is why I am asking, and it will help if you could tell me the engine code? Is this in the LS engine family or not and if not then which?)

If I am not mistaken I have a 327 engine producing 285 ftlbs of torque, now I have decided not to spend a lot of money on this truck but I want to know what do I need to do to get 350hp that is not too expensive?

What type of fuel consumption should I get out of this engine? (it says VORTEC on the intake manifold and are the pro's/ con's about this Vortec engine?) from my house to work every day round trip is about 106 miles maybe 88 depending.

I have recently gotten a message to change the oil on my dasboard. How many miles does it take after an oil change for this to appear and are there any resets because I don't think I've reached 3000 miles as of yet?
I am using castol synthetic oil in this truck but I was told that it may consume it more than mineral oil, is there some truth to this.

I am a gas turbine technician and I want to know everything there is about this engine so I am sorry if you already know these things and this thread is a bit boring to you.

Finally I suspect that the previous owner did not do any upgrades, however I think this may be the guy that did on the nascar track edition of truck. It had ( cause I removed it ) a red chevy emblem on the tailgate with flags on it.. the exhaust does not sound like any I've heard but appears to be stock. (Dale Earnhart is the guy ) So I am wondering if there was some sort of special edition and if so do I have that model.

oh. before I go
When I am driving normal and high rate of speed ( this truck gets to 70 really fast and before you know it. ) there is not any issues but when I put it into reverse it shift pretty hard I think and wanted to know if this is normal? It does have the 2hi, 4hi and 4lo options but I am always in 2hi. I did change the xmission fluid and filter and shifting doesn't seem to have any problems under normal driving conditions just when going from drive to reverse.

2000 silverado z71

I apologise if this is redonant however,

I have recently gotten a summit and jegs mag and I have some questions.

Do I have a 4 or 6 bolt main? ( I don't know that is why I am asking, and it will help if you could tell me the engine code? Is this in the LS engine family or not and if not then which?)

If I am not mistaken I have a 327 engine producing 285 ftlbs of torque, now I have decided not to spend a lot of money on this truck but I want to know what do I need to do to get 350hp that is not too expensive?

What type of fuel consumption should I get out of this engine? (it says VORTEC on the intake manifold and are the pro's/ con's about this Vortec engine?) from my house to work every day round trip is about 106 miles maybe 88 depending.

I have recently gotten a message to change the oil on my dasboard. How many miles does it take after an oil change for this to appear and are there any resets because I don't think I've reached 3000 miles as of yet?
I am using castol synthetic oil in this truck but I was told that it may consume it more than mineral oil, is there some truth to this.

I am a gas turbine technician and I want to know everything there is about this engine so I am sorry if you already know these things and this thread is a bit boring to you.

Finally I suspect that the previous owner did not do any upgrades, however I think this may be the guy that did on the nascar track edition of truck. It had ( cause I removed it ) a red chevy emblem on the tailgate with flags on it.. the exhaust does not sound like any I've heard but appears to be stock. (Dale Earnhart is the guy ) So I am wondering if there was some sort of special edition and if so do I have that model.

oh. before I go
When I am driving normal and high rate of speed ( this truck gets to 70 really fast and before you know it. ) there is not any issues but when I put it into reverse it shift pretty hard I think and wanted to know if this is normal? It does have the 2hi, 4hi and 4lo options but I am always in 2hi. I did change the xmission fluid and filter and shifting doesn't seem to have any problems under normal driving conditions just when going from drive to reverse.

your engine is 85% a 5.3L vortec engine. this engine does not respond well to any engine control/exhaust tinkering ...this engine is also very picky on plugs ...basicly do not screw with any engine componets with aftermarket B/S claims of power / MPG ...

never use 4WD in ANY position on solid dry pavement..doing so will destroy your drive train..always use tires of the same wear and size.


the oil change reminder comes on at 3000-5000miles. this is TOTALLY about how the computer determines the engine has been operated..this is not in anyway an indicator that your synthetic oil needs changing..to reset the oil change LIGHT turn key to ignition on rapidly depress the gas pedal to the floor 3X then start engine ..the light will flash and will not return till another 3,000-5,000mi...

with synthetic I replace oil every 8,ooomi others replace 12-15,ooo mi. the oil filter needs replacing every 5,ooomi..

this engine likes synthetic , my engine does not use more than 1/2QT in the 8,ooomi.. I do not recommend dino oil in this engine..
5-30wt is the correct oil ..

the OEM exhaust on your vehicle is the BEST ..

spend money on replacing the upstream O2 sensors...PCV and keep air filter replaced..

I'll second the comments about OEM exhausts. I just replaced a really loud and annoying 'custom' exhaust on mine (that was installed in place of the spare tire, how stupid is that?) with an OEM muffler and single tailpipe, and can't tell a bit of difference in the power/performance.

But it sure is nice being able to hear myself think while going down the highway! :iceslolan

Thanks jCat for the info on oil and the light!

btw, what does "85% a 5.3L vortec" mean? I thought that was what it was (well, also an LS1 with truck intake manifold).

btw, what does "85% a 5.3L vortec" mean? I thought that was what it was (well, also an LS1 with truck intake manifold).

that is 2000 silverado year 85% produced had the 5.3L vortec engine .