Chevy Crate Engines

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

TKemerly

TYF Newbie
Joined
Feb 1, 2024
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
We have a 2009 Tahoe Z71 with a 5.3 L V8 that is having oil pressure problems at about 248,000 miles. We’ve been told the engine is shot but the truck is still in good shape. Were Exploring replacing the engine with a Chevrolet crate engine, and wondering if anyone has had any experience with this that they could share. Thanks!
 

Geotrash

Dave
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2018
Posts
5,621
Reaction score
13,376
Location
Richmond, VA
We have a 2009 Tahoe Z71 with a 5.3 L V8 that is having oil pressure problems at about 248,000 miles. We’ve been told the engine is shot but the truck is still in good shape. Were Exploring replacing the engine with a Chevrolet crate engine, and wondering if anyone has had any experience with this that they could share. Thanks!
That's mid time on one of these engines. Oil pressure problems come from a handful of places on these and nearly all of them are resolvable while the engine is still in the truck. Can you tell us a little more about the history of the problem?
 

petethepug

Michael
Joined
May 4, 2016
Posts
2,450
Reaction score
2,470
Location
SoCal
My sister in law did a crate engine from the dealer on her 03 Burb almost 10 years ago. They got her for $10k w/ a 3 year 100k warranty. She’s still the original owner so it suited her purpose of longevity.

In todays engine you should shop for a crate or replacement engine with the AFM/DOD removed as it’s the only weakness that n the 5.3L.

Keep in mind for just a hair more you can install the 6.2L non AFM motor that would actually increase the value of the truck significantly. There were just a handful of 6.2L Tahoe made and 08/09 was the two golden years for it.

Yours already has the same 6.2L trans. A rare opportunity to not only repair it, but upgrade as well as increase it value instantly for resale or trade in down the road. Die hards go koo koo for 6.2L Tahoe and a z71 is one never offered.
 

Marky Dissod

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
1,184
Reaction score
1,545
Location
(718)-
We have a 2009 Tahoe Z71 with a 5.3L V8 that is having oil pressure problems at about 248,000 miles.
We’ve been told the engine is shot but the truck is still in good shape.
'We've been told' would not cut it for me.
Sometimes the oil pressure gauge displayed is not actually the real oil pressure.
If you can, go rent an oil pressure gauge from AutoZone or whatever and check it yourself.
We're exploring replacing the engine with a Chevrolet crate engine, and wondering if anyone has had any experience with this that they could share.
If you have something against the idea of being required to use 91 octane in a 6.2L, you could also consider a 6.0L upgrade.
Should be just as easy to avoid or delete V4 mode hardware prior to installation.

(Sorry about lacking personal experience myself.)
 

Joseph Garcia

Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2018
Posts
6,530
Reaction score
8,547
Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
129,257
Posts
1,812,921
Members
92,357
Latest member
BrentL9900
Top