Engine lifespan - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mayhem.Evol · 05-06-2010, 05:54 PM

About how many miles would a 5.3 in a 04 last before anything major was to be done? I know there are variables such as how it was maintained, but just a rough estimate would be nice.

Appreciate your time.

clinebarger · 05-06-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mayhem.Evol

About how many miles would a 5.3 in a 04 last before anything major was to be done? I know there are variables such as how it was maintained, but just a rough estimate would be nice.

Appreciate your time.

200,000 is easy even on one thats not maintained very well. Just seviced a 03 with 310,000 miles on it still runs good, Its a fleet truck & gets abused.

torkerjr · 05-07-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mayhem.Evol

About how many miles would a 5.3 in a 04 last before anything major was to be done? I know there are variables such as how it was maintained, but just a rough estimate would be nice.

Appreciate your time.

My 2000 z71 has about 186,000 still runs stong. Has rear main seal leak but thats all.

smoke

**ms2335** · 05-07-2010, 01:06 PM

My 99 wth a 5.3 bought when it had 24000 on it. now has 227000 and have not even change the plugs in it. change oil and filters thats it. still gets 19 mile to the gallon

Gray Ghost · 05-08-2010, 05:44 PM

I really like reading threads like this one...bought my '05 at 95k and now have 125k on it after only 10 months. Hope mine goes to 300k!

**N2TRUX** · 05-08-2010, 11:39 PM

You will probably get 300k from the motor if you change the oil on a regular basis. The transmission, eh...not so much.

JohnC · 05-09-2010, 03:51 PM

I would think 300K would be easily obtainable. Probably by that point you will want something different anyway.

MLong · 09-12-2011, 02:19 PM

Anybody know life span for 4.8L?

usmcchevy · 09-12-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLong

Anybody know life span for 4.8L?

Since a 4.8 is just a destroked 5.3 I have to say the same as a 5.3, maybe a little better...not much.

GASoline71 · 09-12-2011, 06:33 PM

I'm betting any of the newer LS based engines (4.8/5.3/6.0) will run up to the 300,000 mile mark.

Gary

dwcsr · 09-12-2011, 09:06 PM

From my research when I was looking buying and rebuilding my first 4.8 the report I read said miles before a rebuild was designed to be 250,000. So I think you could get 300k to 350k with good maintenance. I took apart my 4.8 at 225k and could see cross hash in the cylinders and the bearings looked good for that kind of miles. The bores were within spec and it just needed a clean up honing.

**truckdude239** · 09-13-2011, 08:47 AM

i just serivce a fleet truck at work the other day with 380k on it still running storng

duwem · 09-23-2011, 12:18 PM

My 99 has 178K on it and still runs like a bat outa he11

**ms2335** · 09-23-2011, 03:25 PM

Got 256,000 on my 99 now and decide I would finally give her a set of plugs. She was still running like a top, but thought I would be nice.

Vintage Windmills · 09-23-2011, 10:31 PM

Man I just bought a set of AC delco iridium plugs for my 01 6.0 with 70,000 on it. Kinda regretting buying them after reading this!

rustyrodknocker · 10-05-2011, 12:09 AM

I just put plugs in my 06 company truck with a 160k 6 litre and they had been ran way to long. Had a slight stumble at idle. Electrodes burnt clear down inside the porceline. Owners manual recommended 75k i think. Anyhow i stumbled in here to see if anybody can tell me where the fuel filter is. Not in the line along the frame like i figured. Im not a a late model guy all. Thanks
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clinebarger · 10-05-2011, 09:59 AM

Its in the tank...built-in with the fuel pump.

rustyrodknocker · 10-05-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinebarger

Its in the tank...built-in with the fuel pump.

yea well in that case, its in good shape. putting in the line probably wouldn't have worked for another 80 years anyway. i guess thats why my personal rigs ar 45 years old. thanks for the info.

Vintage Windmills · 10-05-2011, 11:42 PM

My '01 has it inline.

david068513 · 10-17-2011, 03:15 AM

I put 390k on a 5.3 motor in a crew cab work truck. bought it new with 3 miles on it.

Vintage Windmills · 10-17-2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david068513

I put 390k on a 5.3 motor in a crew cab work truck. bought it new with 3 miles on it.

Nice. I'll keep this in mind when people say they need a diesel because they last longer. The days of huge differences in longevity seem to be gone. Diesels do last longer than gas but if these days you get 300k with a gas, do you need much more longevity? The truck would be pretty tired itself i would think. In the rustbelt, the trucks dissolve within 15years anyways.

david068513 · 10-17-2011, 11:08 AM

Take care of it and it will be fine. That truck still lives and I sold it to someone in town who drives it all the time.
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Dustin07 · 10-19-2011, 12:19 PM

I put 200k on my '99 4.8L silverado and it ran like a CHAMP when I sold it. I recall having to replace:

tranny rebuild (4l60e)
rearend rebuild
fuel pump replace
alternator

and that's all I can think of. plugs 2 times I think.
the FIRST SET OF BRAKES lasted 100,000 miles.

dmarty · 10-19-2011, 09:21 PM

310k on my '99 5.3 and 4l60e. Bought it new and change the fluids often. No major problems yet......

