5.3L replacement vs. rebuild

[Phishin]

I have a 1999 5.3L Silverado. It has about 110,000 miles on it and is running strong. I haven't had any problems with motor or transmission yet. But I know as I approach 200,000 miles, I'm anticipating a large drop in performance and reliability.

What are the pro's and con's of having a shop rebuild the motor and transmission vs. dropping in a new crate engine and/or new transmission?? Is rebuilding THAT much cheaper than new replacements??

If I replace the engine with a new crate, is it fairly easy to convert it to a 6.0L or the 8.1L??

Thanks.
Steve

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by Phishin

I have a 1999 5.3L Silverado. It has about 110,000 miles on it and is running strong. I haven't had any problems with motor or transmission yet. But I know as I approach 200,000 miles, I'm anticipating a large drop in performance and reliability.

What are the pro's and con's of having a shop rebuild the motor and transmission vs. dropping in a new crate engine and/or new transmission?? Is rebuilding THAT much cheaper than new replacements??

If I replace the engine with a new crate, is it fairly easy to convert it to a 6.0L or the 8.1L??

Thanks.
Steve

The 6.0L is probably hands down the easiest conversion you can make. It's a direct swap from a 4.8L or the 5.3L, with all your accessories, including the intake manifold, bolting right up. You will need to get a custom tune to make it all work. As long as its a 01+ model 6.0L, it will even bolt right up to your 4l60e tranny. If you upgrade to the 6.0L, you're going to want to get that tranny beefed up as well. I have done the swap, so if you have any questions at all, feel free to throw them at me.
Almost forgot, it really depends on your budget and what you want the truck to do. The 5.3L is a nice motor, and 110000 miles isn't what I would call alot on these trucks. They will hold up for tons more miles(should anyway).

[frankendart]

I agree with Slowprocess. Under normal circumstances you shouldn't need to worry about a replacement engine for a while.

I just had an engine replaced at the dealer. It was a 5.3, and it was initially replaced with a Remanufactured engine. The replacement engine only ran for a few minutes, when one of th etechs at the Chevy Dealer notices a crack in the block at on of the water jackets. I happened to be there when it happened.

I then thold them to order up a NEW replacement engine for the truck, which they did.

The new Vortec engines are more 'fragile" then the old 350's were, but there is no reason for you not to expect to see 250,000 to 300,000 or more miles out of a 5.3 with only minor repairs. Remember your oil changes evey 3000 miles (no matter what oil you use), and flush your coolant system at least every two years. Take care of the maintenance items and the minor repairs right-a-way, and you shouldn't have any problems.

[jeverett]

I just replaced my engine, but I had to use a junk-yard gem w 55/k on it. I had priced a new engine at the dealer, and they wanted $7K for the engine and install. Screw that, the 55K engine I have is holding up quite well, even with all the hell I've been giving it with my new tune.

[frankendart]

Originally Posted by jeverett

I had priced a new engine at the dealer, and they wanted $7K for the engine and install.

$7000. sounds pretty good to me! I spent nearly $8200.00 when all was said and done. Oh well, it's deductable.

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by frankendart

$7000. sounds pretty good to me! I spent nearly $8200.00 when all was said and done. Oh well, it's deductable.

My whole new setup ran me around $9000, and that included the 6.0L, the built 4l60e, the tune, the bolt ons, cam/heads, all exhaust work, two tahoe wheels, BF drag radials, all my gaskets/bolts, shocks, gears, and pretty much anything in my sig that isn't listed here. I don't know, but $7000-8200 both seem pretty high to me for just an engine and install.

[TwentyPints]

with regular oil changes and maintenance how long do you think my 4.8 will last?

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by TwentyPints

with regular oil changes and maintenance how long do you think my 4.8 will last?

It should easily go over 200,000 miles.

[frankendart]

Originally Posted by Slowprocess

I don't know, but $7000-8200 both seem pretty high to me for just an engine and install.

Yep, but whenever you do anything with th e dealership, it's much more costly than an independent shop, or your own driveway.

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by frankendart

Yep, but whenever you do anything with th e dealership, it's much more costly than an independent shop, or your own driveway.

No doubt, they make their money!

[mentaldetektor]

can you stroke the 4.8 to 6.0 when you rebuild it?

[rrousou]

Be it my truck, I would take it to a performance machine shop shop and get a custom OH there using quality high performance parts. A buddy of mone had his done that way and the new OH'd engine was far superior to the old one in performance and fuel economy. Some computer mods were required but the shop was set up for it. Also guess what..no more piston slap.

[Slowprocess]

If I had the money, I would definately go with a 6.0L punched out to a 408, diamond pistons, etc. Then I would slap on either the ls6 f.a.s.t intake or hold out until people starting selling the stock ls2 intakes.(Performance shops have given me word that the stock ls2 intake flows better than the f.a.s.t). Upgrade to the racetronix 43lb injectors. I would then slap on a turbo kit, a huge intercooler, get a built 4l80e tranny, and a 3600 stall. Top it all off with the bolt ons a custom Ford 9" rear and shoot for low 10s. Just a little out of my budget(at this moment, but stay tuned. )

[Innocent5.3:)]

guy here in omaha, NE has an '03 4wd with a 6.0 liter and a T76 turbo setup and 4L80E. 13psi+75 shot N2O=10.91 1/4. His website is www.turbotruck.net definitly check it out.

[pkspx01]

I have a boat that and trailer included is about 6000pounds. The engine is now at 108K it is a 2000 Silverado 5.3 and it is VERY VERY SLUGGISH towing the boat. Sounds like from this thread I can eaither just rebuild the engine and do some quick power upgrades like a cam or just drope a crate GM 6.0 inside. ? Any help thanks.