The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-08-2008, 01:39 PM   #1
Rigo's 70 C10
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 106
5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Hello,
I am going to remove the 283 that is in my 1970 and i want to put in a 5.3 or a 6.0L engine. Can you get decent HP out of a 5.3? Also, are either of these a hastle to install in my 70? Will they even fit? I have the option of a 5.3 or a 6.0, both drive by wire out of a 2007 suv. If i go with the 5.3 can i install a 4l80e on it, or are those transmissions only for the 6.0? I have read some 5.7LS1 threads, but i dont know if they apply to my build. Lots of questions, i know, thanks.
Rigo

Anybody from Roswell, NM? Trying to find like intrests in my area?
Rigo's 70 C10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 02:03 PM   #2
Ackattack
Senior Member
 
Ackattack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

You should install either Several companies make adapters to install these engines. I made my own....not tough at all.

The 6.0L will be able to make more power, but not that much more really. Both are good, capable engines. The 5.3L are usually A LOT cheaper though, but if you can get a good deal on the 6.0L, go for it.

The 5.3L can be bored out to 5.7L and accept stock LS1 pistons too. I did a little research, and according to some of the newer truck guys the 5.3L can make around 370RWHP with all the goodies naturally aspirated. The 6.0L can make over 450RWHP. Both will stand up to boost or nitrous too.

The 4L80E will fit behind either engine. It's easiest to use the harness for the 4L80E though (the harness is the same as far as the engine is concerned, but different for the tranny).

Last edited by Ackattack; 08-08-2008 at 02:05 PM.
Ackattack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 03:09 PM   #3
Rigo's 70 C10
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 106
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

I just spent the last hour reading your build thread and its awesome! I am going to stay on top of your build.

Thanks
Rigo's 70 C10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 03:38 PM   #4
Sicmaro
Always wrenching!!
 
Sicmaro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 301
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

i did the 5.3 in mine. all stock i put down 221 rwhp on the dyno and 285 tq. it runs great, i have my camaro to go fast!!

check the link in my thread.....
__________________
71 C-10 5.3L/4L60E
72 Camaro LS6/4L60E
06 Duramax
19 RZR XP4 turbo Dynamix
56 Belair 5.3/4L60E swap in progress
Sicmaro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 04:25 PM   #5
steelhorse
Senior Member
 
steelhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Franklinton NC
Posts: 1,309
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Go with the 6.0.The is no replacement for displacement.
steelhorse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 05:38 PM   #6
DirtyLarry
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
 
DirtyLarry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Quote:
Originally Posted by steelhorse View Post
The is no replacement for displacement.
Exactly! Go with an 8.1L!

You can't beat the stock HP and torque from an uncorked 8.1L running on the proper emissions free calibrations. Plus they are a direct replacement for any small block (or big block) and will accommodate any year of big block header or exhaust manifold.

The hard part is finding an 8.1L
DirtyLarry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 06:41 PM   #7
Pl4yboy
Freeeeee Mason...
 
Pl4yboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: McAlester, Oklahoma
Posts: 320
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Quote:
Originally Posted by DirtyLarry View Post
Exactly! Go with an 8.1L!

You can't beat the stock HP and torque from an uncorked 8.1L running on the proper emissions free calibrations. Plus they are a direct replacement for any small block (or big block) and will accommodate any year of big block header or exhaust manifold.

The hard part is finding an 8.1L
And also, they make absolutely ZERO aftermarket parts for them. If I'm not mistaken, the 4.8/5.3/6.0 are all the same block design. You can bore the 5.3 to a 6.0 if you'd like. Either way, I know people making 375+ to the ground with 5.3s and 475+ to the ground on 6.0s, before spray. Go with the 6.0 if you are wanting the power... you won't regret it.
__________________
Daily Driver
-2007 Chevy
-Dark Blue Metallic
-Regular Cab
-4.8 V8
-4x4

Ongoing, Never Ending, PITA, Love of my Life
-69 Chevy C/10, Camper Special
-350/TH400
-Loudest System on the Board
Pl4yboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 06:50 PM   #8
DirtyLarry
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
 
DirtyLarry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pl4yboy View Post
And also, they make absolutely ZERO aftermarket parts for them. If I'm not mistaken, the 4.8/5.3/6.0 are all the same block design. You can bore the 5.3 to a 6.0 if you'd like. Either way, I know people making 375+ to the ground with 5.3s and 475+ to the ground on 6.0s, before spray. Go with the 6.0 if you are wanting the power... you won't regret it.
You don’t need aftermarket parts for a stock engine that makes over 400 HP and close to 500 lb ft of torque when properly programmed. Actually, there are a small amount of aftermarket parts if the stock HP isn't enough to suit yoru fancy but they are pricey.

