Any junkyard tricks for finding a real 6.0?
- Look at 3/4-ton trucks, vans and big SUVs. The Gen III iron-block 6.0 (LQ4/LQ9) came in the heavier-duty trucks, cargo vans and SUVs, while the half-ton trucks mostly got the 4.8 and 5.3. For example, 1999–2007 Silverado/Sierra 2500 3/4-tons had the LQ4. Our LQ4, LQ9 and LY6 pages list the donor vehicles.
- Read the glovebox label. The Service Parts Identification sticker lists the engine RPO and VIN code. For 2018 and newer, it's a QR code on the door-jamb label.
- Know the oddballs: 1999–2000 LQ4s came with cast-iron heads (casting numbers 373 and 873), and the LQ9 uses flat-top pistons for about 10:1 compression.
- 1999–2000 6.0s have a "long" crankshaft flange, which changes which flexplate/transmission combinations bolt up. That matters if you're planning a 4L60E.
Confirm with the donor finder.
Confidence: medium — sources disagree or are limited; check the sources below.
Community discussion
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Sources
- General Motors LS-based small-block engine — Engine table — Wikipedia
- Junkyard LS Swap Identification Guide: Part 1 — Speedway Motors
- Gen III/IV LS Engine ID Guide — Speedway Motors
- LS Engine Flexplate Fitment Guide — Speedway Motors