how expensive would it be to buy and put in a brand new 5.3lv8 into a 2002 chevy silverado 4x4?

If it's in good shape like you say, go for it. You'll have a piece of mind, a he ck of a truck, and no new truck payments like Mr. Smith.

Don't do it. It's throwing money down the drain. You have gotten this far with regular oil changes so keep it up. Put the money you would have spent in a new car fund for the deposit on the next one. --- With the rise of gas prices, the value of large trucks is down. Find a low mileage, late model truck that has suffered the first year depreciation.

Well the miles that are on your truck arent that bad. It should last alot longer up to the 300000 mile zone. those engines last for a long time.I wpold just save that money for a used truck with low miles and great engine.

I would be worried about the transmission or the transfer case going more than the engine. I agree with the guys above me save your money unitl you need an engine or you buy something newer. Amazon has one for $2335 with free prime shipping then you would either have to install it yourself or pay someone probably around another $1000 to put it in. http://www.amazon.com/PROFessional-Powertrain-DCT8- Chevrolet- Remanufactured/dp/B007CX6HNW/ref=au_pf_ss_1? ie=UTF8&Make=Chevrolet%7C47&Model=Avalanche%201 500%7C416&Year=2003%7C2003&carId=005&n=15684181 &s=automotive

thanks gurus, i appreciate it!

From your picture, you look like you live in snow country? A 4X4 will bring good money on a trade in or private sale. Have a garage go through the engine, and transmission, changing the fluids and filters. Do a major tune-up with new plug wires. Check the breaks and lines, wheel bearings, and rear-end grease. This will cost from $250 to $500 where a new motor will cost from $3 grand to $5 grand, and you will not recoup on a resale. Like everyone above said, save the money for a down payment. If you have not driven it like it was stolen, you will get 10 more years use out of it. Hell, new seats or "pick-a-part" shopping from a wrecking yard may get you better seats and other items that appear worn, for cheap money.

I'm restoring ever mechanical part in and on my 01 Silverado 5.3 with a 190k miles on it. New engine, tranny, rear end, front end, fuel pump, heater core, exhaust, cooling system, everything you can think of and it is only going to cost me around 18k. My mechanic agrees with me to go crazy on it and re-do everything. My interior is still like new. I'll have a new truck and I don't have to spend 40k for it. I say rebuild your old truck, don't pay the crazy prices people want for a late model one with 60 to 90k miles on it. Good luck with your decision. I'll be driving mine another 25 years or more before I'll have to do anything major to it again.

Ok The_Sheese, it is going on two years since you asked your question. What have you done? I had an everyday driver Crossover SUV Buick that had over 135K on it. It was starting ti nickle and dime me to death. Spending more each month than payments on a new one, and getting piece of mind. So I got a new/used dealer GMC Treeain, put my saved down payment against it with my 12 year old Buick. My payments are $250 range, 100K extended policy, 50% better mileage, and no worries about breakdowns. dbcoonass1 gave another option, but for $5K more I got a new SUV. I agree $40K for a PU is strange and outrageous. If you got a good tune-up and had it gone through, that is if you happy with it, the best way to have gone.

if it ain't broke don't fix it.....I just checked on my 2001 and here in Austin,Tx it's about 3000.to replace rear main seal and new lifters. A new engine from gm and labor will be 6000....may look for used low milage truck and move on..

I am currently contemplating this same scenario. I have a 2002 Sierra with 258,000 on it and expecting to hit 300,000 by end of next year. My thoughts are to keep what I have. Body is in excellent shape with minor paint issues. I figure $5k to $8k for newer engine is better than $500 mo payments for 6 years for an new truck. Will get the same life on engine and trans either way.

If you really look good, you can find either a crate engine or good rebuilt for a lot less than the top est. of $8,000. I'd also either get a rebuild or crate transmission. Take the other money you'd expect to spend and do the suspension, and other things that will bring it up to like a new truck again. Some rebuild engines can have the same guarantee as a new crate engine. At a lot less cost. If you have money left over, consider a paint job, or when I was at the SEMA show in Vegas, I spoke to the company that sells wraps to cover autos. I got an estimate to do a car, complete for less than $1300. Plan you project wisely, and see how far you money can really go. Enjoy your truck. Older clean looking trucks are still nice to look at.

