[ls1nova71]

That is a bummer, but on the bright side, 127k isn't really that bad on miles for a 5.3. I know that's not problem, its the fact that you were lied to, so I feel your pain. What is different on the engine you have from the pic of it in the blue truck?

I saw your other thread on figuring out what year it is, and there are casting dates on a lot of aluminum parts. Under side of valve covers, and throttle body come to mind. There will be a little circle with a number in the center of it, that's the build year. Theyre all pretty close together on an engine. Also the steel baffle that bolts to the inside sump part of the oil pan will have a complete date stamped into it.