5.3 VS 6.0 in 81 Trans Am, which is better?
12-30-2011, 08:39 AM
#1
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5.3 VS 6.0 in 81 Trans Am, which is better? What would you guys recommend for my 81 T/A, the 5.3 or 6.0 truck LS engine? For now the engine will remain stock outside of the intake & oilpan swap. I am purchasing a 4L60E Transmission. Also, what intake & oil pan would you recommend?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
12-30-2011, 09:38 AM
#4
Very few people ever wanted a smaller engine. That being said, I've done both, a 6.0 in a 68 corvette and 5.3 in a 72 442.
If you're building a track car or you just like the power, definitely go with the 6.0.
When I built the 5.3 442 it was a budget build as a daily driver. The 5.3s are about half the upfront cost of a 6.0 and will get a little better gas milage.
The 5.3s powered 5000lb SUVs so they're not weak motors. I'm really happy with both cars.
If you're building a track car or you just like the power, definitely go with the 6.0.
When I built the 5.3 442 it was a budget build as a daily driver. The 5.3s are about half the upfront cost of a 6.0 and will get a little better gas milage.
The 5.3s powered 5000lb SUVs so they're not weak motors. I'm really happy with both cars.
12-30-2011, 10:00 AM
#5
81TtopTA
6.0L if you can find one within your budget. I agree with Miles, Try to find a LY6. They are the replacement LQ4 with L92 (LS3 w/heavier valves) heads. When I was looking for a LQ4 a few years back, I found a few low milage LY6s CHEAPER than high milage LQ4s.
You will want to run 1" set-back swap plates with '98-02 F-body oilpan. You will probably need to use SBC holes in the subframe though.
6.0L if you can find one within your budget. I agree with Miles, Try to find a LY6. They are the replacement LQ4 with L92 (LS3 w/heavier valves) heads. When I was looking for a LQ4 a few years back, I found a few low milage LY6s CHEAPER than high milage LQ4s.
You will want to run 1" set-back swap plates with '98-02 F-body oilpan. You will probably need to use SBC holes in the subframe though.
12-30-2011, 11:22 AM
#6
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More cubes = more torque = more power...bigger IS better in this case 
I'll be doing a LY6 clone swap (LQ4 with LS3 heads) into my 68. (still gathering parts)
I'll be doing a LY6 clone swap (LQ4 with LS3 heads) into my 68. (still gathering parts)
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12-30-2011, 01:25 PM
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The car had a 403 Olds with 455 heads & headers. The car still has 2.5" Pypes X-pipe exhaust system on it. What would you guys recommend if i go with a 6.0 engine....headers? (If so, what brand?) stock manifolds? I would like to use existing exhaust.
12-30-2011, 02:56 PM
#11
I would always recommend header over stock manifolds. LS engines make great gains with free flowing exhaust. engine location will dictate header shape, so i would recommend going with a company that offers a kit with mounts and headers built for your application. It would probably be cheaper to fab your own stuff, if u have the skill set and tools to do so, but less headache to go the kit route. Even then u will have to fab and think alot of things out, but life will be alot easier. just my .02.
12-30-2011, 09:36 PM
#13
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run what u can find a deal in 6.0 or 5.3 either or both are great engines, so what if u run a 5.3 they make power adders, but if your lookin to make some big N/A power down the road then bigger is better lol
12-31-2011, 04:41 PM
#14
Kevin ( just a guess...same username on TAC)
I'd go with the 6.0!
From what I have heard and researched...a truck engine intake will not fit under the hood without mods. That being said, if you change the intake, you also must then change all the accessory brackets. Some where I read about someone fitting the truck intake under a camaro hood without any mods, it was on another forum (nastyz28?). I mention this only because it will add $$ to your swap. My 78 has BRP engine mounts, headman longtubes and the LH8 oil pan ( hummer h3).. but the pan hangs too low and I will be changing it to the 99 fbody one. I was ready to do the LS swap my 1980 TA until I found my 78 already done...I couldn't be happier!
If this Kevin..I am about 1.5 hours north of you ( painted post NY) if you ever want to check my car out.
Here is a real informative link....
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...de-1500-a.html
Leon
I'd go with the 6.0!
From what I have heard and researched...a truck engine intake will not fit under the hood without mods. That being said, if you change the intake, you also must then change all the accessory brackets. Some where I read about someone fitting the truck intake under a camaro hood without any mods, it was on another forum (nastyz28?). I mention this only because it will add $$ to your swap. My 78 has BRP engine mounts, headman longtubes and the LH8 oil pan ( hummer h3).. but the pan hangs too low and I will be changing it to the 99 fbody one. I was ready to do the LS swap my 1980 TA until I found my 78 already done...I couldn't be happier!
If this Kevin..I am about 1.5 hours north of you ( painted post NY) if you ever want to check my car out.
Here is a real informative link....
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...de-1500-a.html
Leon
Last edited by reedld; 12-31-2011 at 05:20 PM.
12-31-2011, 05:54 PM
#15
TECH Fanatic
I got a 6.0 in my 81TTA, with a Turbo. Love the power of the 6.0, but If I knew the 5.3 can handle boost with less upgrades needed, I would have went with the 5.3. However I have a 5.3 on the engine stand in case I want to swap. Also the truck intake fits with no problem, except for that little valve on the top of the intake.
12-31-2011, 07:37 PM
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01-01-2012, 12:05 AM
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The f-body pan fits perfect the H3 pan sits down a little bit. You can still use it but I think you'll have almost 2" hanging down. Th Holley GM LS retro pan is also a good choice but it's not cheap
Last edited by Rick Speed; 01-01-2012 at 12:25 PM.
