Just re-read the entire thread looking for more info on your 5.3... What is it? Specifically LS1 or etc? And what did it come out of? I think I'm going to ditch the 4.0
Pretty sure he's got an LM7. (?)
Yes, Carl is right it's an LM7. It's a 2003 Chevy truck 5.3, if you do some searching you can find them cheap. I paid $1500 for my motor with less than 40k on it and it was in running shape, so I was able to see it start & run. The price I paid wasn't the best deal out there but I saw it run, it came with all the accessories, ECU, drive-by-wire parts, etc, etc. And it was local... I was happy to pay a bit more than the 'good deals' for all that.
I think the 5.3's are great motors... an LS1 would be cool, so would a truck 6.0, but that 5.3 makes a 4000 pound TJ move pretty well. For the money saved over an LS1, I'm pleased. Also, there are a few GM SUV's that came with all-aluminum 5.3's...
They usually go for about the same price as the cast iron block motors, because wrecking yards don't know it's alum. Do some research, I think that would be a great option.