4.8 to 5.3 swap expert help needed..

[mopower440]

I have a 1999 silverado shortbed extended cab 4x4 with the stock 4.8, i want to swap in a 5.3 as PAINLESS as possible, meaning, without buying anymore than i have to for the swap besides the 5.3 engine. ok, being a 1999 model truck, do i need to find a 1999 model 5.3 or what all year 5.3's will go right in with no trouble? I know the newest 5.3's is out because they have the active fuel management, so what year 5.3 do i need to look for and does it matter if it is in a tahoe or whatever or does it need to come from a truck also? Next, what other things will i need from the donor truck besides the 5.3 engine? Can i just get the engine computer from any 5.3 truck or does it need to have come with the identical options my truck has?
Thanks all!

[pl4yboy]

99-06 5.3s will work fine. No computer is needed. You'll have to get your PCM tuned to work with it.

[mopower440]

cool, can i just get the 5.3 pcm so i dont have to mess with tuning my 4.8 pcm? also, does the 5.3 have to come from a 4x4 also or can it be any 5.3?

[pl4yboy]

cool, can i just get the 5.3 pcm so i dont have to mess with tuning my 4.8 pcm?

You'll have to have one tuned either way. With the 5.3 and your 4.8 PCM, it won't run great. With the 5.3 PCM and your truck, you'll need VATS turned off in the computer.

[Frenchy]

*cough* 6.0 *cough*

[mopower440]

what is VATS? how easy is it to have my PCM tuned for the 5.3 ? It isnt going to be one of those deals where i swap in the new engine and then cant get the pcm straightened out for it and then screwed is it? Is this a pretty common and easy swap?

[pl4yboy]

Vehicle Anti Theft System. And it is very easy. Pick up the phone and call any reputable tuner. Nelson, Blackbear, Wheatly... They can send you a PCM in the mail that will work for you. It is literally a unplug, pull out, put in, plug in swap.

[mopower440]

cool, so anything else needed besides the complete engine? will my 4.8 accesories work like the alt, ac compressor and all that? will any 5.3 work or does it have to also come from a 4 wheel drive?

[RedHeartbeat]

Take all your acessories, intake and other parts and swap them to the new engine. Check the PN on the fuel injectors and if they are the same keep the ones that came from your 4.8L on the intake otherwise put the new engine's injectors on your intake. Be sure to give the PN of the injector to the tuner so he can adjust your tune accordingly. Swap all your engine sensors to the new one since you know the history of them.

[Frenchy]

5.3 is to 4.8 as 350 is to 305. Drop in replacement.