Decision 5.3 4l60 or 6.0 4l80

[Jason Banks]

A couple years ago I got a wrecked 2003 Suburban 5.3 DBW 4l60. After selling parts and the rest of the Sub. I ended up with about $600 in the Engine trans, wiring, harness, computer, all accessories. Mileage is approaching 300000 but the transmission has been rebuilt recently. I planned on tearing the engine all the way down and having minor machine work with new bearings and rings. Probably another $1000 in addition to the other parts I have bought for it like cam, lifters, valve springs, timing chain, oil pump, swap oil pan, water pump and some things I'm probably forgetting.

A couple days ago I got carried away at the auction and bought a 2002 Sierra 2500 with a service body with 6.0 DBC 4L80. It's a clean title and runs, drives and looks good, but the steering column is torn up(but I could replace for $75) and the AC seems to have problems, I couldn't tell where the air was blowing out of, seems like blend door or some type of issue inside. It's filthy, the seat is not torn up and the steering wheel is in good shape, but the dash it cracked to hell, ash tray missing and screws holding other parts of the dash together. I have about $2800 in it as it sits and could probably sell a few parts and the rest of the truck after pulling what I want and still have $2400 in it. I'm thinking it could clean up and sell whole for at least $4000, but I'm worried about the AC.

I also have an issue with storage of the whole truck. It's currently sitting outside in a commercial area and I don't have a key to the door locks and the power locks are not working properly. I had to pull the ignition and get a key made to even start it. I'll also have to put one of my other trucks in a very inconvenient spot, where I have to move it everyday to get my work done, while I'm parting it out.

Most of the parts I got for the 5.3 will work on the 6.0 except for the head gaskets, but I"m thinking the 6.0 wouldn't have to be rebuilt as much.

I also already shaved the firewall on my truck I'd put it in and set up for a DBW pedal. So, I'd either have to convert the 6.0 to DBW or try to redo firewall for cable.

I'm not sure I would really care about the added performance of the 6.0 over the 5.3, but I like the idea of the 4L80 over the 4L60. But, the 4L60 seems to rebuild and I'm guessing the 4L80 has 167000 miles

Would I be overpaying at $2400 for 6.0 4L80 with 167000 miles? Other thoughts?