daily driver (not a swap) 5.3

[NONHOG]

Curious how many have LS family engines as there DD?
Are they reliable in stock form? I've heard pros and cons.
Looking specifically for a 5.3 in a Trail Blazer (actually a 9-7X the Saab version)
On paper they get decent gas mileage, have enough power to pull a small trailer.
Wondering about a higher miles vehicle, worth the risk?

[BR3W CITY]

6.0's run in G-vans for TW and other Telecom's to 250k+
Timing chains, oil pumps, and change the oil. You'll have to replace the occasional ignition coil, but even that isn't frequent, just something that happens in a lifespan. Exhaust studs will break or get stuck, the intake manifold will eventually get oil film in it, and some folks have had to replace knock sensors and/or to CASE relearns....but those are all in the full lifespan of the truck. Pretty minor when compared to the other full size v8's that exist.

Especially if it never see's a cam or higher rpm, they don't have much to break.

[NONHOG]

Thanks! BR3W CITY!

[clinebarger]

My BIL has a 2004 Trailblazer EXT 2wd with a All Aluminum 5.3L, He is a Electrical Contractor & tows trailers, Is always loaded down with crap plus a loaded conduit rack, Ladders etc. The Front suspension does not hold up well with his duty cycle, Other than that & a few Electrical issues....The engine is all original other than basic maintenance....Plug, Wires, Intake Gaskets, Hoses, Radiator, Fan etc.

The last time I saw it was in December when I rebuilt the Original 4L60E at 365,000 miles. I reused the Case, Output shaft, Center Support, Valve Body & the Pump halves.....Everything else was totally worn out.

[mongocanfly]

I ran my 99 z71 with a 5.3 for 285000, pulled a bunch of overloaded trailers with it.then I traded it off..only thing I ever had to do to the engine was a water pump and fuel pump. Never touched anything else..one of the best trucks I've owned.