Decision 5.3 4l60 or 6.0 4l80

[Jason Banks]

A couple years ago I got a wrecked 2003 Suburban 5.3 DBW 4l60. After selling parts and the rest of the Sub. I ended up with about $600 in the Engine trans, wiring, harness, computer, all accessories. Mileage is approaching 300000 but the transmission has been rebuilt recently. I planned on tearing the engine all the way down and having minor machine work with new bearings and rings. Probably another $1000 in addition to the other parts I have bought for it like cam, lifters, valve springs, timing chain, oil pump, swap oil pan, water pump and some things I'm probably forgetting.

A couple days ago I got carried away at the auction and bought a 2002 Sierra 2500 with a service body with 6.0 DBC 4L80. It's a clean title and runs, drives and looks good, but the steering column is torn up(but I could replace for $75) and the AC seems to have problems, I couldn't tell where the air was blowing out of, seems like blend door or some type of issue inside. It's filthy, the seat is not torn up and the steering wheel is in good shape, but the dash it cracked to hell, ash tray missing and screws holding other parts of the dash together. I have about $2800 in it as it sits and could probably sell a few parts and the rest of the truck after pulling what I want and still have $2400 in it. I'm thinking it could clean up and sell whole for at least $4000, but I'm worried about the AC.

I also have an issue with storage of the whole truck. It's currently sitting outside in a commercial area and I don't have a key to the door locks and the power locks are not working properly. I had to pull the ignition and get a key made to even start it. I'll also have to put one of my other trucks in a very inconvenient spot, where I have to move it everyday to get my work done, while I'm parting it out.

Most of the parts I got for the 5.3 will work on the 6.0 except for the head gaskets, but I"m thinking the 6.0 wouldn't have to be rebuilt as much.

I also already shaved the firewall on my truck I'd put it in and set up for a DBW pedal. So, I'd either have to convert the 6.0 to DBW or try to redo firewall for cable.

I'm not sure I would really care about the added performance of the 6.0 over the 5.3, but I like the idea of the 4L80 over the 4L60. But, the 4L60 seems to rebuild and I'm guessing the 4L80 has 167000 miles

Would I be overpaying at $2400 for 6.0 4L80 with 167000 miles? Other thoughts?

[mongocanfly]

If you could get 4k for the 2500, I'd sell it and put that money in the 5.3 build..I get the 4l80 is stronger than the 4l60, but I would t sweat it..and the LQ4 hp gain over the 5.3 is minimal....
2400 for the 6.0 combo may be a little high..but where you are in the US dictates the prices of these engines..

[jessemthompson]

You need to go with what you want. You say you “think”you dont care about the performance advantage of the 6.0 over the 5.3. That comment leads me to believe you do care about the performance. You have both engines and transmissions already. Use the one you want, otherwise you’ll regret your decision later.

[MDPotter]

Sounds like the 5.3/4L60 is probably a little worn out. The HP gain between the engines is small, but you don't have to worry about the 4L80 going out as it has much fewer miles and is a stronger transmission.

[AZ 67 C10]

$2400 for a 6.0/4l80 with under 200k miles is a good deal around here. Usually a 4l80 is about $1k and a 6.0 is $1500-2500 depending on mileage. I'm against 4l60's, they like to go boom much faster than a 4l80 stock. And.. there's no replacement for displacement!

[Fraud]

If I could get a sub 200,000 mile complete 6.0 4l80 combo within an hours drive of where I am for that money I'd probably be too busy driving there to write this message.

(That said, I'm a bit fussy and would probably reluctantly look a bit harder and pay a bit more for a gen4 motor with lower miles... but not for any sensible reason)

[Jason Banks]

My original plan was to go with the 5.3 and possibly at a later date get a Gen V.

I'm trying to put together list of what parts I can easily sell from the 6.0 truck to see if I can get the cost down some more.

