mdemco

I am watching for an aluminum 5.3l for a rock crawler swap.

In regards to the L33 and LH6 is one desirable over the other?

A cam swap and LS6 intake is a must and I understand the necessity of swapping out the DOD crap on the LH6. I guess the question is for the additional expense of swapping all of the DOD out, is the LH6's updates to the block, wrist pins etc. worth the added hassle of the DOD, or should I stick with a L33?

Bo185

The L33 is more desirable. Its a Gen III. The LH6 is a Gen IV with active fuel management. So you have to pull the heads to switch the AFM (DOD) lifters out. SO extra cost. But it should be a three bolt cam gear on it so you can reuse the cam gear with the gear for front cam sensor.

The L33 has floating pistons as well and has the 799/243 heads with flat tops. The LH6 has the same heads and flat tops. But it will need to have the oil pan changed as it has a front sump. The LH6 also has the larger 87mm TB intake.

mdemco

I did not mention I will buy a Kevko pan regardless, I did not realize the pickup was different.

Is there a rule of thumb the Gen III is more desirable? Getting harder to find low mileage L33's.

Bo185

Its easier to to a 4l60/80e auto trans as it has a PCM which will do both with out having a TCM just for the trans.

The plus on the Gen IV is it LS3 or L92 ready so if you want to upgrade later it's pretty much bolt in vs having to re-harness the L33.

mdemco

I did neglect to mention I will likely run a TH400 trans. I want a short drive train and do not have much use for overdrive.