Replace 5.3 l59 with this....

[RobsFreeland]

Part Number: 059-HP97 From JEGS. I have 220000 on the hoe now, want to stay ahead of any trouble and replace it now. Looking for options .. advice. No core return. Don’t really want to strip down the motor and rebuild . I realize it would be cheaper but don’t want the down time. Plug and play right?

 

[Mudsport96]

Um what trouble are you expecting? With semi-regular ( sometimes 3000 miles sometimes 7000) oil changes the 5.3 in my silvy is damn near 400k miles. I've done water pump, oil pump oring and added a real pcv valve... that's it.
For that price you could get 4 or 5 low mile engines at a u pull yard.

 

[Mudsport96]

Also this is from ATKs website for this engine


This engine was designed to be a performance upgrade for a 1999-2007 Chevy Truck LM7 or LS swap in a hot rod. Expect big mid to upper end power, will have a noticeable idle. For optimal Performance you will need headers, chassis dyno tune and upgraded injectors. Cam Specs will come with the engine.

So it's not plug n play. You need different injectors, a tune, possibly a stall converter. And you won't know what the cam specs are until you get the engine.

 

[Jason in DLH]

I think he’s like me and looks for any excuse to do some major upgrading.

 

[RobsFreeland]

Thanks for the reply. With the flex motor it has bigger injectors, the motor has upgraded springs for the valves and a “custom grind” whatever that is. It’s a new motor and not rebuilt. As you can tell I’m trying to talk my self into it. I realize it needs headers, tune , etc. I’m a backyard diy dude, don’t have ready access to yards to pick or equipment to pull. Have to rent picker, and stand. It’s probably 100 miles and a ferry ride to pick one. Maybe I’ll keep looking and buy rebuild kit. Dunno

 

[S33k3r]

If you can afford it and have the skill to put it to use, what is holding you back?

I lack the skill myself, and don't (currently) have the patience to learn it. I also have kids in college and a wife that would fight me on it.

 

[Mudsport96]

Well, ok, living on an island can complicate things a bit...

Still, I would call ATK or email them and see if they would give you the specs on the cam before ordering the engine. That way you can get an idea of if it's even suitable for a Tahoe. Since the description is for a swap I'd be leery of losing too much lowend drivability in a heavy SUV. I know some guys put pretty healthy cams in, but they pick the cam, it's not a mystery what its going to be.

 

[Fless]

Well, ok, living on an island can complicate things a bit...

Still, I would call ATK or email them and see if they would give you the specs on the cam before ordering the engine. That way you can get an idea of if it's even suitable for a Tahoe. Since the description is for a swap I'd be leery of losing too much lowend drivability in a heavy SUV. I know some guys put pretty healthy cams in, but they pick the cam, it's not a mystery what its going to be.

If I read your coordinates correctly you're in Chilli? I used to work at the Caterpillar plant in Mossville and went to Manual HS in Peoria. Many moons ago...

 

[Mudsport96]

If I read your coordinates correctly you're in Chilli? I used to work at the Caterpillar plant in Mossville and went to Manual HS in Peoria. Many moons ago...

Yup, grandfather and father in law worked at Cat Mossville in the 70s through the 90s and early 00s.
They bulldozed all the buildings along Old Galena Road, looks way different than when I grew up.

 

[Fless]

Yup, grandfather and father in law worked at Cat Mossville in the 70s through the 90s and early 00s.
They bulldozed all the buildings along Old Galena Road, looks way different than when I grew up.

Yeah, I worked in the hose plant (spiral winder) in the early '80s which is no more. Still have a sister in Peoria.

 

[ThwopKing]

For another 300 bucks you could get the Jegs crate engine that makes 460hp....if your going to do it...send it!

 

[RobsFreeland]

You know I thought the same thing... so I am going for the extra hp. Just about ready to pull the trigger. Have ordered cast iron header from ****** and all the parts for it. Should come this Friday. Then after I get the ac sucked out and the fuel injection bled, I think I’ll start disassembly. A little apprehensive but excited to do a major upgrade. I’ll keep you all posted. Been reading a lot.

 

[RobsFreeland]

So I’m looking at a recommendation of injectors at 35 lbs @ 58 psi for lm7 460 hp. My current injectors are 33 lbs./hr. @ 50 psi, Return Style (2002-04). Will the original injectors work or will it starve the motor of fuel? Can the small amount of difference between the two be a big deal? Sorry newbie.

 

[S33k3r]

So I’m looking at a recommendation of injectors at 35 lbs @ 58 psi for lm7 460 hp. My current injectors are 33 lbs./hr. @ 50 psi, Return Style (2002-04). Will the original injectors work or will it starve the motor of fuel? Can the small amount of difference between the two be a big deal? Sorry newbie.

You should likely consult the company from which you are buying the engine. If nothing else, failing to meet spec can be a reason for them to deny you warranty coverage.

 

[Mudsport96]

You should likely consult the company from which you are buying the engine. If nothing else, failing to meet spec can be a reason for them to deny you warranty coverage.

X2 find out what they want you to use for injectors. Any reason a company can find to deny warranty they will use against you. Been there done that with equipment at work.
Email them and get the answer in writing so if something does happen you have info showing what they told you to use.

List you need.
Injectors
Fuel pump volume requirements
Spark Plugs
Weight of oil
See if they have a specific brand they want you to use. ( or to avoid)
That's all I can think of at this point

 

[RobsFreeland]

I did order the motor and the injectors were on the list. As I kept investigating I keep running up against bad reviews from just that. The warranty. I couldn’t keep going so I backed out and am going in a different direction, my original plan was headers ,cam and cold air system. That what I’m going to do. You would think a brand new motor would be run by the manufacturer to seat everything. I’ve been burned before. Just had a bad feeling. Thanks folks.

 

[RobsFreeland]

Just to catch up. Have removed fuel rails injectors intake manifold harmonic balancer spark plugs exhaust sensors. Cut exhaust at the down tube. Tomorrow timing cover tdc then off with the heads just like a prom dress.

 

[RobsFreeland]

Today took off valley cover and knock sensors. Back sensor was nasty,rusted. Drop driver side exhaust manifold to get at head bolts. Considered just yankn the motor. Once I got the head off ,probably stay the course and redo heads. Need to get pass side off. Quite the learning experience.

 

[mpope2]

You don’t have to evacuate ac to swap engines. Just de mount the compressor and tie it and lines off to side. Same for p/s pump and lines.

 

[RobsFreeland]

I was going to swap motors, so I had the ac sucked out. It’s been 16 years since I’ve had any service to air con, so i figured it was time. Same with brake fluid, boy you wouldn’t believe the stank and color, looked like swamp water. So I’m leaving motor in, the only problem besides being a contortionist is the oil filter pan tube. Hope it doesn’t drop and I have to drop pan.
Removing pass side head today, so I can yank lifters and maybe get to cam install. .050 218 int 227 exh lobe 112 .