Going from 4.8 or 5.3 to 6.0 down the road

[Nitis]

I am still contemplating what to do for my engine still being weighed heavily is an LS swap but budget is a concern and let's face it 4.8s are cheaper

It should be all means do what I want but takers just think ahead

Let's say the 4.8 gives out on me or I just decide down the road I need more umph. Could I just swap in a long block 6.0? What else would be involved? A new tune?

[BR3W CITY]

Mainly the tune, but that also includes things like fueling-requirements (which may or may not change, depends completely on the "level" to which the swap is taken). If you go stock-for-stock, then its mainly the tune.

If you go from a stock 4.8 to a big-cammed 6.0, then you have the other stuff associated with the mod to worry about.

[Nitis]

So for sake of argument let's say stock out and stock back in

Swap long blocks then have it tuned?

Of course by the time I have to worry about this there will be something way cooler and better.

From what I gather 6.0s are commanding primo pricing around $2k. 4.8s can be had for under $1k

[boostedc10]

Old out, new in then tune. Nothing more to it than that!

[littlevictories]

spend the extra dinero to go with the 4l80e over the 4l60e. I wish I had.

[Nitis]

For now I'm staying with my th350 it's almost brand new

It will take me too long to save the money to do a tranny too I don't want the rig out of service too long

[Daaaanz67]

Just down the road from you I'll help any way I can. You've seen my truck.

[Nitis]

Sounds good dan

How about we start with donations! Haha. You know I'll be knocking on your door again

[Daaaanz67]

No prob going to be helping with an LS in a 63 down the road also.

[IIGW]

Originally Posted by Nitis

LS swap but budget is a concern and let's face it 4.8s are cheaper

Originally Posted by Nitis

For now I'm staying with my th350 it's almost brand new

4.8 and 5.3 with aftermarket parts make almost identical power. I’d buy a 4.8 over a 5.3 if you are on a budget. 6.0s aren’t worth the extra money to me.
Also for the price and hassle of the swap (think labor) put a turbo on that 4.8 and you’ll be loving the 700 reliable hp..
There are plenty of how-tos all over the net, the cost and hard to find 6.0 just isn’t worth it.
Go 4.8/5.3
Also 4l60 is a 700r4. I know you’re going for budget right now, but your truck will be so much more fun with OD.
All my 2 pennies..

[Nitis]

Yes I will one day go with an overdrive. But it's not a just have at this time. Where I live and for how the truck will be used 96% of the time there will be no need for an overdrive

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by IIGW

I’d buy a 4.8 over a 5.3 if you are on a budget. 6.0s aren’t worth the extra money to me.
Also for the price and hassle of the swap (think labor) put a turbo on that 4.8 and you’ll be loving the 700 reliable hp..
There are plenty of how-tos all over the net, the cost and hard to find 6.0 just isn’t worth it.
Go 4.8/5.3
Also 4l60 is a 700r4. I know you’re going for budget right now, but your truck will be so much more fun with OD.
All my 2 pennies..

While I applaud the optimism, a simple setup turbo 4.8 won't make close to 700hp, and there isn't a setup that will make 700hp reliably on that motor...as 700hp is pushing stock block limits on any GenIII.

The 4.8 and 5.3 are still great engines, but the 6.0 base is still a better place to start. I notice very few people with 6.0 swaps saying "shoulda gone with a 5.3"...but I have heard plenty of 4.8 owners say "shoulda gone with the lq4".
fwiw