Are all 5.3 vortec's same size?? (1 Viewer)

[Penjak]

Sort of silly title but where's what I mean. I was exploring any and all ( still am ) options for the build of my 73. I even looked in to a new EFI crate motor from Edelbrock but that didn't play out like i thought.

Looking at one of the popular engine swap options. The 5.3, even the 4.8 and possibly even the 6.0( although i'll probably never go that deep in to the horse power pool)

So back to the 5.3. I'm trying to get something with the least amount of miles as possible. I may have a lead on very low mileage and very new motor. It is out of a 2015 Silverado. Looking at the pics of a 2015 silverado vs some later year models, the 2015 " looks " like it occupies more space under the hood. Is it just the pics that are playing tricks on me or will i have to be creative and cram everything to make it all fit?

 

[White Stripe]

The newer LS motors get a bit more complicated. I would go with a older one or at least do some research b4 making a decision on what year range to go for. All LS motors are the same size v8 externally. I don't know if I would worry about mileage much. How many miles a year are you going to be driving? I would just find a good runner, but new seals and gaskets on it, and call it a day.

 

[reddingcruiser]

The 5.3 LS-series engines fit just fine. The only significant issue is with the exhaust, use block hugger headers. You can use the OEM Corvette exhaust manifolds but things get a little tight on the steering (if you have a Saginaw box up front).

You'll need to sort out the computer issues. I highly recommend you send the computer out and have it reprogrammed to delete everything except what is required to run the motor (i.e. door sensors, seatbelt sensors, etc.).

My LM7/4L60e Build

 

[workingdog]

The plastic on top has been getting bigger, but the engine under hasn't changed in side. The 2015 is a much more sophisticated thing - electronically - than the 2005 I have.

 

[Penjak]

White Stripe - I plan on it being a daily driver.

Reddingcruiser - thanks for the info and pic, I checked out your link to your build

Workingdog - not that I'm doing a swap for efficiency, but the 2015 gets a few more mpg over older 5.3's. So I know the " much more sophisticated " aspect will have its advantages but just as long as they outweigh the disadvantages or create too many challenges.

I also have my eyes on a low mileage motor from 2005/6. Again, I'm not doing this for mpg's but it would be cheaper to fill up my tank, or at least each tank would last longer if I went with the 2015 edition. But, the initial purchase will be much cheaper if I go with the 2005. Being that I only work about 15 miles from home, it would take me quite a few trips to the gas station to recover difference in cost.

 

[SW20]

White Stripe - I plan on it being a daily driver.

Reddingcruiser - thanks for the info and pic, I checked out your link to your build

Workingdog - not that I'm doing a swap for efficiency, but the 2015 gets a few more mpg over older 5.3's. So I know the " much more sophisticated " aspect will have its advantages but just as long as they outweigh the disadvantages or create too many challenges.

I also have my eyes on a low mileage motor from 2005/6. Again, I'm not doing this for mpg's but it would be cheaper to fill up my tank, or at least each tank would last longer if I went with the 2015 edition. But, the initial purchase will be much cheaper if I go with the 2005. Being that I only work about 15 miles from home, it would take me quite a few trips to the gas station to recover difference in cost.

Get the newer 5.3, much better engine in smoothness, mpg's, torque, and power. I used one for my Nova. Got the engine from a wrecking yard in Fontana CA for cheap, and I will never go back to the older chevy engines.

 

[workingdog]

I wasn't against the 2015, if I was getting one now, I'd go as new as I can. The heads are so much better and the computer so much more sophisticated.

 

[pjohnson]

If I recall correctly, some of the sophistication comes from drive by wire throttle which has its own controller/computer.

 

[workingdog]

The DBW throttle was there long before, my 2005 5.3 came with DBW. I love it - mostly - it's free cruise control. Yes, that has it's own box - or did in 2005.