Can I swap a 5.3 for a new 6.0

DEEZRACING · October 10, 2004

I have a 99 4x4 Chevy extended cab with the 5.3 in it. I pull a toyhauler wighing about 8000 lbs fully loaded. I have regeared my truck and now have 456 gears in it but its still a dog when towing up steep hills. I have an 8 inch lift and Im running 35 inch tires as wells which obviously doesn't help my towing at all. I have heard the 6.0 has a lot more torch and is a great motor for towing. I was wondering what it woudl take to to a swap from my 5.3 to a 6.0. Would I have to change to computer and what elese would be intailed in the swap? Is this even feasable? Any info would help..Thanks.

zippy · October 13, 2004

it is a direct swap for the most part. programming would need to be done, but other than that there isn't much you're going to have change. i'd recomend a mild cam and valve spring swap with some larger injectors for a bit more upper end power and a bit more low end torque with the right selection.

PewterC3 · October 13, 2004

just add a little hotter cam, bore, and stroke your 5.3. You'd wind up with more hp/tq then the stock 6.0. Be sure to upgrade the tranny with 4L65-E or aftermarket components.