The early DOD 5.3's had some issues with oil consumption.
But the non-DOD 5.3's and current DOD 5.3's are fine.
The LSx engines are many times over better engines in every single way than the old iron boat anchor classic small blocks. How many 5.3's are there out there? So you heard of a couple here and there that had sticking rings and oil consumption issues (which, as I said, were isolated to the 06-09 DOD motors)...big deal. They are awesome engines and the majority of them will go much longer than the bodies of the trucks they are in.
And the piston slap issue on the early 6.0's, so it "SOUNDED" like it was going to come apart on cold startus. DID it ACTUALLY come apart? No, it didnt. It was a mere annoyance that doesnt actually cause any harm or shorten the life of the engine. I personally/first-hand know of several early 6.0's out there in abused work trucks with 650,000 miles on them. For 600,000 of those miles, they have been "SOUNDING LIKE" they were coming apart on cold startup. However strangely enough, the trucks are still running fine.
If they are "nowhere near a solid platform" like you claim, then why can you buy them for 200 bucks all day long. Because they're in such high demand because they're so unreliable?
I challenge someone to find me another "more solid platform" gas engine that will take 4 times its rated HP on a stock long block and not complain one bit. Then Ill agree with you that the 5.3 is "far from a solid platform". Or another gas engine platform that is cheaper to take to 1000hp.
As far as Im concerned, personally, ill defend the reliability and longevity of the LSx before I defend the reliability/longevity of the duramax.
WHEN the injectors on your LB7 go bad, thats going to cost you $1800ish just in parts, not counting labor. Do you have any idea how many times you can replace the entire 5.3 in a suburban for $1800?
rant off
ben
x1000 saying a 5.3 is not a solid platform you might as well say the same for the duramax because they have way less problems and are 10 times cheaper to maintain and repair.
We have a 99 sierra at work with 270,000 miles only things been replaced on the motor are the plugs and the water pump
we have a 01 lb7 dually at work with 250,000 on its 4th set of injectors and needs head gaskets