5.3 6.0 8.1??? To many options

[Thuddy]

Ok guys Have a 77 K20 currently has a 400 SBC and a 700R4 Wanting to do an engine swap now. Have been contemplating doing either a 6.0 or an 8.1. When all of a sudden I happen on a complete 2000 Chevy has been wrecked, only it has a 5.3 in it, also has 160k miles on it. But would have everything i would need for the swap. Keep in mind my dad drove this truck off the lot in 77 so #1 I want it to be done right and fun to drive when finished. I can trade one of my AR 15's even for this truck. So not a huge expense on my part. Would you keep looking? Would you do a larger displacement LS? Wouldn't mind being able to put the horse trailer on it everynow and then when we ride close to the house, but no long hauls that's what the Duramax is for. I know this is a long and involved post but maybe you guys can help me out.

[Mr. 250r]

i would go with the 6.0 since they're not much more expensive than the 5.3 and you get the 4.00 bore i would never use the 8.1 but thats me and besides you have a duramax that makes the 8.1 useless =-0 *here comes the big block guys*

[ghettoluxury]

I have had both and the 6.0 is a power house, but I am currently swapping a 5.3 into my 73 step side. After buying a 2000 standard cab short bed Z71, I knew that it would be plenty of power for my stepper. I haul a car trailer with the Z71 regularly and it does just fine.

Since you are able to get a complete truck as I did go for it. You will have everything needed and plenty of extra parts to sell to make up some of the cost. I would trade my AR for another complete wrecked truck with a 5.3 any day of the week. You are never going to see 20 mpg out of a 6.0 but a 5.3 will and you can still have fun while doing it.

[Thuddy]

Thanks for the responses, my biggest concern with the 5.3 is the miles at 160k... And after driving a built transmission tuned Duramax I just don't want to get in my k20 and it be a dog, just want to be able to have fun, and enjoy plus I seem to have big problem with speed.
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[Oilbrnr]

At 160. given the amount of effort it would take to do the swap anyway, I'd go through it.

I've got a 6.0 and the DMax. Pretty much apples to oranges, though much of that has to do with the transmissions and mama GM's torque management. The Denali is quick, but depends on higher RPM to get the job done, and I don't particularly like it. If your K20 was a manual, I'd say 8.1

[ghettoluxury]

My 2000 is running strong at 205,000. The 5.3 going in the 73 has 170,000 just going to clean her up and do the transplant.