The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks?

Vintage Windmills · 11-26-2012, 11:47 PM

Keep in mind the LS series is not without problems. I've experienced it firsthand in 2 of my trucks as follows:

Stay away from the 99's unless your running an aftermarket intake. These early manifolds could warp and loose their seal. I had it happen on my 99 truck and its been documented online. Dorman later revised the design so it did not warp.

Also my 6.0 lq4 leaks some oil with only 88,000 miles. Thinking Its a good reason though to pull it and do cam/tune/headers and get 450 ft lbs. I do like this engine overall.

I'd like to hear more comments on 96-98 vortec 350's vs. LS 5.3 liters. I've had both in stock form and I'd say (in stock form) the LS1 has little if anything over the vortech. Making mor horsepower per dollar I see the LS1 taking the lead though.

11-26-2012, 11:47 PM	#121
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Whats your impression of a 5.3L LS motor in these trucks? Keep in mind the LS series is not without problems. I've experienced it firsthand in 2 of my trucks as follows: Stay away from the 99's unless your running an aftermarket intake. These early manifolds could warp and loose their seal. I had it happen on my 99 truck and its been documented online. Dorman later revised the design so it did not warp. Also my 6.0 lq4 leaks some oil with only 88,000 miles. Thinking Its a good reason though to pull it and do cam/tune/headers and get 450 ft lbs. I do like this engine overall. I'd like to hear more comments on 96-98 vortec 350's vs. LS 5.3 liters. I've had both in stock form and I'd say (in stock form) the LS1 has little if anything over the vortech. Making mor horsepower per dollar I see the LS1 taking the lead though. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6