Swap TBI big block for 6.0?

[Zeus33rd]

Specifically a '93 454 from a 'Burb for a 6.0 from an Escalde.

The 6.0's can be found fairly cheap on ebay and I could sell the bb for a good chunk of change too. I can handle the swap myself. I'd most likely get a custom harness and get some kind of performance tune for the ecu. I've never driven a 6.0 truck, but the specs pass up the big block in everyway and the 7-9mpg I get now is killer. Not looking at the 8.1 for a couple reasons, the mileage and because they're a bit more expensive and harder to find.

What would you do?

 

[AJMBLAZER]

6.0l.

 

[max 02]

cummins

 

[Zeus33rd]

12v plans are there, just further down the road...1-2 years. In the mean time, I want to drive the thing more than once every couple weeks. 7mpg makes that difficult. If I can get more power and use less fuel for less than a couple grand with a 6.0, I'm gonna do that till I can find a good cummins donor truck.

 

[max 02]

IDK The 6.0 is a good motor but not to sure on the mileage if it`s gonna go into your 3+3. Could you buy a second vehical to drive that is cheep on fuel untill you can get to the 12v swap?

 

[Zeus33rd]

I already have a daily driver...'04 Nissan Frontier.

If I can get more power, less fuel and better throttle response with a 6.0 over a 454, why wouldn't I do that? That is of course the reason for making this post...to find out if all that is really true.

 

[COCHEV]

A good question might be, would you be getting much better mileage while towing with the 6.0? That might be an equalizer or even deal killer if you factor in the time and cost of the swap and all the wiring bs. Just a thought.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Not to mention you're going to spend thousands on the swap...lots of gas money or potential funds for the Cummins.

 

[Zeus33rd]

My truck is not a tow rig...9+" of lift and 39" Michelins would make towing an ass ache. I'm also not worried about money so much...

I pretty much just want to hear everyones opinions on the TBI 454 vs. 6.0. What I want to use my truck for and cost issues I can figure out myself.

Maybe I should go sign up at an LS motor forum... hmmmm

 

[Keitha]

It would not be too hard to find a truck with the 6.0l to "test drive". Look for one at a dealer or used car lot. The Escalade has the LQ9 motor while the trucks had the LQ4. The LQ9 has a bit more power but the LQ4 can be more easily found and for less money.
I have been thinking about swaping one into my Suburban. Currently I have a decent 383, but get 10 - 12 MPG. The 6.0l should give better milage, more power, and be more reliable.
I say go for it and I will follow your progress. If I was close to you I would offer to help.

Good Luck!

 

[MTBLAZER89]

It would have to be better. My TBI 454 is nothing to brag about in my Crew Cab. It really doesn't tow well at all. It gets horid mileage loaded or unloaded.

I can't think of a downside to the swap.

I tow with the Tundra with the 5.7 in it now when I can, and its night and day. I have no doubt that the 6.0 even in the big heavy Crew Cab will be awesome!

The new Chevys that come with the 6.0 aren't light rigs either and from everybody I know they make great power too.

 

[79bonanza]

if you get the torque managment turned off on a newer truck they are tire shreading put you in the back of your seat rowdy machines. 6.0L swap is where its at man

 

[sweetk30]

ya but i hear if you turn that off on a auto tranny setup you will eat the tranny.

 

[sweetk30]

here is a good combo. and mabye not to far from you i dont know. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-0-...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

6.0 and 4l80e tranny. and easy to fit on 205 tcase.

 

[scottsdale86]

I would think you need to raise your price point of the swap from a couple of thousand to like 3-4 grand once it is all said and done and you have it dyno tuned and running well. It seems like most who do these swaps get nickled and dimed to death and that is what brings up the cost.

 

[Zeus33rd]

I was refering to less than $2k for the engine alone.....

 

[scottsdale86]

That is then totally plausible. Here in california you can see some go for around $1500 in low mileage form.

 

[desertrat67]

I loved the 6.0 in my 05 2500HD. It was a short box extended cab. Mileage in town was 13-14 and around 16 on the highway. pulled like crazy with the NVG4500 behind it and 4.10s with those little 245 tires under it. I really want one of those engines for my Suburban.

 

[79rustyk10]

I can understand wanting the improvements the 6.0 will give you, but why do it if you plan on a 12v swap in 2 years?

 

[coloradoblazers]

I vote LQ9. My dad has one in his Caddy EXT, and it is awesome on power, and gets better mileage than the LQ4. I have been looking for one to swap into my K5, and they can be found for under $1500. In stock form, his ext beats my 8.1 Avy in everything but heavy towing...