limitations of a 5.3
11-26-2009, 09:20 PM
#1
limitations of a 5.3 hello to all ls1techs. i want to know the power limits of a 5.3's. i have a '06 lm7 out of an avalanche for a conversion. how much power can i realistically make. it starts out with 285hp and 320ft lbs from factory(i think). with programming and other mods like a camshaft, headers, turbos, cylinder heads, injectors etc, how high will the roof go? i read a few threads of lq4s with l92 heads makin serious power, 500hp(hard to believe). i would like some real life scenerios. i want to know what other techs are doing. i also read that the ls1s dont make much more power than lm7s. keywords are realistic/drivable power. the tried and true means a lot. thanks in advance.
11-27-2009, 06:16 AM
#2
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I believe Iron blocks and factory rotating assemblies are good to about 600hp....
Rods being the weakest link and then pistons...remember spraying anything over 200 on any non-built forged motor is a gamble.
Not sure if you seen the article...but a guy had stock long block 5.3 running 10.4 to 9.8 depending on turbo boost with a stock LONG BLOCK 5.3 and LS6 cam shaft.
He was in HOTROD, the car is a Tan Ford Fairmont
Rods being the weakest link and then pistons...remember spraying anything over 200 on any non-built forged motor is a gamble.
Not sure if you seen the article...but a guy had stock long block 5.3 running 10.4 to 9.8 depending on turbo boost with a stock LONG BLOCK 5.3 and LS6 cam shaft.
He was in HOTROD, the car is a Tan Ford Fairmont
11-27-2009, 06:38 AM
#3
hello to all ls1techs. i want to know the power limits of a 5.3's. i have a '06 lm7 out of an avalanche for a conversion. how much power can i realistically make. it starts out with 285hp and 320ft lbs from factory(i think). with programming and other mods like a camshaft, headers, turbos, cylinder heads, injectors etc, how high will the roof go? i read a few threads of lq4s with l92 heads makin serious power, 500hp(hard to believe). i would like some real life scenerios. i want to know what other techs are doing. i also read that the ls1s dont make much more power than lm7s. keywords are realistic/drivable power. the tried and true means a lot. thanks in advance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk9uU_3VHT0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugoBL...eature=related
11-27-2009, 07:19 AM
#4
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I'm almost 100% sure I've seen a 4.8 truck make 600+rwhp on the stock bottom with the assistance of a turbo. How long it lived or if it's still kicking is the question.
One of the sponsors had a goat with a 6.0 and it made a ton on a stock long block.
As far as N/A 5.3 goes.... over on the truck side of the site there is more info that would better answer your question.
One of the sponsors had a goat with a 6.0 and it made a ton on a stock long block.
As far as N/A 5.3 goes.... over on the truck side of the site there is more info that would better answer your question.
Last edited by Noxious; 11-27-2009 at 07:30 AM.
11-27-2009, 03:16 PM
#5
Good rod bolts, valvetrain are key. Peek in gen III internal engine before you peek in the truck section. And if you look around they're are several turbo 5.3 builds right here.
11-27-2009, 06:59 PM
#7
limitation of a 5.3 also i would like to know what types of combos are are used with the 5.3. examples im looking for are heads, programming, camshafts, headers, and the power levels. im a novice, but looking to build torque for 3800 lb truck. torque move heavy vehicles, right?
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11-28-2009, 01:25 PM
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Yep, it takes torque to move a heavy vehicle that is why they put the 5.3 in a Suburban or a Tahoe. A 2001 Tahoe with four wheel drive and a 5.3 L weighs 5,050lbs and according to Motor Trend that same Tahoe will cover the 1/4 mile in 16.6 sec @ 85mph. so imagine if you would a 3800lb truck would move alot better. Help it breath alot better and you got yourself a beast.
11-28-2009, 02:34 PM
#10
5.3 limitations kj598bbc, i took a quick glance at other forums and didnt find much. i would like to know what are others doing to hop up 5.3s. gen3 and gen4 engines are more effiecient and make power easier than gen1 small blocks due to technological advancement, but can it be said that the 5.3 is the new 350? and we all know that the 350 was the general's bread and butter for good, cheap, clean, drivable horspower. how can my 5.3 be mighty mouse
11-28-2009, 04:13 PM
#11
It has been said, will be said, and definitely is the "new 350" cheap plentiful and powerful; after some compression and better flowing heads, rod bolts, complete valvetrain upgrade, intake, maf and tune i'd say pretty MIGHTY 
11-28-2009, 08:38 PM
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magizine did article on them.5.3.. got 480 hp out that lil 325 ci motor..5.3,,,,
, good ported heads,cam,,same as u would any motor.. bump compression up more flow more cam ,,, i think 500 hp limit could be broken wit a lil 5.3 n/a.. high revin..
right now i have a boosted 5.3 turbo.. and i freakin love it.. 14 lbs stock bottom end.. faster than my .30 over 454 ci motor i had. ran 11's with that..
i havent had this one at the track yet.. adding a 3200 stall and a blowthru carb.. should rock out.. probly less than 4 grand in whole setup,,motor/trans/turbo..etc..
there bad lil motor,,inmagin a big lsx...>>>>
, good ported heads,cam,,same as u would any motor.. bump compression up more flow more cam ,,, i think 500 hp limit could be broken wit a lil 5.3 n/a.. high revin..
right now i have a boosted 5.3 turbo.. and i freakin love it.. 14 lbs stock bottom end.. faster than my .30 over 454 ci motor i had. ran 11's with that..
i havent had this one at the track yet.. adding a 3200 stall and a blowthru carb.. should rock out.. probly less than 4 grand in whole setup,,motor/trans/turbo..etc..
there bad lil motor,,inmagin a big lsx...>>>>
11-28-2009, 08:50 PM
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hello to all ls1techs. i want to know the power limits of a 5.3's. i have a '06 lm7 out of an avalanche for a conversion. how much power can i realistically make. it starts out with 285hp and 320ft lbs from factory(i think). with programming and other mods like a camshaft, headers, turbos, cylinder heads, injectors etc, how high will the roof go? i read a few threads of lq4s with l92 heads makin serious power, 500hp(hard to believe). i would like some real life scenerios. i want to know what other techs are doing. i also read that the ls1s dont make much more power than lm7s. keywords are realistic/drivable power. the tried and true means a lot. thanks in advance.
Last edited by Gregory; 11-28-2009 at 09:12 PM.
11-28-2009, 09:00 PM
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i made 528hp and 491tq with a slipping tranny.... havent dynod since the th400 swap but i bet its over 600hp!
stock 5.3 shortblock, ls6 cam, 317 heads..... budget build, lol
stock 5.3 shortblock, ls6 cam, 317 heads..... budget build, lol
11-30-2009, 12:55 AM
#15
cam/head selection hello to all. i heard the ls6 camshaft w/springs is a good upgrade for the lm7. the cnc ported edelbrock cylinder heads also work well. does anyone have any advice on other pieces to add to the performance puzzle? turbos are out of my budget(right now). technicians in my area want $6000-$9000 grand for turbo setup.
11-30-2009, 08:14 PM
#18
5.3 performance upgrades so i guess the ls6 camshaft is out. what performance upgrades would you recommend? also how did you make your power,+500hp and 491tq?did you erebuild the shortblock? give me your recipe. also are these peak #s. i want my grunt down low(good power 2000-3500 rpms) where it will be used. i want to drive it everyday with no problems.
