highamperage

I have a 2004 Silverado Z71 with the 5.3L engine. It's been an awesome truck, have about 210,000 miles on it now with no issues at all.

I expect I will be needing some engine work eventually here, so I was thinking about purchasing a cheap mid-milage 5.3L rebuilding it on a stand, and eventually swapping it out.. wondering what kind of upgrades you guys would recommend, and what kind of power I can get out of it while still having good drivability and respectable milage when not puttin the pedal to the metal? Since this is a total teardown, I'm open to anything any everything. 400-450HP would be nice... but can it be done and still be a good daily driver?

I appreciate any input! I don't have alot of experience, but I figured this would be a good way to learn since I'm not pulling my engine, I have the time to figure it out!

tarinitup

iTrader: (11)

6.0 swap

david0982

iTrader: (3)

Agree with tarinitup 6.0 swap!

highamperage

I considered that, but the used engine prices seem a lot higher, and the 6.0L engines (from what I heard) get dramatically lower fuel economy for only a marginal performance increase? Is that correct? Or are they more mod-ready? or....

A couple mpg doesn't really matter but from 18 to 10 would matter... I'm open to any info anyone wants to share!

What are your thoughts on the 6.2L?

highamperage

After doing some checking around on this site, I read the 6.0L (from the outside) is basically the same as the 5.3L. Is that correct?

If I did the 6.0 swap, motor mounts, wireing etc would work as installed?

Parke10

iTrader: (5)

everything you have no will work, you would just have to get a custom tune on the computer for the 6.0

tarinitup

iTrader: (11)

What's more important to you power or mpg? Without FI it's harder to get both

LS1FREEK

iTrader: (1)

Yup. A 6.0 and a 5.3 once pulled out and set next to eachother look exactly the same. Only difference between the engines is the 6.0 has better flowing heads and bigger pistons/bore. A stock 01-07 LQ4 6.0 liter engine with bolt ons and a good tune will make about 400 hp, slightly less than a 5.3 with a moderate cam. BUT, the 6.0 will make alot more torque. Considering your truck is a Z71, you can use all the torque you can get. A 6.0 might be more expensive to buy stock but will make about the same power as a modded 5.3. Plus with the 6.0, you can have all that power without losing ANY driveability, and you'll have a great platform to build onto as your need for HP goes up lol. Also, check out my signature, proof that stock 6.0's make alot of power!