I just finished this swap and would put it up against any stock 5.3L or 6.0L. Even mowing through the gears with a HD truck manual transmission I can attest it is much quicker than my bored and whored 396 in my 68' GMC.
DirtyLarry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 06:55 PM   #9
70rs/ss
Registered User
 
70rs/ss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Northern AZ
Posts: 7,271
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Quote:
Originally Posted by DirtyLarry View Post
You don’t need aftermarket parts for a stock engine that makes over 400 HP and close to 500 lb ft of torque when properly programmed. Actually, there are a small amount of aftermarket parts if the stock HP isn't enough to suit yoru fancy but they are pricey.

I just finished this swap and would put it up against any stock 5.3L or 6.0L. Even mowing through the gears with a HD truck manual transmission I can attest it is much quicker than my bored and whored 396 in my 68' GMC.


Picts!! I saw an 8.1 spill its guts due to some forced induction, but I'd guess in rock stock they ought to run like a scalded dog!! They are out there and not too much interest in them as they are :gas hogs" so?
70rs/ss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 04:47 PM   #10
Jerry Jones
Happy Camper
 
Jerry Jones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Northern California
Posts: 8,408
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

No substitute for cubic inches (except cubic dollars)
__________________
RIP El Jay! Love you brother!
Jerry Jones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 05:19 PM   #11
Hart_Rod
*************
 
Hart_Rod's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 17,835
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

I've got 5.3's in both of my projects (69 Suburban & 67 4 Door CrewCab). As stated above the 5.3's are cheaper. The only donwside other than cost that I've heard about the 6.0's is fuel mileage (and that may not be a concern for you). There are alot of different ways to go with the install and it will require $$$$ and time. If you want to spend less money it will take more time and vice versa. Either way it is not as cheap and easy as throwing a stock motor in there. Do lots of research and come up with the best combination (time/money) for you. The way I chose was not the cheapest, but at this point in my life, time is more valuable. If you have any specific questions let me know. Here's a picture of my 69 SuperBurb and the CrewCab, .
Attached Images
   

Last edited by Hart_Rod; 08-08-2008 at 05:32 PM.
Hart_Rod is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 08:03 PM   #12
andresco50
Registered User
 
andresco50's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lakeworth, Fl
Posts: 633
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

That engines are LS1 and you can install a 4l60e or the 4l80, I have a 5.3 on my 2001 sylvy y love the power
__________________
2001 silverado 2wd
2003 silverado 4wd
1975 scottsdale c10 (project)
andresco50 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2008, 11:14 PM   #13
shifty
Questionable
 
shifty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 13,376
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

i doesn't matter. get whatever is cheapest, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, they're all going to BLOW AWAY your 283 and get great gas mileage.
__________________
If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link)

I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.
shifty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2008, 01:07 AM   #14
Sinisterspeed
Registered User
 
Sinisterspeed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Gales Creek, Oregon
Posts: 619
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Well, I never done a swap with one of these motors. I have the 6.0 in my 01 crew. Its an ok motor. It sucks gas like no tomorrow. I have a couple friends that have the 8.1 in the same truck. They get 1 MPG better city and Hwy with the same set up I have. Now my Dad went out and bought a 06 1500 4x4 Crew with a 5.3 it also has 35" tires and stock gears. It gets 4-5 MPG better then my truck and feels like it has more power. Last time we went camping he was pulling approx 6500-7500 lbs and I was pulling 9k lbs. I figured I would run away from him on the mountain with 4.10 gears and the 6.0. It didn't happen. He was right behind me the whole way up the 6% grade.

IMHO 8.1 if your going to tow often then the 5.3 if your going to tow once in awhile or not at all.
__________________
There are two kinds of people, those who finish what they start and so on.