Lee H · 10-21-2011, 08:01 PM

I have 360k on my 92 5.7 Z71. That being said, two Trans, one diff, many water pumps, alts, and starters, and one complete front susp and steering rebuild.
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05-06-2010, 05:54 PM	#1
Mayhem.Evol Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 86	Engine lifespan About how many miles would a 5.3 in a 04 last before anything major was to be done? I know there are variables such as how it was maintained, but just a rough estimate would be nice. Appreciate your time.

05-07-2010, 01:06 PM	#4
ms2335 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: glenmora. la Posts: 290	Re: Engine lifespan My 99 wth a 5.3 bought when it had 24000 on it. now has 227000 and have not even change the plugs in it. change oil and filters thats it. still gets 19 mile to the gallon __________________ 65 Chevy C10 Short Fleet BBW 6.0L/4l80E 68 Chevy C10 SWB 6.0L/4L80E 84 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3/4l60E QA1 Suspension

05-08-2010, 05:44 PM	#5
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Engine lifespan I really like reading threads like this one...bought my '05 at 95k and now have 125k on it after only 10 months. Hope mine goes to 300k! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. Last edited by Gray Ghost; 05-08-2010 at 05:48 PM.

05-08-2010, 11:39 PM	#6
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Engine lifespan You will probably get 300k from the motor if you change the oil on a regular basis. The transmission, eh...not so much. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-09-2010, 03:51 PM	#7
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Engine lifespan I would think 300K would be easily obtainable. Probably by that point you will want something different anyway.

09-12-2011, 02:19 PM	#8
MLong Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 9	Re: Engine lifespan Anybody know life span for 4.8L?

09-12-2011, 09:06 PM	#11
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: Engine lifespan From my research when I was looking buying and rebuilding my first 4.8 the report I read said miles before a rebuild was designed to be 250,000. So I think you could get 300k to 350k with good maintenance. I took apart my 4.8 at 225k and could see cross hash in the cylinders and the bearings looked good for that kind of miles. The bores were within spec and it just needed a clean up honing.

09-13-2011, 08:47 AM	#12
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: Engine lifespan i just serivce a fleet truck at work the other day with 380k on it still running storng __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

09-23-2011, 12:18 PM	#13
duwem Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: WI Posts: 347	Re: Engine lifespan My 99 has 178K on it and still runs like a bat outa he11

09-23-2011, 03:25 PM	#14
ms2335 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: glenmora. la Posts: 290	Re: Engine lifespan Got 256,000 on my 99 now and decide I would finally give her a set of plugs. She was still running like a top, but thought I would be nice. __________________ 65 Chevy C10 Short Fleet BBW 6.0L/4l80E 68 Chevy C10 SWB 6.0L/4L80E 84 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3/4l60E QA1 Suspension

09-23-2011, 10:31 PM	#15
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Engine lifespan Man I just bought a set of AC delco iridium plugs for my 01 6.0 with 70,000 on it. Kinda regretting buying them after reading this! __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

10-05-2011, 12:09 AM	#16
rustyrodknocker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: salem oregon Posts: 414	Re: Engine lifespan I just put plugs in my 06 company truck with a 160k 6 litre and they had been ran way to long. Had a slight stumble at idle. Electrodes burnt clear down inside the porceline. Owners manual recommended 75k i think. Anyhow i stumbled in here to see if anybody can tell me where the fuel filter is. Not in the line along the frame like i figured. Im not a a late model guy all. Thanks Posted via Mobile Device

10-05-2011, 09:59 AM	#17
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: Engine lifespan Its in the tank...built-in with the fuel pump.

10-05-2011, 11:42 PM	#19
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Engine lifespan My '01 has it inline. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

10-17-2011, 03:15 AM	#20
david068513 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 42	Re: Engine lifespan I put 390k on a 5.3 motor in a crew cab work truck. bought it new with 3 miles on it. __________________ 1991 Z28 350 auto 12k orig miles for sale or trade for nice truck! 1992 Z28 350 auto



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10-17-2011, 11:08 AM	#22
david068513 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 42	Re: Engine lifespan Take care of it and it will be fine. That truck still lives and I sold it to someone in town who drives it all the time. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1991 Z28 350 auto 12k orig miles for sale or trade for nice truck! 1992 Z28 350 auto

10-19-2011, 12:19 PM	#23
Dustin07 Stirrer of the Pot Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: washington Posts: 477	Re: Engine lifespan I put 200k on my '99 4.8L silverado and it ran like a CHAMP when I sold it. I recall having to replace: tranny rebuild (4l60e) rearend rebuild fuel pump replace alternator and that's all I can think of. plugs 2 times I think. the FIRST SET OF BRAKES lasted 100,000 miles.

10-19-2011, 09:21 PM	#24
dmarty Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Verona, WI Posts: 97	Re: Engine lifespan 310k on my '99 5.3 and 4l60e. Bought it new and change the fluids often. No major problems yet...... __________________ 72 GMC Sierra Grande SWB 402 BB A/C (Owned it since 1973) 99 Silverado 1500 LT with 315K miles (RIP) 2012 GMC Sierra SLT

10-21-2011, 08:01 PM	#25
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Engine lifespan I have 360k on my 92 5.7 Z71. That being said, two Trans, one diff, many water pumps, alts, and starters, and one complete front susp and steering rebuild. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

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