identifying 4.8 vs 5.3 vs 6.0 just engine

[custom 68]

hey all new here and there is a ton of info I will be sorting through for a while. I am going to do a swap and installing a Gen 3 motor into my 68 chevy pickup...
I have located one (several at a yard) but wanted to make sure of what I am getting. are there different marking or numbers on each of these truck motors. I have located a 5.3 and am looking for a 6.0 but may stick with the 5.3 because of availability. Anyway I a getting the tranny and all so this will be a total swap. Any numbers would be a great help.

Also I will look back at the old posts but any last minute bits of advice. I will probaly get a harness to make the install cleaner and easier. I am sure I will need some tuning or turning off things not needed... so much to learn
Again thanks
Dave

[RedHeartbeat]

Personally, I would go with a LS1 5.7L engine. It's a much cleaner setup. The intakes sits lower. Aluminum is soooooo much lighter and could be polished to show quality. The LS1 engine is very plentiful and easy to find. Performance parts are available most anywhere for the LS1. Horsepower to weight ratio is very good with the LS1. LS6 is quite a bit better if you can find one, they are easily acquired, also. 405 hp straight out of the box is quite respectable. Next option would be to start with an LS2. You can get 500 hp with a few bolt ons on either the LS2 or LS6, they both use the same heads. Just my two cents.

[custom 68]

thanks red, I may need to do some more looking then. The gen 3 motors are plentiful (sp?) and are a bit cheaper I think. My plans have abruptly changed my 327 that I had slated for the truck went south on me quickly so I am back at square one...
Dave

[RedHeartbeat]

With the price of gas these days every pound of weight you add you have to drag along with you. Gen3 engines are 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 cast iron Vortecs and 5.7 LS1 and LS6 and the 6.0 LS2 aluminum engines. Now we have the Gen4 engines with the displacement on demand option. I don't know how the Gen4 engine will fare in the aftermarket transplant world.

[rosscob]

The 5.3L & 6.0L motors can be found easily. I know that the 6.0L can be identified by the 6.0L stamp on the block. Most of them are the lower compression LQ4's

You should be able to find one complete with harness for less than $1500.

Sounds like a cool project!

[custom 68]

thanks guys for the input. I know I can find the 5.3 with tranny pretty cheap and maybe the 6.0 again with tranny.
Is there a certain years to look for? The one I have my eye on is an 2001 5.3 is the 02 a better year I read on here something about the computer?
If the choice was there would you go for the 5.3 or the 6.0? common sense tell me bigger is better but in this case I didnt know the problems or if one is easier modded.

I am afraid the true ls1 is going to be quite a bit more expencive.
again thanks
Dave

[rosscob]

6.0 is better if the option presents itself. The most important thing is to make sure it's got the aluminum heads with the 317 casting.

[Mike V]

The 4.8 ande 5.3 use the same block, bore, heads, coils, etc.
You may need to go in through a spark plug hole with a bore
scope to see this, but the 5.3 has dished pistons and the 4.8
has flat tops. That is how the rebuilders identify them.
HTHs.
Mike V

[Mike V]

I just re-read your original post.
If the engine is still in the vehicle, look for the
manufacturer's federal emissions sticker or whatever it is called.
LR4 is a 4.8 LQ4 is a 5.3.

You can also picl apart the VIN number, but
check with the dealer to find what digit identifies the engine.
MV

[RedHeartbeat]

Its the eigth digit in the VIN number. The VIN will be stamped on the block and heads.