I have a 2006 1500 z71 with 199,989 miles and has a lifter tick and now just lost oil pressure. I just ordered a new hp 5.3 motor from ATK for 3 k delivered to my door. The way new prices are on a new truck 40 k on up Id be damn if I will pay those prices ever again now that im retired. Just replace your motor and be done with it. Thats my opinion...

Be interested in how the 5.3 replacement works out. I have the same 2002 Silverado LT, 210k, still runs well. RG

My grandson is pondering this same dilemma. rebuild, or replace. When he got his drivers license, and grad from high school, he found cars are like girlfriends. What may look very nice on the outside, costs a lot of money. He got a good looking 88 Jeep. He has replaced nearly everything, from driveshafts, to ignitions systems brakes, fuel delivery systems, and it still runs like crap. Backyard mechanics that owned it before, put miss matching parts on it, and sold it to a HS grad for top money. Now with everything replaced except the engine, he is considering either replacing the engine or rebuilding it. It looks nice, but treats him like crap. The engine pings under pressure, and no amount of ignition or timing or fuel delivery can rid it of the pinging. Now its using oil, but no smoking, clean new exhaust, yet he has to check daily the oi8l level, and the engine pinging is still there when trying to execrate on the freeway. His mechanic has called in the Jeep dealership mechanics, and they can't find the issue. So Austin is saving money to either rebuild or replace. Lessons in life at an early age. BTW, he does have a beautiful girl friend, and she is not a gold digger.

Buy the engine! I did and I have no payments. New one costs 40 to 50 grand.....and is less of a truck than the old one. I have the 5.3 and the "all new" 4.8 sucks according to some friends of mine that have them.

We have a 2002 Silverado LT, 210k miles, and I'm going to hang onto it and fix what it may need in the future. This truck has the best seats of about any vehicle I've been in and drives and tows well.

Depends on the cost of the engine to start with. go on line and look for crate engines, giving the size and model you want. Then expect one grand or more for the changeout.

Depends on the cost of the engine to start with. go on line and look for crate engines, giving the size and model you want. Then expect one grand or more for the changeout.

So what you all think I'm changing out my 5.3 ls motor in my 2002 avalanche, it will cost me for a used motor that has 84 k miles on it 1300 or do I rebuild the one I got ? For several hundred, also the 1300 has a 36,000 mile warranty on it

Guru99J34: The money you spend is up to you. Getting a used engine that may last 3 years vs. a new crate that with proper maintains will go 10 + years. A rebuilt engine will go 8 to 12 years depending on the amount you beat it. If money is the real issue, get the used one, but you are getting someone's old engine and who knows what was done or how it was maintained. You have to make that decision. I'd go with the crate if you are wanting to keep the vehicle for several years.

I am also pondering this same thing , I have a 94 Chevy 1500 2 dr extended cab that has 178,000 miles . Just stripped it to the bare metal, bought a cowl, hood, all new smoked lights, phantom grill, billet pedals, door poppers, brand new GM transmission, shaved relocated the tail gate, and door handles, just ordered a crate 350 from Ridley gm wholesale for 1769.99 and a RV cam. And all hoses alternator starter brand new, new wheels and tires , new carpet, fiberglassed the dash, 2100 for ppg Ap8 paint kit, 3800 to shoot it total cost 16,000. I ordered it custom from gm brand new got a lot of sentimental value never plan on selling it. Some will say I'm crazy but I did it my way and it's paid for so those people can kiss my ass

Hello Buck, Thinking about a GM remanufactured transmission for my 02 Silverado, 201K. How has the transmission worked out? estimate for a transmission? I checked with another company for a rebuilt transmission but am leaning toward the GM. Thanks, Randy

02Silveradodriver, consider this on rebuild vs. new. The new transmission has the latest technology. It may have more gears, and offer better low end pull combined with top end economy. Just something to consider when looking for one way to go vs. the other. Rebuilding is or should be cheaper though. Just another door to open to look into.

