Well, it's not really the size of the engine to be concerned about for me. A 5.3 is a 5.3 size wise regardless of year.. you could put a 8.1L in there if you wanted, they all fit.. it's the sensors and plugs, ecu that change.. for example 07 5.3 have the knock sensors on the outside of the block, older models have them on the inside in the lifter valley.. Same with transmission plug, gm used several different ones, even different ones in the same year model..

I know you said it would be a "newer" engine, BUT same could still apply, year to year changes could trip you up, if you aren't careful. 07 started the AFM, I think. In 10 or 12, or so the added VVT to the mix as well.

After looking for the same as you, I discovered it would be easier, faster, cheaper to just go back in whith the same as I took out.. the hassle of wiring, ecu, tcm, sensors, etc just isn't worth it for very little gains..

THE LH6, is the current ls1 of the 90s.. all aluminum, lightweight power house. And easily cost twice as much as the iron blocks.. if you decide to toss it let me know, I'll haul I off for you... Your signature, your truck is the same as mine...07 1500 4x4, Z71 quad cab... how many miles you have on it?

 

Engines and transmissions don't just fall apart. Do you have any idea what the problem is with what you have? Why wouldn't you try to fix it, if all you want to do is replace it with the same thing without knowing why?


Here's how you sound to me: The light bulbs in my kitchen are starting to dim, I'm going to call an electrician tomorrow and see about rewiring my house with the same wire. I see Home Depot carries all different kinds of wire. What kind of wire can I use?

 

The hassle of going to a more modern 5.3 engine simply is NOT worth it. Can it be done? Absolutely. But why?

I'd get your present engine rebuilt only if the rest of the truck has a solid body, no rust. Around here, that would be maybe $3000 if the supply chain had the parts in stock.

Rick

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

Im going to echo an above statement and question what the definition of "falling apart" is. Other than AFM failure which is a known issue at high mileage for engines of that era, the Gen III & IV LS engines are nowhere near end of life at 180K. The 4L60E may need some servicing depending on how badly its been abused, but when cared for even its good for 300K.

The beauty of the GM is the interchangeability of everything. With minimal work, any engine or transmission of the era can be swapped in, but there will be some nuances, like harness plugs and locations as trixxter explains above. Also potentially driveshaft length if you swap to a 4L80E. If its a 4wd, then that further complicates a trans swap and requires crossmembers to be moved and front driveshafts to be lengthened. I can guarantee that whatever problems you are having, none dictate the need for a swap, unless of course you are just looking for the excuse to swap in something bigger/better for fun.

 

I believe the LH6 is one of the few “Gen 4” motors that kept the 24x crank. Could be wrong but you will certainly need to know. Good luck

 

Hey. This is a little different but plays into what you are doing. I have a 2001 SS Camaro and I swapped out the LS1 for an LS7. Here’s some things that you need to keep in mind. To do my swap we took the crank out and swapped the 58 tooth reluctor wheel for a 24 to work with my computer. I had to buy several extension harnesses to relocate the knock sensors and crank sensor. I think I even had to change the fuel injector wiring some. During my research I found that when you use the Lingenfelter 58-24 converter box, you can sometimes get stranded on the side of the road. So, you have two easy choices. Rebuild your stock engine or find a 6.0 of the current year and use it. If you rebuild your stock engine you have many updates choices. You will be limited on head size due to the bore diameter. You can have Texas Speed resleave your block and run a stroker kit and you can get some serious power. Or you can just rebuild what you have and get another 200,000 miles. Good luck.

 

Would love to have an LS7, Would mount it on the wall and take pictures of it

 

Cuz it’s art

 

That’s funny. Here are a couple of pictures to choose from. When I was go to put it my 1970 Camaro I was going to use the tunnel ram. To get it to fit the 01 SS I went with a Mamo ported MSD Atomic intake. Cheers.