70 GMC Longhorn (A.K.A Money Bucket)
57 Chev 3100
05 Chevy LLY Dmax.
67 Chevy Camaro

Dad's Budget Build 55

My Longhorn Build
Sinisterspeed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2008, 04:18 AM   #15
sameyrasmea72
Senior Member
 
sameyrasmea72's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Posts: 2,443
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinisterspeed View Post
Well, I never done a swap with one of these motors. I have the 6.0 in my 01 crew. Its an ok motor. It sucks gas like no tomorrow. I have a couple friends that have the 8.1 in the same truck. They get 1 MPG better city and Hwy with the same set up I have. Now my Dad went out and bought a 06 1500 4x4 Crew with a 5.3 it also has 35" tires and stock gears. It gets 4-5 MPG better then my truck and feels like it has more power. Last time we went camping he was pulling approx 6500-7500 lbs and I was pulling 9k lbs. I figured I would run away from him on the mountain with 4.10 gears and the 6.0. It didn't happen. He was right behind me the whole way up the 6% grade.

IMHO 8.1 if your going to tow often then the 5.3 if your going to tow once in awhile or not at all.

WOW! I am just the opposite. I love my new 6.0, and I would never have another 5.3. I get 17-19 MPG Highway and my dad has never gotten over 18 with his 5.3. I just drug home a 68 BB GMC on My heavy trailer nd the 6.0 never broke a stride, while the 5.3 sometimes goes into 2nd with an empty trailer going over an overpass. My truck is a 1/2 ton/3.73 Iguess with the 4.10 yours must be at least a 3/4 ton. I have heard from a lot of people that the 6.0 gets horrible MPG, but I can live with 17-19 anyday.
__________________
72 Cheyenne Super
80 Silverado Blazer 2wd
sameyrasmea72 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2008, 12:14 AM   #16
Sinisterspeed
Registered User
 
Sinisterspeed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Gales Creek, Oregon
Posts: 619
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Quote:
Originally Posted by sameyrasmea72 View Post
WOW! I am just the opposite. I love my new 6.0, and I would never have another 5.3. I get 17-19 MPG Highway and my dad has never gotten over 18 with his 5.3. I just drug home a 68 BB GMC on My heavy trailer nd the 6.0 never broke a stride, while the 5.3 sometimes goes into 2nd with an empty trailer going over an overpass. My truck is a 1/2 ton/3.73 Iguess with the 4.10 yours must be at least a 3/4 ton. I have heard from a lot of people that the 6.0 gets horrible MPG, but I can live with 17-19 anyday.
Your right. I thought I put that in there. But, looking back at it I didn't. Mine is a 2001 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E 4.10 gear and 35" toyo tire.

When I had 33" tires on it. I got 13.8 tops on the highway. I didn't think that was to bad for a big truck.
But, when I went to the 35" tires. I don't even want to know. I used to be able to go 4 days on a tank ($85) at the time. Now with the 35's I got about 2.5 days at $107 a tank (at the new and improved gas prices ). Needless to say I don't drive it back and forth to work anymore. BTW its 37mi each way if you want to do the math.
__________________
There are two kinds of people, those who finish what they start and so on.


70 GMC Longhorn (A.K.A Money Bucket)
57 Chev 3100
05 Chevy LLY Dmax.
67 Chevy Camaro

Dad's Budget Build 55

My Longhorn Build
Sinisterspeed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2008, 05:38 PM   #17
N2TRUX
Happy to be here
 
N2TRUX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

6.0+heads,cam,long tubes=500HP. Need I say more?
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com

Articles-

"Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab

"Elwood" the77_Remix

85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

"Refining Sierra"
N2TRUX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2008, 06:39 PM   #18
TyJ
Registered User
 
TyJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Posts: 61
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

I put a 6.0 in my Burb and what HartRod said is correct, gas mileage is not THAT great, still way better than my stock 350, and the Burb is heavy, but I probably could have squeaked an extra 2-4 mpg with a 5.3, and with tuning I bet the power wouldn't be that different, maybe torque while towing or under acceleration
but I might opt for 5.3 I guess is what I'm saying?
__________________
72 K20 Suburban 6.0L, 4L80, 4Wheel Disc Brakes, Hydroboost, In a Million Pieces(edit) A little closer to done
TyJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2008, 11:15 AM   #19
billyjo
Junior Member
 
billyjo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 95
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

I agree also, the 6.0 mileage isn't that great. If I had it to do over I would've done all the same mods I have to a 5.3 because I think I probly would've gotten better mileage.

