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6.0L vs. 5.3L

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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:05 PM
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Default 6.0L vs. 5.3L

Thanks for the add!
Looking at doing an LS swap in a 64 C10 I'm building and just looking for some input from those with more experience in the LS world. I have found a couple motors one being a 2005 5.3L LM7 130K w/ harness, ecm and acc. $450 and a 2001 6.0L LQ4 155K w/harness, ecm, and acc. $600 Not looking to build a big HP motor or anything, I just want a good running, sounding and decent gas mileage getting motor. The idea is if I want to hop in this thing and drive it to Indy or PA from Cols, Oh for a swap meet, it won't break me doing so. I know the 6.0L won't get as good of mpg, but is the HP and torque gain worth it in you opinion. Is there any differences mechanically between a 2001 and 2005 motor that I need to consider, whether that is 5.3 or 6.0. Whats your thoughts?
Thanks!
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:08 PM
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You want to keep this n/a I'm assuming?
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:12 PM
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2001 would I believe be a cable throttle body 2005 will be drive by wire.
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:17 PM
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I'll keep it pretty stock. The most I was thinking of doing is a mild cam, but the odds of it getting dropped in stock are much greater.

What year did they change to DBW?
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:20 PM
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In this case I'd do the 6.0 without question
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:22 PM
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Any particular reason why? What kind of mpg difference is there?
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:28 PM
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People say the 6.0 is a gas hog but I wonder how much of that is the 4L80E and 14bolt axle usually found behind it.
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:30 PM
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Not sure about the mpg difference, but personally I wouldn't care much if it's just a weekend toy kind of ride. The reason I'd choose the 6.0 is because the extra cubes are going to create much better torque and horsepower...especially considering that you're just doing a mild n/a build
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:36 PM
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To be honest, it seems like a lot of guys are throwing 5.3L in all these trucks and I was wanting to be just a little different with this truck. More power is always good. Not that I will be doing burnouts with the price of these tires, but when I step on it I want it to get out of it's own way. I have 22" transit rims and overall height is approx. 26"
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 96capricemgr
People say the 6.0 is a gas hog but I wonder how much of that is the 4L80E and 14bolt axle usually found behind it.
im averaging 12.2 mpg in my 5.3 going easy on it, it sucks. lol
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 08:22 PM
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I have a 2005 Sierra Z71 crewcab 5.3l as the winter driver with a short commute and am getting 13. In summer or when I had a longer commute that could come up to 16-17.
Older trucks are smaller and a lot lighter.
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 08:37 PM
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A lot has to do with 4Wd vs 2WD. I get 12-13 in my 04 suburban Z71, but I've seen standard 04's get 16. Both 5.3's.

Caprice, your comment about the trans is spot on. 4L80 isn't exactly known for its minimal power drain and efficient transmission of power
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 09:29 PM
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Great info, thanks guys! Look forward to coming here for much more info!
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 09:29 PM
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Whats your thoughts on the prices I listed?
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Old Jan 10, 2016 | 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
In this case I'd do the 6.0 without question


I think I would also...it will be a little easier to do the cable throttle and the extra power will be nice. That being said...I run both, both swapped.


I run a 6.0/4l80e in this 86 C-30 dually...











I went from 6-8 mpg with a 7.4L/SM465 to 12-18 mpg with the new LS combo. It feels like I doubled the power, and torque is as good or better.

(EDIT: I run a Dana 70 HD with 3.55 gears in this thing.)


I run a 5.3L/4l60e in my 1972 Chevelle wagon...







This thing gets 19-24 mpg all day long on the road...with 3.73 gears. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.


I guess what I'm saying is, you wont be disappointed whichever route you go.

Last edited by CattleAc; Jan 10, 2016 at 10:43 PM. Reason: Added details
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 06:09 AM
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Try a google search comparing the two, this has been beaten to death and they'll be enough info. then you'll ever care to read.
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by applegateiv
Thanks for the add!
Looking at doing an LS swap in a 64 C10 I'm building and just looking for some input from those with more experience in the LS world. I have found a couple motors one being a 2005 5.3L LM7 130K w/ harness, ecm and acc. $450 and a 2001 6.0L LQ4 155K w/harness, ecm, and acc. $600 Not looking to build a big HP motor or anything, I just want a good running, sounding and decent gas mileage getting motor. The idea is if I want to hop in this thing and drive it to Indy or PA from Cols, Oh for a swap meet, it won't break me doing so. I know the 6.0L won't get as good of mpg, but is the HP and torque gain worth it in you opinion. Is there any differences mechanically between a 2001 and 2005 motor that I need to consider, whether that is 5.3 or 6.0. Whats your thoughts?
Thanks!
Are you saying with or mean with out ? cause if you mean "with harness, ecm and acc" id buy both of them for those prices.. please where did you find these at.. buy one of them before you tell me lol .. haha

No really though i want one of them.. thanks peace

Last edited by the404man; Jan 11, 2016 at 09:32 AM.
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 12:08 PM
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I too would go the 6.0 route, especially since you plan on staying NA and not going too crazy with things.
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 12:56 PM
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You probably can't go wrong with either one, but since you have the choice of either 100% complete with basically the same mileage, it would make sense to step up to the 6.0L for the $150 more. Throw some cheap 243 heads on for a nice 10:1 and pick a good cam and let 'er rip.
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by the404man
cause if you mean "with harness, ecm and acc" id buy both of them for those prices.. buy one of them before you tell me lol .. haha


I'm with 404man on this one also...I was going to mention that in my first post...if you can swing it, get them both...there's no way you'll lose money on either one when you get ready to sell the one you don't want...
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