I just actually purchased a re-manufactured crate engine & transmission for my 2005 chevy silverado 5.3L from www.fraserengineco.com . I got a pretty good deal and ended up keeping the truck when i was originally going to sell it... I payed $2000 for the engine and $1200 for labor, truck was in mint condition so to me it would have been foolish to get rid of it... I just put a new 4l60 transmission in there too for $1400.00 . Love the truck and absolutely HATE car payments !!!!

My 02 Z71 has 235K on it. Several mechanics I've had over the years have said it's the best truck Chevy ever built. Runs like a top. Changed the trannie a couple years ago. I will change the engine when it starts to fail. I looked at new trucks and they feel cheap and tinny, and the new huge bodies are ridiculous. Love my truck and will keep it.

Hello Everyone, I purchased a 2000 Chevy Silverado, 1500, Extended Cab 4 door, LT Z71, 4x4 5.3L 5-6 yrs ago. About 134,000 original miles. Yes it's nickle & dime stuff once in awhile. Always best to find a used one that has not been abused...like any used vehicle. I'm extremely picky on maintenance. Mobil 1 5-30, K&N factory replacement. Vacuum out cold air box, wash filter, change oil & filter every 5,000 mi. Add about a 1/2 qt in between. Fuel pumps typically start to go at about 120k miles or so. Replaced tires with Michellins, Bilstein shocks, when front end parts go replace with Moog-heavier duty than GM. I do not tail gate or ride brakes so at nearly 200k miles all original. Flush brake fluid every 2 years and replace with Valvoline Performance. Brake fluid is hydroscopic meaning it absorbs water from air. So replacing brake fluid keeps pedal hard and prevents system from rusting-pitting from the inside out. Change or flush all fluids at mileage or after period of time. Have replaced all hoses, belts and filters at recommended intervals. Replaced all lights except headlights- wholesale with labor under $700. Had some oddball switches to replace, ignition lock mechanism and seat tracks. Replaced both belt tensioners with belts. When or if it comes time to replace AC pump/compressor and hoses will buy online same OE part as GM for about $200 vs GM $400+. Battery 5 yr Walmart. Getting ready to do seats next-high quality leather Katzkin. About $1,700 installed. GM seat foam junk and steel bottom frames rebuilt. Will have seat foam replaced with high density. Probably replace some side windo seals. Also replace factory speakers that are junk with better aftermarket and have door panels Dynamatted. I've spoken with numerous owners here in CA and mechanics. The older 1999-2005 Chevy/GM 5.3L 1500's appear to be some of the best 1/2 ton trucks GM ever made. They ride about like an SUV. It's not uncommon to see these trucks running around with 350k+ miles on them. One auto repair owner said he has a customer with about 450k on it. From everything I hear about newer trucks yes they are quieter, more comfortable and well more modern looking. However every mechanic I've spoken with say the same thing - watch out when 100k warranty is over. So if it's a personal or second vehicle than I plan on sticking with my older truck. If it's business and one needs the write off's buy new or lease. Quality crate motors and re manufactured transmission are relatively inexpensive. Mine so far have been fine. Particularly engine since Mobil 1 & K&N factory replacement filter. Smoother, better mileage and more power. Also forgot to mention added a cat back dual exhaust. A tad louder but not much. Put the quietest high performance stainless muffler on I could find. With some luck will see another 200k miles on this truck.

I have a 2000 silverado extended cab with over 321000 miles. Just replaced the transmission with a rebuilt for $1200. The truck runs great. I refuse to but a new truck for over 40-50 grand with an engine that have all kinds of Active Fuel Management system problems.

