I have the 5.0, but its almost the same as a 5.7, with 160,000. My buddy has a 2000 Sierra with the 4.8 with 343,000 all original, almost the same as the 5.3 if it wasn't a 2x4 with rusty rockers I wouldn't hesitate to buy it it almost runs better than mine and it does get about 5-8 more mpg's than me. Another buddy has a 5.3 in a 2001 Silverado with 160,000 that I forgot about when I was buying my truck, but his brother never would have let him sell it (especially after he sold his blazer out from under him). Also know a guy with a 2011 5.3 he's got 23,000 and on his 3rd tranny. Another truck around town 2012 5.3 with a towing cam and true duals with cats no mufflers that thing sounds amazing (kind of like a 454 popping noise only on steroids with a really raspy throaty low tone you cant describe it with words, but only strive to have yours the same).

 

My sierra has a 5.3 l V8 , 284,000 miles . lifters tap on start-up and needs some gaskets ,but other than that runs great , strong . towed a trailer from phoenix to hartford ct in spring with no problems .

 

fun thread. great info. so sbc is like a 1911, tinker and tweak but the platform is hard to beat.
older ones, I always liked the 327 for higher rpm capabilities.
newer, I have a hard time appreciating any large differences between my last 5.7 and this 5.3. well, the 8cyl/4cyl thing and different complexities but speaking performance wise.
on the "any engine will last as long as you take care of it" post, i have to disagree. I have a truck with a very well maintained 5.7 hemi. made it 135k and done. made it longer than the rest of the drive train in that truck, but it is currently only a paper weight. still trying to get my money's worth out of that one

 

I have a 99 Silverado with a 5.3 that has 219,4xx on it and is running strong with no problems. Uses about a quart between oil changes. Took it from MN to FL and back in April and got an average of high 15 mpg with it and on one tank hit 16.2 mpg probably due to tail wind. I've had it now about 2 years and it has never failed to start in MN's cold winter temps. It's the 3 door extended cab with 8' box and 4 wheel drive. And, yes, I can say I love it so far. Great pickup!

 

Today I purchased my first 5.3L Silverado. Truck has 77K miles and is in great condition, can't wait to put some miles on it. Any suggestions for services to complete immediately?

 

I have a 2002 suburban ls 4x4 5.3 it has now 229000 miles on it the only thing ive done was added a spectre cold air intake and flowmaster dual exhaust clean your throttlebody and replace your intake manifold gaskets and knock sensors youll be good to go

 

I've been holding off on that intake manifold/knock

sensors job since 70K. Was hesitant to rip apart a

good running engine to replace something which shouldn't

have worn out in the first place. What brand knock sensors and

gaskets did you use?

 

Thank you @scottdanny22

 

I bought my 2004 Silverado 5.3L almost five years ago - with 74,000 miles on it. I had the transmission, fuel-injection system, rear differential, coolant system and power steering fluids all "flushed out" with the BG Service for each one.

It ain't cheap, but it is great for the long-term maintenance on your vehicle.

 

Thank you @jk23112

Is your truck a 2X or 4X?