chevy 5.3L motor

[TubeToy]

I have been watching around for a chevy 5.3l vortec motor for my new buggie. I can get a whole drop out motor with everything and wiring shipped for around $700 to $1000 depending on the year and what the donor was. There are many diffrent year out there, So the question is what are the pros and cons on the motors?, what years do you want?, and what have you guys used for your buggys?
Thanks

 

[Anchor_Mtn]

Earlier models are drive by cable(standard throttle linkage)... later models are drive by wire and you will need the compatible gas pedal and TAC module.
The 5.3L's make good power and are fairly easy to come across. If you can find a good factory harness with the motor for not much extra, go for it. They cost $250-$500 to cut down and rework if you dont want to do it yourself. Getting the computer reflashed will run you $100-300. Howell efi sells all new harnesses for around $650. Both swaps Im working on are drive by wire...one with a cut down factory harness and one from howell.

 

[TubeToy]

I want to do a fule injection Vortec modle. I was thinking aroung a 2001 to 2005 chevy 1500 or Tahoe

 

[Bart]

Mine was a 2003 and I hear there is a difference starting in 2004, but can't remember what it is. Don't be afraid of the drive-by-wire throttle. I really liked mine and it was nice not having to route a cable.

 

[Venture13]

After 2003 the piston slap went away.. CAble is easier, but installing a fly by wire pedal is no biggy. Biggest obstacle is the programming and wiring, I bought all new from Howell. Runs awesome, very reliable and gobs of power.. I would pick the 4L60E and build it up, the 4L80E is way to long and heavy, which means very short rear driveshaft.

 

[Bob B]

I have a 2001 out of a suburban. It had 50000 miles and was fully dressed with harness and puter. I paid 950. Then got a deal on headers from Greg for I think 250, paid 350? for a new Kevco old pan (which I credit for saving my engine when it lost oil pressure), paid Jim @ jims performance 500 to cut down the harness and reprogram the computer. He said I should be around 320 horse. The motor is ok. If I was to do it again, (for the size of my rig) I would have done a 6.0L. I like the 5.3L for trail riding, lots of low end get up and it does motivate quit well, but @ the delta races last year and the short course @ miller, I wanted more. But then again, I'm never happy. So its a good motor..

Wanna buy it?