im considering doing an engine swap into my car. im trying to choose between the 6.0L lq9 or the 5.3 vortec and then just bore it out to the 6.0 since its pretty much the same internals.

problem is i dont know what the length of the connecting rod is to pick the pistons for the bore or what?? anybody know or can help? or which set up would be cheaper in the end?

 

Stock rod length is 6.098".

The 5.3 wouldn't have as good of heads as the 6.0. If you're buying pistons anyway, might as well start with an LQ4 and put flat top pistons in it.

 

Ok well my plan was to get a decent said of heads for it everyone I've talked to said the heads off of a L92 would be awesome for the set up but I wasn't sure exactly which route to go. So I'm moat likely pitching the stock heads, I'm caming it for sure tho. I just know the 5.3 r very cheap to find

 

You cant bore a 5.3 to the same specs as a 6.0. The max you can go is 5.7 (ls1 specs) and thats only on the iron block. Also l92 heads wont go on a 5.7 or 5.3. Need a 4 inch bore or bigger to run those heads so basically 6.0 or bigger.

 

Wat keeps the 5.3 from being bored that big? I was told its the same block and all since they use the same.thing as the 6.0 internal wise such as crank just with a different bore size? It would be a 5.3 that was around an 05 or newer if that would make a difference.

1quickiroc what kind of numbers are you putting with that 5.3 do you know?

 

the cylinder walls are too thin. same reason a 305 cant be bored to a 350 same block smaller cylinders. the wall thickness just isnt there

 

O ok that does make sense. I can find a 6.0 for around 1300-1400 bucks with about 100k on it and it does come with the harness and pedal for the dbw. I just figured trying to bore out a smaller motor to get the same results would be an easier lol just kinda trying to do a different budget build but I do like the idea of the ls series truck motor in a 3rd gen better than an ls1 to be honest.

 

Read the sticky at the top of this forum. Read it again and again until it makes sense. A truck engine will work, but you will still need f-body LS1 components. Oil pan, water pump, intake, etc etc

 

Oh ya don't get me wrong about that I do kno that for sure. I'm trying to figure out wats a more practical route to go you know ?

 

Take it from me, Ive done several truck swaps

In the end they cost nearly as much as a LS1 dropout because you have to use so many Fbody parts

 

Ok, so pocket is it true that the truck motors can handle a lot more that gets thrown at them compared to the all aluminum ls1. They make more power stock too right?

 

Its the old iron block vs alum block argument. If you're to the point the block is the weakest link, you need to be looking at aftermarket castings, so the point is moot

From a cost perspective the Fbody dropout is ideal because all the needed parts come with the package, where truck engines require quite a bit to be tracked down to make it fit

 

Well I read that the crank and connecting rods of the 6.0 are already forged so it'll be able to handle more later on? Is that true?

 

All common LSx engines use a cast nodular steel crank with powdered metal rods (forged). Cant count the ultra low production LS7/9/A exotic materials

04+ engines used a different rod design that is slightly stronger along with coated skirt pistons. LQ9's got them a bit earlier than 04

 

So an ls1 wouldn't have the new design rods then right? I'd have to try and find an ls2 if I wanted the updated design?

 

Correct, but such a small benefit hardly makes the 2x cost hike worthwhile unless you really want a LS2