What are some pros and cons on this engine?

I might be getting a 5.3L out of a 94 Suburban I think it is.

Descent build or waste of time?

 

Who swapped the 5.3 into that '94 Suburban? Because they didn't come that way.
The 5.3 swap is popular, but all the 5.3 info is in the LSx category.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-lsx/

 

I don't know, that's what I was told was in the truck and the man wants a new motor.

I was supposed to be getting the old 5.3 out of it.

 

i would go to see the motor in person first - that year would have had a 305 or 350 in it, as the 5.3's weren't around until 99. If it is a true 5.3 (and the owner's not confused), they can be pretty nice motors, but do require a bit of money and work to get in place. as ronnjonn mentioned, take a look around the LSX section of the board for what's involved.

 

94 suburbans had 350 TBI engines....not 5.3s. It if it is the 350 TBI stay away... 180HP stock, flat tappet cam and not much to do with them.

Now if you can find an LQ4 or LQ9 jump on it....these with a cam can produce 450+HP with no extra work and they have aluminum heads stock. The bottom end has been known to handle 600+ HP on Turbo applications and it will be an iron block.

 

if it's a true ls based 5.3, jump on it! like notalent said, a decent cam and intake and u'll raw insane amount of HP gain, currently doing the swap myself, and i gotta say so far it's so worth it...

 

Ok ok this guys truck is an 04, lol sorry I mis heard him.

But he said it is a 5.3L, 325?

I asked around about the engine and I was told to be careful because some are made strictly for trucks and they have a very tall deck height

(which I thought that all a 5.3 came in was a Cadillac and a Chevy truck)


Would I have to use the 4l60e transmission with the 5.3?

 

5.3's will work in third gens, all u have to do is get an f-body oil pan, f-body acc. drive, and a ls1/ ls6 intake and everything should be fine, (that's what i've been told) but if it's a true 5.3 (323) get it, i was lucky to get my 4.8 for what i got it for... if you do decide to get it pocket has a pretty much walk through thread "ls1 wiring: start to finish" the ls swaps are well worth the time and effort from what i've heard, i'll let you know how i like mine when it's finished

 

Pros, both 5.3 and 4.8 LOVE boost.... Cons, LS parts cost more money....

 

The modern GM 5.3L V8 is 325.1 cubic inches, ( 3.77953 x 3.77953 x 3.62205 x 0.7854 x 8 ) NOT 323, and has been used in Chevy, GMC and Cadillac SUVs, Chevy and GMC pickups and vans.
All of them had the 9.24" decks, none were more than a thousandth taller or shorter.

 

It's an LS1-type engine. Read the LS1 swap sticky, and pay particular attention to the part about using a truck engine in a 3rd gen.

It's not the "deck height" that is different, it's the intake manifold height. And the oil pan sticks way down.

Just read the sticky.

 

Can't wait to get my hands on it!! 8D

OR....

I can always go to IAA, find a wrecked (beyond repair of course) SS 2010 Camaro and pull the engine and transmission out of it. O_o

Thoughts?

 

Not many totalled 5th gen 'maros yet, but the engines will be big $$. The a/t version is the less desirable L99 while the much scarcer m/t version is the Ls3 that everyone thinks they want. Both are 6.2L, but the L99 has AFM and VVT, while the LS3 does without one of those two features.
If you insist on a 6.2, then the L92 truck version is mostly the same as the L99, except the manifolds, oilpan and accessories. It's a bit more common.

 

If you can find one and have the funds i would say go for it. I if you were going that route i would just get a complete drop out from a 4th gen ls1 car for your first swap. The electronics and all that stuff would be much easier to mess with than the 5th gens IMO. plus you would still need the 4th gen oil pan and accys

 

lol it's just so hard to choose.

It would be more convenient to find a 4th gen but I just think that like you said,with some $$$ of course and patience..that 6.2L would look so good under the hood of a Third Gen.

I've actually seen wrecked SS Camaro's at that particular auction but you are right, there aren't many of the V8 series there.

Mainly the V6 models, Which then again I wouldn't mind swapping a 3.6L from that car and into my 92 which is a V6 anyways..and I believe even those push 290-300HP correct me if i'm wrong.

It'd be different..lol

 

not necessarily, shop around LS1 tech, keeps costs down

 

Most people cant tell the difference in a 4.8 or LS7 under the hood. LS3/L99 will be no different

Id advise against the V6. Yes it makes major power for its size, but they are EXTREMELY complicated and to swap it, you'd be blazing your own trail. Makes the swap a bit more challenging. Plus, the AFAIK the PCM still hasnt been cracked so you're stuck with all the unwanted features like VATS or the modern equivalent and have to invent a solution

 

The L99 can be converted to an LS3 very easily now. There are a few sponsors on ls1tech that have the conversion kit.

 

Would a L92 fit in my car? I figured the deck height would be too much.

 

Same external dimensions for all LSx engines