I have begun looking for a 5.3 liter motor to replace the dying 350 on my 1977 Z-28. I am going the 5.3 route (vs LS1 or 6.0) because of cost. Is there a certain model year of pickup, Avalance, Tahoe or Suburban that has a better, higher horsepower motor that I should be looking for in particular? I know the horsepower/TQ ratings did vary some from year to year.

Thanks.

 

to be honest with you man you need a good torque to pull up this car (remmeber the heavy weight you got) , think about it carefully , so go for a engine with both high hp and torque.anyway the 5.3 is not that bad but sure you could find the best.

 

If the 5.3 can pull my 5000 pound Silverado around, with a 3500 pound boat behind it, it should have sufficient torque to move a 3500 pound Camaro. There are modified 5.3s pushing Silverados into the 12s. If your budget demands you go the cheaper route, that motor should work for you. I'm not sure what changed from year to year to make the power differences, I would go with the newest one you can find. Not sure how much help that is, but good luck with your project.

Pat

 

I think they used a different cam in the 99-01's or maybe it was the 99-00, either way look for an 02 and up.

 

They used iron heads in 99 and I think 2000. I am going with a '01 or newer for my truck, because of the aluminum heads.