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Need info on 5.3/6.0 swap

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77crewcab

1/2 ton status
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Hi all, it has been a while since I have been on here but here is the deal I have bought an 89 Suburban 2WD that is in great shape minus engine and tranny. I am looking at putting in either a 5.3 or 6.0 LSx engine. I haven't driven a newer burb with either of these engine just pickups and I am wondering how the power and mileage be in the larger burb. Any one with experience please chime in. Also need some help deciding which engine. Mileage is kinda a factor since I would hope to get at least the same as a 350/700 combo if not more. This will be a daily driver, vacation cruiser with occaisional light towing 5K or less. Thanks in advance!
 
Iv been looking into this swap aswell for the furture.

This is what iv found.
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/brandpages/chevy/131_0406_6_0_liter_gm_engine_swap/
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http://www.gentechengines.com/accessories/index.html
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http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/brandpages/chevy/131_0205_project_excursion_killer_part_1/
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http://www.gmcopo.com/engineswap.htm

Iv Seen on ebay, they sell them with about 15K miles with the 4l80E transmission and all the wiring set up for plug and play for about $2500. I remember reading someplace, that the factory powersteering will work with the 6L.

Hope this helps.
 
I don't have any concerns on the actual swap process. I think it should be pretty easy just don't have enough info on how each engine would work in a suburban to decide which to do.
 
Either engine would work fine. The 5.3 would be good for economy and the 6.0 for power. Both are excellent engines. Also, both have the same stroke, the difference in displacement is from the bore size.
 
I'm thinking that the 5.3 may be the best choice for what I need. Any other input from others that have done this swap?
 
On a quick hijack note, Does anyone know of a company that sells a sortof turn key wire harness? Like if i fond a good 6.0 but with no wiring or computer.
 
what size tires u running? if its bone stock 5.3. i would personally say that the 6.0 would be the better choice. much better for towing. i swapped my tbi 350 for a 400 bored 30 over and put my tbi on the 406, i got 14 miles to the gallon with that comb and i have a 8" lift with 35's towing the boat! not enough motor is gona be worse on fuel consumption. just my 2 cents
 
Its an all stock 2wd 235/75/15 I think. Wont be doing a lot of towing just 5-6 times a year, mainly just want a good daily driver that is decent on gas mileage 15-20 is fine it is a truck after all.
 
even with one of those engines, I wouldn't expect 15-20. You are still propelling a brick through the air... Just becuase they get that kind of mileage in a 02 pickup, doesn't really mean the situation will be the same in an old burb.

Diesel is the better option.
 
Sorry on the mileage I just meant an average in that range. I don't really expect 20mpg in a gas engine burb. The old 86 I have can get about 15 with a q-jet so figured that a 5.3 should be able to do about the same.
 
The previous owner of my 89 claimed he got 17mpg highway a couple of times. I was never able to make the truck do that. It was a 350TBI with a SM465 and 3.73 gears in 3/4 ton 4x4 axles. I did replace the engine right after I got the truck, and the cam in the new engine wasn't the most TBI friendly so that may have played a roll in my lack of great mileage.
 
Used to get about 20 mpg with the 92 ext cab shortbox -- 350 TBI / 4l60. I'd be surprised if a 5.3L didn't get 20 mpg highway mileage if it was in a light little 2wd that was geared properly
 
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