It is a sad day as my '09 Silverado LT has fallen to the infamous "lifter collapse and took out cam" issue. Loved my truck and maintained it meticulously cosmeticly and mechanicly. Worst part of it is I am 40,000km below the 160,000km warranty but 4 months over my 5 years and no love from GM. They may have saved their money by leaving me out in the cold with a truck that needs a $7000 repair but I will have everyone with a 2009-2013 5.3l at their doorstep for oil consumption tests if they burn a drop. Not for spite but to keep someone else from having to be left in this situation. Loved my truck and was excited about a new generation Chev in the next couple of years. Not anymore. I am sure I can learn to like another truck. I know GM is aware of the 5.3l issues. Unfortunately now so am I. .

 

Sorry....got caught up in my story and forgot to ask for good suggestions on fixing/replacing the motor. I am told with labor it is just as expensive to rebuild it as it is to do a full replacement. Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

Cheapest way would be to buy a motor off Craigslist and do it yourself or have a certified mechanic do it. Motor can be had for under 1k. Shouldn't be 6k in labor for a motor swap

 

Thanks Country_09. I guess i was thinking $4500-$5000 for a crate motor and around $2000 out and in. Seems a lot of the used motors are high miles and somewhat scarce(go figure). If I put in a used motor I could be right back where i am now as mine showed no signs of any problems before it went. I guess it is a choice between the cheapest option and the best option.

 

Used motor and order the dod/vvt delete kit I believe it is. Gets rid of the AFM lifters that cause the motors to eventually go out. You won't have the cycle between v4 and v8 but you won't have lifter problems either

 

I guess the Range Technology afm delete would suffice. Does anyone have any feedback on it?