Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

I have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe Z71 4x4 with the stock 5.3L
What would I need to do to put a 6.0L into?
I already have the Diablo tuner I use on it, but I feel I just need a bit more power.
Its not that its bad or horrible. I am just thinking a 6.0 has more torque and would not need to downshift so much when pulling hills or when I have 3500# trailer behind it.

Am I crazy for thinking this will improve my power needs or ???
Is it simply changing out the long-block or is there more to it?

I will then use the 5.3L out of my Tahoe in my 1968 Chevy Shortbox project

Thanks for your input...
.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

What gear ratio does your Tahoe have? 3.42 would be my assumption.

You should look into 4.10 gears. I had an 05 Tahoe with the 5.3 and 4.10's that thing never cared what was behind it. I also had a custom PCM tune in it.

Just a thought.

I would suggest you send your PCM off to have it programmed for the 6.0 vs the Diablo. And possibly check into having some better guts put in your 4L60, it would probably be the next weakest link.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

It has 3.73 I believe, plus its a 4x4 so changing out gears would be expensive.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

It would be about the same as swapping your engine to a 6.0

You can tell by the RPO code in the glove box what ratio it has.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

I will have to consider that I guess.
I have access to a 6.0L for around $1000.00
What all needs to be changed for me to use the 6.0L in place of the 5.3L ?

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

You will need a flex plate spacer ( it most likely would already be on the 6.0 ) other than that, its going to wire exactly the same as yours. Just the PCM would need flashed for it to run properly. There are many places you can send your PCM to or I'm sure you can find a dyno shop that would custom tune it for you to.

Just be sure you look at all possible angles, I think there can be more power gained by tweaking what is there vs swapping engines alone.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

I guess my thinking here is...
A friend of mine has a 2003 Suburban with a 6.0L and It is much better to drive powerwise than mine is. The thing I noticed is that the RPM's running down the interstate is about the same on both vehicles and they both have 265/70-17 tires.
So, thinking the 6.0 would be an easy swap.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

What do you suggest I do with the current 5.3L set-up?
Send out the PCM to be reworked?
Other Thoughts?

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

Is his Sub a 3/4ton? if it is, the difference in the 4L80E on the 3/4ton and your 4L60E is going to give you a seat of your pants difference in driving experience. And chances are he has a towing gear ratio. Again, speculation.

I get where you are coming from though.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

If it was me, I would look at swapping axle ratio to a 4.10. Then take it to a dyno shop and have it tuned by a professional. Probably that alone, with no axle ration swap, would get you what you are after. No offense to your diablo its a great product, but its a canned tune. Cookie cuter one fits all. Not all trucks are the same.

I've used both hand held tuners and custom tuned PCM. I prefer what has been done to my trucks with HP tuners.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

yes, 3/4t suburban
I previously had a 2002 4x4 1500HD that had a 6.0L in it also... I loved it for power.
I just feel robbed going down to this Tahoe 5.3L

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

I will have to look for a tuner here in Las Vegas.

Thanks for the great info.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

Its not all the engines fault. There is a lot going on with the 2500 and 1500HD drive lines that are just not there for the Tahoe. Kind of hard to compare really.

The 5.3 can be a stout engine, with the proper set up. I have an 05 5.3/4L60E in my 94 K1500. It has 33" alterain tires and 3.42 gears. It has a great custom tune in it and will pull along side most stock 2500HD 6.0 trucks for hills etc with similar load.

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

Really?
That's the tune I need in my truck...
How would I find this kind of place in Las Vegas?
under what type search? dyno tuning? pcm tuning?
???

Re: Engine swap to 6.0 question...
 

Ya Search using that criteria or call some local hot rod, or speed shop and see what they can tell you.