Is the ecu compatible between a 5.3 and a 6.0?

[InterceptorF]

I see that 2001 Yukon XL shows it came with a 6.0 L engine. Mine came with a 5.3 L engine. Do I need a certain ECU or can that be simply changed in a tune?

 

[Scottydoggs]

if your putting a 6.0 in place of your 5.3, all you need is a tune. on your trucks pcm.

 

[Doubeleive]

I see that 2001 Yukon XL shows it came with a 6.0 L engine. Mine came with a 5.3 L engine. Do I need a certain ECU or can that be simply changed in a tune?

the 6.0 would only be on a denali or maybe 2500 if they made one that year. otherwise they are all 5.3, I think the 4.8 only came on a silverado/sierra but I could be wrong.
but like noted already it would either need a tune or be flashed.
parts compatibility is only 00-02 on those years they made changes in 03
and some 00's are technically a 99 because it was a changeover year so a lot mess going on there.

 

[RAMurphy]

Interesting question. Not sure if you are plannig on dropping in a 6.0 into your vehicle. If so, all you would need as already stated, is an updated tune.

 

[InterceptorF]

Has anyone here actually swapped out a 5.3L to a 6.0 L in a Tahoe/Yukon? Any other caveats? like alternator position, power steering position? different sensors? It seems probable that the 6.0 L would drop in and be plug and play with the harness and location of the starter/alt/AC, etc. but before I go down that road I'd like to make sure I'm not missing some tiny little thing that's going to be a great big pita.

 

[Doubeleive]

I don't know for certain and I have not done it, only thought about it.
that being said I think the 1st hurdle would be verifying engine to transmission mating.
other than that there may be some minor wiring difference for sensors or how it is routed.
I would find a 6.0 to eyeball and compare to your existing motor
there could be a youtube video out there or something from someone that has done it.

 

[RAMurphy]

There are a number of people in this forum who have done just that. I'm also in the process of building a 6.0L+ that I plan on dropping in my 2002 Tahoe. I purchased a 2005 6.0L block that was bored to 4.03 inches. It will be essentially a drop in with an updated tune from Black Bear Performance.

 

[Sam Harris]

@Tonyrodz did this.. any feedback Tony..?

 

[Tonyrodz]

I haven't had any issues until recently, but I think it's the pcm itself. Concerning the difference in pcms--you can flash a 4.8/5.3 pcm to a 6.0 tune with 0 issues.

 

[Mudsport96]

Yeah, just a flash for whatever engine you have will work. No flex fuel in 01 as far as i know so just make sure it is for the right vin and you are gold.