So I was all ready to do a 5.3L swap in my 96 Camaro. I know its a popular build and you can do it for fairly cheap. I planned on the 5.3L with LS2 intake, comp cam (lifters, springs, ect.), LS1 heads, and just some other small things. Nothing too crazy. Well I was at my local junk yard today getting interior for the car when I came across a 6.0L. I was under the impression that they were 1000+ dollars but they wanted like 700 for it. Is it worth the extra money to buy the 6.0 or should I just stick with the 5.3 and do a cheaper build?

 

Definitely worth it. At least 50 more horsepower, plus you can upgrade to the LS3/L92 style heads as a future upgrade.

-Geoff

 

If I get the 6.0 can I use the stock heads and just port and polish them then just get an LSx intake and cam with springs and lifters and whatnot and call it a day?

 

I would just get the L92 truck heads and bolt them on with the factory LS3 manifold. I wouldn't even bother porting them, you should make in the mid-400 range with a decent cam, and close to 500 if you go a little cam crazy

-Geoff