Going to look at a 5.3 today couple qustions

[MAK191]

Ok, I'm going to look at a 2002 5.3 The engine has about 120k miles. It is a complete engine top to bottom with computer and wiring but missing alternator and starter. couple questions

1. How do I verify this thing is a 5.3 and not a 4.8 is it stamped on the block or do I have to decode a casting number?
2. Any problem areas to look out for?
3. Any additional advice is appreciated?

thanks in advance
Mike

[cletis]

I was talking to a fella today that said the only way to verify is to look at pistons, I am curious to know as well.

[BR3W CITY]

My 6.0 had it stamped on the back of (if i remember) the block.

Check for the standard stuff with any used engine; water or rust in the combustion chamber if its been sitting, condition of the plugs if they are still in will tell you about how it ran in its previous life. Might not hurt to check inside the intake mani (look through the tb and stick a rag in there) to see how much oil has ended up in there. Some LS engines had blowby type problems. They are stout motors tho

[MAK191]

Thanks for the input, I ended up buying it.

The back of the block has 4.8L and 5.3L cast in so that didn't work.
I pulled the plugs and they were all equal light brown and dry.
Oil was clean but I will have to look under the valve covers and oil pan
I looked into the intake and it had a very small amount of oil, Is that normal?

So far so good, I guess I can't go wrong since I ended up getting it for $250

[turbo350]

And here I linger between a couple old 70s vintage small blocks lol. I remember hearing about the piston slap issues with the 5.3s when they first came out. But now there is ample evidence that they are great engines with great hi-po potential. There are many guys running turbo's on basically stock 5.3s and making some big power yet maintaining good street manners and mileage. And in some cases, as it appears in yours, you can get a running complete 5.3 for the same or maybe cheaper than an old sbc or bbc.

[dwcsr]

The only way to tell is
1. run the vin from the pcm if you have it
2. check the piston tops, 4.8 pre 04 are flat tops, pre 04 5.3 were dished, 04 up 5.3 had flat tops
3. check the crank casting number.
Bore is the same on each.

@ $250 its worth the price even if its a 4.8