6.0 > 5.3

[sman]

Im considering picking up a set of 799s for it. But we'd be using the 224 cam for sure at that point.

[shawnc16]

Im considering picking up a set of 799s for it. But we'd be using the 224 cam for sure at that point.

I would keep the cam you already have. Hell those 799/243 heads are cheaper than buying a new cam. Rediculous!

[DETROITMUSCLE]

PM Larry he will know the specs for a nice cam that works well in a 6.0

[TrickyTransAm]

1. The 224 in my opinion is a bit too big for daily driving. Going to a 230 is not the right direction for a daily driver. You'll pay dearly at the pump, not to mention require a torque converter.

2. If you don't have money for heads, how are you going to afford re-machining that engine?

Pull ONE bearing cap off the bottom end - such as a connecting rod. Mark the rod cap end before you remove it and DO NOT DROP the cap end or set it on the open end of the cap!!
Don't remove the bearing from the cap if it stays with it. Observe the bearing - if it looks silver, it's FINE. If you see some light copper, that is normal for an engine with higher miles. If you see ALL copper and it looks scored, it may have oiling issues, and needs to be rebuilt.

Purchase TWO NEW ROD BOLTS from the dealer, and re-torque and Angle the rod cap bolts with the cap installed the same exact way. It is a cracked connecting rod - it must be installed exactly as it came out.
Keep an eye on the bolt bushings- sometimes they prevent the bolt from coming out. Gently tap them out. New bushings come on the new bolts.

3. It probably is a 2003-2004 LQ4 engine. One way to know is in 2003, they used Two different lengths of head bolts. In 2004, they were all the same length.

4. Does it have a single feed fuel line?

5. Rough estimate to refresh that engine is around $1500-1800. $1000 machinework, plus about 500-800 in parts. (which in my opinion is not necessary)

6. FWIW - I bought my LQ9 with 72K, and a 1 year warranty for roughly $1350 out the door. (I also knew what vehicle it came out of, was a rear collision, and opted for the warranty to boot)

7. 98-2004 LQ should be 24X From what I recall 2005 up is 58X.

The only fault with the 6.0's that I've read is that the oil pumps tend to take a poo around 80K miles. I replaced mine before I put it in the truck, and I've got rock solid oil pressure with peace of mind.

Late edit..

One thing I recommend doing with ANY engine that has sat for a period of time which had been exposed to Dexcool.
Replace all gaskets that had any contact with Dexcool - they most likely are destroyed for sure.
That means the rear cover has to come off. (And...a tip - scribe the location to the block and cover before you remove it - alignment is critical)

Not to discourage you - but just sharing my experiences to help you make an informed decision, either way you go.

[1BADAIR]

#7- 2007 you could get either 24 or 58
why would either cover have to come off?

and never seen dex hurt an ls1

[sman]

Im running the 224 now in my 5.3, the cam should be significantly more mild in the 6 liter, I already have a 3600 stall.

Ill probably just run a leakdown and compression test on the motor, and if its good run it as is.

Looks to be an 03, single feed fuel line, 24x, so it should bolt right up and play nice with my car as is.

Im thinking I might be better to just use the cam I have and spring for a nice used set of un molested 243s/799s vs Running the 317s and getting a bigger cam.

[c0ncEpT]

Ill probably just run a leakdown and compression test on the motor, and if its good run it as is.

Good choice. I would not pull a main cap. 1/2 of the people that mess around with taking a cap off the mains spin a bearing in under 1,000 miles.

Im thinking I might be better to just use the cam I have and spring for a nice used set of un molested 243s/799s vs Running the 317s and getting a bigger cam.

I think your onto something here. Just get them milled and cleaned up for a hundred bucks or so and you'll be good to go.

[TrickyTransAm]

#7- 2007 you could get either 24 or 58
why would either cover have to come off?

and never seen dex hurt an ls1

My 5.3L wants to speak with you.

That single fuel feed line makes me happy. That may be an LQ9.
Peek in the spark plug hole and see if the pistons are dished or flat.