what motor should i use

[Aaronoregon]

I've come up against this dilemma a couple times now. For me, I say go with the 5.3. Great mileage, great performance when tuned correctly and the 200K is really nothing for them. In a 3500lb truck you will pull low 20's/mpg all day long with the right gearing and will pull strong. As far as the 4L60e, it's plenty strong if you upgrade to "The Beast" Sunshell and a good corvette servo with that light of a truck. The 4L80e's are obviously stronger, but kind of overkill behind a 5.3 and this light of a truck and rob power/add weight. Good luck with your decision.

[Jstock85]

Originally Posted by Aaronoregon

I've come up against this dilemma a couple times now. For me, I say go with the 5.3. Great mileage, great performance when tuned correctly and the 200K is really nothing for them. In a 3500lb truck you will pull low 20's/mpg all day long with the right gearing and will pull strong. As far as the 4L60e, it's plenty strong if you upgrade to "The Beast" Sunshell and a good corvette servo with that light of a truck. The 4L80e's are obviously stronger, but kind of overkill behind a 5.3 and this light of a truck and rob power/add weight. Good luck with your decision.

Aaron when you say "tuned correctly" what do you mean? Reason I ask is I'm in the process of putting a 4.8 vortec into an 85 c10 and I got a full pull with a good price but it also has 200k miles and I know it will eventually need a rebuild. Im just curious if theres something i can do to extend the life of the motor before i have to tear into it.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Jstock85

Aaron when you say "tuned correctly" what do you mean?

Meaning that the ECM programming is properly setup. Stock LS motors see gains 5-15% over stock with pretty much just a tune, and they also gain MPG if the fueling (PE, VE etc) is well done. Stock setups leave power and MPG on the table for mass repeatability and factory safety.