I have an 01 Tahoe 5.3 that will top 400,000 by the end of this year. Other than typical replacement of parts that wear, I replaced the intake gaskets at 380,000. The transmission was rebuilt at 270,000 miles. I have always ran top quality synthetic oil with 8-10k mile changes. If proper maintenance is performed regularly, these newer designed engines will last a long time. It's all about the maintenance. This vehicle is 16 years old. I will rebuild or replace the engine when the time comes. Figuring up all the money I have spent down through the years on replacement parts and maintenance, I'm still far ahead if comparing to the replacement cost with a new vehicle every 5-6 years. There is very little that can't be replaced these days. Fortunantly, I have the skills and tools to do most of my own repairs and maintenance. That is why I try to teach my sons auto repair. Why pay someone to do something you can do yourself.

I have a 2001 with 280,000 on mine great shape still runs great im thinking about putting new motor and transmission.i cant belive its still going.i. talk to. A guy had about the same its crazzy.

Don't fix it if it ain't broke that motor is a good motor you should get another hundred thousand out of it easily take care of it

My 2004 Avalanche has 189,000 5.3 motor in it. Lost oil pressure , people told me it was 'O' ring 90% of the time, nope...then they said it was the oil pressure sensor probably... nope...then they said it was the oil pump....nope , now that I have spent all that $$$ they say 'sorry bud, you need a new engine'. On top of this my cluster went out, my blower resistor went out, my abs module went out, my fan clutch went bad, my castech (factory faulty) heads cracked, and every gasket in the truck had to be replaced. All I do is pull my boat down the road and get groceries with it. Sometimes I will pull off the road to metal detect, it is far , so far , so so very far from abused. It's spoiled to death and it continually lets me down, it's crap. Now I have to decide whether to throw another $5,000 dollars at it or walk because apparently the only thing that could be causing my low oil pressure now are worn bearings.

If you replace the engine who would you have do it? I had the trans. replaced on our 02 Silverado, 225k miles. I went with a GMAC remanufactured unit, 3 yr, 100k warranty. The price from a GM dealer was less than a couple of national chain transmission shops. I think if the engine has to be replaced in the future, I'll go the same route.

I have heard from many people that the 5.3 is a very good engine. I can attest to that. Have an 01 Tahoe with 398,700+ miles. Still runs well and has adequate power. I recently replaced the intake gaskets. Had the transmission rebuilt at 175,000. By leaving a rag in the transmission pan after maintenance, caused the trouble. My fault. The rebuild has lasted longer than the factory new. I also replaced the ABS module at about 90.000. The first replacement was with a new GM unit. Lasted exactly 13 months. Had a 1 year warranty. GM wouldn't budge. Sent it off to a re builder. They installed heavy duty components for about $300.00. Haven't had a problem since. So I have to say that the 5.3 is a very reliable engine that can go a lot of miles. Something was either not put together right or inadequate maintenance for mileage less than at least 250.000 on the 5.3. I would like to know what oil and filter the above was using to only get 189,000. What maintenance schedule was used. I have always used a high end synthetic oil and filter. Roughly 10,000 to 12,000 between oil changes. I started with Amsoil and their filters for many years.

I have a 2000 Z-71 w/just under 300000 miles. Replaced the trans once at about 170000 miles. replaced cat's couple years ago. This truck had drug 35ft trailers loaded w/hay, boats, been all over ranches and thru creeks and many places it probably shouldn't have went, but keeps on trucking. Still can reach thru window and starts like a new one. Will rebuild engine when she goes. Since first oil change at 3000 Mobile 1 synthetic.

2004 z71 Suburban. I can't buy a newer one because they don't make 2004 Burbs anymore. :D 210k miles so far, tight and smooth still. I briefly considered the idea of getting a newer one if/when this one starts giving me trouble, but I'd have to get something just about brand new to ensure that no abuse has left little time bombs waiting to happen, so I'm perfectly happy with the idea of refurbishing Bob (the Burban, or as my daughter calls it, Sir Bobbin) when the time comes. I grew up with a '74 K10, and didn't sell it until 2000... and regret it. Some of us get attached to our trucks.

I have a Jeep Cherokee with 478,000 miles on regular oil changes. No parts swapped, just normal stuff, alternator, water pump, brakes , Regular Oil Changes! Nuff said.