I went ahead and spent another $50 to get the doors re-keyed so I could lock it up and hope it doesn't get stolen.

jesse - I don't think I'm going to gain that much power with the 6.0 over the 5.3, but I kind of do want it.

mdpotter - the 5.3 had definitely not been well cared for, it has a lot of sludge and everything under the valve covers is very dark in color.

az 67 c10 - I'm with you on the 4L60. I have taken the 6.0 truck on a few test drives and the 4L80 seems to be in good shape.

Fraud - I'm trying to come up with a sensible reason to switch my thoughts to the 6.0 4L80. haha

[skyphix]

Up here, I can get a 6.0/4L80E combo as long as I am willing to do a little junkyarding for around $1000. I paid $500 for my perfectly functioning 4L80E with under 10k miles on it (NEW unit from GM, installed right before the Express van broke in half from Rust.)

I am running a 5.3/4L80E combo in my truck. Will eventually swap to a 6.0 most likely, but my truck is more fun ugly daily driver than something practical.

If I were you, I'd go 6.0/4L80E and part out the rest of your utility box truck and the suburban to recoup some money, purely because it doesn't sound like the 5.3 was maintained. I would not use a 4L60E unless I know the rebuilder was very familiar with rebuilding that specific line of modern electronic overdrive GM transmissions.

[MalibuSSwagon]

I feel like you could get more than $400 back from parting that 2500. Service body has to be worth at least $800, rear axle is a full floater? $600. There's guys from the rust belt that make regular trips down south to haul back rust free sheetmetal and frames. Hook up with one of those guys and make a deal for the body panels and frame. Bet you'd be into the drivetrain for under 1k once the dust settles

[Jason Banks]

I do think you are right about more than $400. Scrap value on the catalytic converters is $200-$300. I just cant make it a non roller, or it will be in my way.

I have since discovered the heater core is bypassed(so I assume it leaks) and the air conditioning has some issues, one or more of the actuators are not working. I was looking at parts prices and I'm guessing for less than $100 in parts, I could have that working, but lots of labor in removing the dash.

I was talking to a guy that wanted to buy the whole truck, but the NO AC was a deal killer for him. He did mention that I should have no problem selling the service body. So, I think I'm going to put the body up on craigslist and see what happens. That will definitely make the parting out worth more.

This is a true north Texas truck where you barely get any surface rust on the underbody. So, if anyone knows one of the northern parts guys, let me know.

[MalibuSSwagon]

I was trying to get into it, mostly because I need a fresh bed for my 2500HD. New job means no vacation for awhile. Pretty much search truck bed on any northern craigslist auto parts section and you'll find them .

I forgot about the cats. Get the part numbers off them and check with core recyclers in your area. Somebody with a legit operation will be paying good money for them, and there's four on the truck. 6.0 ones bring the most money as well. Plus see what other cores they will buy from the truck. Stuff like gauge clusters, climate control panels, window switches will bring $20-$40 each. adds up.

[Jason Banks]

I threw the bed up on craigslist and, I was able to sell the bed for $800. So, I guess I'm parting out the 2500hd now.

I'll definitely be cheaper now. $200 or so for the cats, $100 for the rest of the truck, $100 for airbags and a couple other parts. $100 for the hydroboost and i'm down to around $1500 in the 6.0, 4l80e, computer, harness, driveshaft etc...

I feel better about it now.

[clay68c10]

You could keep and use the hydroboost

[mongocanfly]

("You could keep and use the hydroboost")

I would to...you wont regret it..

[gmc684x4]

I would keep the 4l80e sell the 4l60e
Much better tranny

[Old Truck Man]

My 06 siverrado 4 wheel drive3/4 ton has the 6.0 and a Allison 4 speed auto and the towing package. it has plenty of pulling power handles a heavy load with ease. However it uses a lot of fuel. I don't drive it very much because its not the most comfortable ride and we have other vehicles that ride nice and don't guzzle gas.

[prodjay10]

Not dissapointed with the 3rd gen 5.3 and 4l60e.