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What Makes A SBE 5.3 or SBE 6.0 A Better Option Than A SBE 5.7?

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Old 09-26-2013, 11:07 AM
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Default What Makes A SBE 5.3 or SBE 6.0 A Better Option Than A SBE 5.7?

I see all these turbo builds with stock bottom end 5.3's and 6.0's, but rarely see any with the 5.7. Is there a reason for this? If I were to do a turbo build, would it better to get a 5.3 or 6.0 rather than use my existing 5.7? Will a stock bottom end 5.7 hold as much power as I see these 5.3's and 6.0's putting down? Sorry if these are dumb questions, it's just somethign that I've always wanted to know the answer to.
Old 09-26-2013, 11:11 AM
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5.3's and 6.0's were put in trucks so they are more readily available and a lot cheaper. The iron blocks are also a little stronger.
Old 09-26-2013, 11:17 AM
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Just wondering since I have a perfectly good LS1 with 45k on her with ARP rod bolts. With a spot on tune, how much boost and power could it safely hold?
Old 09-26-2013, 11:44 AM
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I think the main reason why people go with 4.8/5.3/6.0s, is their quanitity and how cheap they are. An LS1 should be fine to 700ish, but when it lets go its expensive to replace.
Old 09-26-2013, 11:56 AM
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5.3's sleeves are a lot thicker.
Old 09-26-2013, 11:56 AM
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Yeah, I guess you can get junk yard 5.3's and 6.0's for around $700 pretty complete.
Old 09-26-2013, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by westtexasbuff
5.3's sleeves are a lot thicker.
Are the 5.7 sleeves thicker than the 6.0's?
Old 09-26-2013, 12:07 PM
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I wouldn't be worried about the strength of the 5.7 block at all for <1000hp
Old 09-26-2013, 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Rise of the Phoenix
Are the 5.7 sleeves thicker than the 6.0's?
Iron blocks don't have sleeves... Unless you're talking about an aluminum block, in which case no.
Old 09-26-2013, 12:25 PM
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The newer gen4 5.3's/6.0's also have better rod/piston design with the floating pins so they hold up to boost a little better then the 5.7's. Since the last year of the 5.7 was 2002 in the F-bodys they don't have as much technology as 2005+ LS based engines. That along with having the iron block make these engines more desireable for boost as well as being cheap and plentifiul. Now if you were to stick a set of pistons and rods into your 5.7 then you would have a good foundation for 900-1000HP. I have a really nice LS1 block and crank that Im looking to sell for a good deal that would make a nice shortblock with aftermarket rods/pistons. I came across a good deal on 05 LQ9 6.0 complete so I went that route.
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Old 09-26-2013, 12:34 PM
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If I go the turbo route, I'll either use my 45k LS1 that's already in my WS6, or pull it and buy a junk yard 5.3 or 6.0. In all honesty, I would like to make around 800rwhp, with room to grow by upping boost. I've been seeing great things out of the S480 turbo and I think that turbo would get me to my goals and leave some room to grow.
Old 09-26-2013, 08:53 PM
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I would just use your engine until it pops, even with a spot on tune it will eventually pop. Then throw a JY 5.3L in it.
Old 09-27-2013, 04:58 AM
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or you could pull yours & sell it to fund the turbo parts
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Old 09-27-2013, 08:28 AM
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I think it would be best to pull mine and find a cheap 6.0. Any idea on what a good turbo would be for a 6.0 with LS6 intake, will get a custom turbo cam from Martin, 6 speed with Monster stage 3 clutch with Tick Master, 317 heads, .660 BTR valve springs, etc. like I said, I would love to make 800rwhp and be able to run high 9's at the track. This is a 90% street car, so the turbo needs to spool pretty quick on the street. Any ideas? What's my best wallet friendly option?
Old 09-27-2013, 08:53 AM
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I think the 5.3l piston is a little stronger, and or the bore size makes it less prone to detonation. The 05' 5.3l is a nice piece with the floating rods.
Old 09-27-2013, 08:57 AM
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Thank you for the help. I was about to ask what year 5.3 or 6.0 would be best. What size turbo with a 5.3 can get me to my goals? I just want to make sure that it's not a dog on the street at lower rpm's.
Old 09-27-2013, 09:18 AM
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i just think its because for 1. there cheap,ive seen some people pay 200 for a 5.3,2. its a cheap option when you spin a bearing or your ls1 fails,plus with the other pros truck motors are most of the time in good shape,i mean really who outside of us beats the hell outta there trucks lol most of the time they have hsd a very easy life
Old 09-27-2013, 09:21 AM
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ill just say this ,if something is broke fix it,if its not use it,imo if i have a real solid low mileage motor im using it,no sense in buying a jy motor if ya have a good one,talk to martin @ tick ,he specs solid builds
Old 09-27-2013, 09:26 AM
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Yeah, Martin helped spec my current setup. He's a great guy who'll I will consult with in regards to the cam for the setup. I will also pick his brain about what turbo to run too. The reason for this thread was more out of curiosity, but I do know a turbo build is in my future and could happen as early as this winter.
Old 09-27-2013, 09:50 AM
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Something in the 76 compressor/75 turbine range for a 5.3 is perfect. Either Precision or Turbonetics make good units. I will be going with a Comp unit if I don't sell my GTO.

Btw parting out your current build will probably fund your entire turbo build for sure and then some.


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