Hey y'all, I have a 2002 z71 Silverado with 5.3L Vortec V8 with 316,000 miles. A mechanic diagnosed that the problem is low oil pressure. He said cost to replace the oil pump would be $1400 or to replace engine would be $2300. My questions are: How difficult is it for someone with little mechanic experience to change an oil pump on a 4x4 chevy truck (I dont have an engine lift) and/or should I replace the engine for one with 130,000 miles?

Oil pumps are easy to replace there on the front of the motor behind the timing chain cover I replaced my water pump timing chain and gear in 3 hours

change the fluids regular, pay attention to the little things early and drive on brother! I have a 2000 with 275k and it runs and looks like its fairly new! (if I wash it) This is Atlanta, so we don't even think about salt damage, just idiot damage.

My Silverado is 2000 z71 that my brother gave to me. It lived in the harsh Canadian weather for for 14yrs of its life! It has 223K miles on it and still running strong! I have since redone all brake lines, and put on new shocks and struts, and just recently had to change the water pump! It does have rocker panel rust which I need to fix, Other than that I am debating if it is worth investing money into it as the 5.3L engine runs strong! I would like to upgrade the brakes to the Z36 if I were to keep it! I just dont like having to pay tons of money and taxes for a newer vehicle when this one just needs a bit more attention! I am just wondering what is a breaking value point, or is it, the value is what its worth to me?? Would love to have the in dash screen, and not sure if we can install one on this year schevy model anyone know?

Hi from Texas, I had the transmission replaced about a year ago (around 210k mileage) with a GM remanufactured one installed by our local shop and it worked very well. They did the rear motor mount and U joint. I like my truck, good overall shape, best seats you could ask for and tows well. Partially retired, so don't need vehicle payments. The engine is starting to show its age 230k so will probably go with the GM remanufactured route, new radiator, motor mounts. Any thing else I should replace when they are working on it?

My 2001 Silverado 2500hd has 166k miles on the 8.1 engine. Like the truck and am planning on keeping it for years to come. It has had excellent maintenance with regular fluid changes. Doing a paint job after some rust/dent repairs. Biggest decision is what color? I'm an old guy. The truck will outlast me.

PLEASE REAM MY WARNING TO YOU. I'm working on the exact same project right now. those things are notorious 4 heads with bad castings around the head bolts I have one that's blown at 173000 right now and it's been maintained meticulously never overheated all is taken extremely good care of if you put a new engine in there I hope you get an engine that does not have castech heads Please do some research on castech heads I believe the casting number for the bad ones are 706 and 862. Maybe some of the 862s are okay I don't know I'm not sure 706 definitely suck do your research man I'm putting a new engine in mine.

Hi, We had our local GM shop install a GM remanufactured 5.3 in our 2002 Silverado. I think the final cost will depend on other work that might need to be done. We had them do a new radiator, front motor mounts, hoses also. It runs great, and comes with a 3 year, 100k warranty, Hope that helps, here is a photo from this week towing our small RV on a trip.

Good idea! What was the cost?

from what I remember, the GMC engine replacement, motor mounts, new cooling system was $9k was about $9,000.

All these GM Trucks 2000 -2006 in winter climates have or will soon suffer from rocker panel rust followed by the cab corners. In addition the brake lines will rust as well and should be replaced if you haven’t already. I have a 2003 GMC SLT Z71 Sierra and it runs well but rust issues are more apparent every year. Even the gas cover door is rusting. Don’t put fender flares on your truck because they hold moisture and will expedite rust as well under them. If you can’t fix the rust issues with these trucks or you can’t afford new find a newer used truck you can afford is my suggestion unless you don’t mind the appearance of what you are driving.

I have. 2001 Silverado with 446,000 on it . I sealed the 5.3 out with a LQ9 6.0 . I rebuilt the 6.0 small cam headers forged pistons bored k er 30 thousand . Rebuilt the trans one time of course replaced many ball joints and tie rod ends over the years . Both front wheel bearings . Truck runs great ! Looks good has some bumps however very nice truck . I would love to get a new one but just can’t get over how over priced they are for me .