I know that I have read and heard great stories about mileage. I have a company truck that is a 2001 1/2 ton extended cab 2wd with a 5.3 and it gets about 15. With the 6.0 in my K/5 I get about 13.

Bill
__________________


1972 K/5 4x4, Radixed LS1 6.0, 428HP/445TQ, Lingenfelter GT2-3 cam, WCCH 90mm J-Tube, LS2 90mm TB, Stainless Works Headers, NV4500, 4.56 gears, Detroit Lockers, 14 bolt FF, Dana 60, 4 wheel disk Hydro Brakes, dual electric fans, Autometer guages, 4" lift, Zero Rates, Weld Evo Velocity XT8 wheels, 35x12.5x17 Super Swamper SSR's.....
http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i1...tos/?start=all
billyjo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2008, 03:53 PM   #20
Rigo's 70 C10
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 106
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Guys,
As always, you have given great advise! I am currently waitin go hear on prices for a 5.3 or 6.0. Borardmember 70 RS/SS pointed me in this direction and i am waiting to hear what the prices are going to be. I have to say though, I am probably going to go with the 6.0. I would hate to spend all that time and money to find out that i want more (stock)power (i cant spray it 24/7). Also, I have to PM Nate from Porterbuilt. I need to know if i can use one of these engines with his dropmember set-up. I hope i can. His stuff is off the hook! Guys, i will be starting my project soon and will be on here often. I know i can count on you guys to give great advice and play devils advocate on every and all issues of my build. Thanks for all your honest responses.
L8R,
RC
Rigo's 70 C10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2008, 08:16 PM   #21
jkade
Senior Member
 
jkade's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: AL
Posts: 2,519
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

pretty good thread here
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=233302

Sold this one back in the winter, it had a 4.8 that I made a 5.7 using ls1 internals. Lets just say it was a hand full from take off

Last edited by jkade; 08-11-2008 at 08:17 PM.
jkade is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2008, 12:55 AM   #22
DirtyLarry
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
 
DirtyLarry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Before the MEFI-4 engine controller fine tuning. The 8.1L sounds rather strange through exhaust compared to older big blocks due to the 8.1L (and other Gen III small block engines) having an untraditional Chevrolet engine firing order (the poor audio doesn't help either). I need a new video now that the calibrations are more dialed in but need a camera man do to so!


DirtyLarry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2008, 01:58 AM   #23
texanidiot25
Eat My Rust
 
texanidiot25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cypress, Texas
Posts: 3,362
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

Or lets get really wild: 7L, 427ci, 505hp, 490 ftlb, 6000+ RPM, LS7

Nice sounding truck Dirty Larry
texanidiot25 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2008, 09:31 AM   #24
jorgensensc
Registered User
 
jorgensensc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cypress, Tx
Posts: 4,005
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

I don't know guys. The trailblazer has the 6.0 and we get around 13-14 mpg. I think it would be a little better in a lighter (less than 6k lb) truck. It scoots the Trailblazer along pretty quick, I couldn't imagine the speed in a swb truck weighing in around 3800lb. I think i would spend the extra money on the 6.0 if you are really after power. If you are wanting mpg I would get the 5.3 just because it would be cheaper initial purchase and the gas would be cheaper also. Just my opinion though.
Shawn
__________________
1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty
'56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration

-What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?-

-I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door-

R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE
jorgensensc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2008, 12:48 AM   #25
boostat4500
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 346
Re: 5.3 or 6.0 in my 1970?

I'll chime in on the gas mileage thing just for reference. My last tank was about 60% highway at about 70-75mph. I got about 13.5 mpg. This is with the 6.0L, 38x15.50 tires, and 5.13 gears in a heavy ass Suburban. I gained about 2 mpg with the 5.13's vs 4.10's that I used to have. I would highly recomend the 6.0 over the 5.3, so much more potential for cheap.
__________________
1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc.
boostat4500 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:38 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com