Grenaded my LS1. what are differences in 5.3 VS LS1, where to buy shortblocks?
09-13-2015, 12:52 PM
#1
Grenaded my LS1. what are differences in 5.3 VS LS1, where to buy shortblocks? well my LME forged 347 shortblock went boom yesterday at the autocross. big hole in the side of the block on drivers rear side.
Car is a NA road race track car. iron block is completely out of the question. looking at the aluminum 5.3 and LS1 short blocks.
Ill be honest. im not a mechanic, nor that familiar with the LS engines etc. I typically pay professionals for anything more than just unbolt and replace parts etc.
Ive noticed most of the short blocks are alumimum 5.3. or you can upgrade to an LS1 block for an extra $300-600. im trying to figure out if I need that?
-what are the differences between the LS1 and alum 5.3?
-I need the swap to be plug and play. no brackets, adapting or moding. ie a direct swap with ALL my current LS1 parts, wireing etc etc. no knowledge or "making work" needed
-are the 5.3 still 5.7/347 when you buy the short blocks? like at TSP they list the 5.3 at 347 still no matter if you buy 5.3 or LS1 block? is this true?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-75-tsp...ort-block.aspx
-will they both make the same HP with the same parts?
-does either block have any advantages or disadvantages over the other?
-im not really looking for more power than what I have now. current setup yields 405-430 to the ground and im happy with that. I am looking at the 383 also though. an LS1 347 and a 5.3 383 are nearly identical in price at TSP.
-I also am looking to get back going as cheap as possible. I had plan to upgrade to a C5Z in 2 years so I don't want to keep dumping money in the SS.
also besides TSP, where else should I look for aluminum short blocks? looking to call 3-4 places tomorrow to get quotes as most places list a 2-4 week build time.
any help would be greatly appreciated!
Cory
Car is a NA road race track car. iron block is completely out of the question. looking at the aluminum 5.3 and LS1 short blocks.
Ill be honest. im not a mechanic, nor that familiar with the LS engines etc. I typically pay professionals for anything more than just unbolt and replace parts etc.
Ive noticed most of the short blocks are alumimum 5.3. or you can upgrade to an LS1 block for an extra $300-600. im trying to figure out if I need that?
-what are the differences between the LS1 and alum 5.3?
-I need the swap to be plug and play. no brackets, adapting or moding. ie a direct swap with ALL my current LS1 parts, wireing etc etc. no knowledge or "making work" needed
-are the 5.3 still 5.7/347 when you buy the short blocks? like at TSP they list the 5.3 at 347 still no matter if you buy 5.3 or LS1 block? is this true?
https://www.texas-speed.com/p-75-tsp...ort-block.aspx
-will they both make the same HP with the same parts?
-does either block have any advantages or disadvantages over the other?
-im not really looking for more power than what I have now. current setup yields 405-430 to the ground and im happy with that. I am looking at the 383 also though. an LS1 347 and a 5.3 383 are nearly identical in price at TSP.
-I also am looking to get back going as cheap as possible. I had plan to upgrade to a C5Z in 2 years so I don't want to keep dumping money in the SS.
also besides TSP, where else should I look for aluminum short blocks? looking to call 3-4 places tomorrow to get quotes as most places list a 2-4 week build time.
any help would be greatly appreciated!
Cory
09-13-2015, 01:15 PM
#2
TECH Addict
The 5.3 and LS1 blocks are the same. The 5.3 just has a 3.78" bore, while the LS1 has a 3.89" bore. They both use the same cylinder sleeves, just different sized bores.
Both can be bored to 3.905" safely. And adding a 4" stroke crankshaft in a 3.905" bore gives you the 383.
Get whatever fits your budget. But I wouldn't pay extra for the LS1 block over a 347 or 383 shortblock built from a 5.3 block.
Both can be bored to 3.905" safely. And adding a 4" stroke crankshaft in a 3.905" bore gives you the 383.
Get whatever fits your budget. But I wouldn't pay extra for the LS1 block over a 347 or 383 shortblock built from a 5.3 block.
09-14-2015, 02:34 PM
#3
5.7 > 5.3.....obviously bigger is better and everything else equal the bigger LS1 engine will make more power. That link you posted about their 347 short block is confusing but YOU have to tell them which engine you want...the LS1 is a $300 option over the 5.3....I'd call them and get clarification.
Chaepest way is to find a good running stock short block on CL...
Chaepest way is to find a good running stock short block on CL...
09-14-2015, 02:56 PM
#5
TECH Addict
The add isn't confusing, at all.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
09-14-2015, 02:59 PM
#6
The add isn't confusing, at all.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
09-14-2015, 03:43 PM
#7
The add isn't confusing, at all.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
It should be worded differently.GM never named the vortec engines "5.3 LS"....that's just a poplar misnomer that get's thrown around because theirs too many variations for the average enthusiast to keep up with. If they are going to call a LS1 a LS1 then they should call this aluminum "5.3" truck block a LM4 or a L33 block.....specifics are always better than generalizations or nicknames.
Last edited by ahritchie; 09-14-2015 at 03:55 PM.
Trending Topics
09-14-2015, 08:09 PM
#8
12 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
It's confusing because they are calling a bored out to 347ci a 5.3.......it's no longer a 5.3 then if it's been bored out 347ci now is it? It should be worded differently.
GM never named the vortec engines "5.3 LS"....that's just a poplar misnomer that get's thrown around because theirs too many variations for the average enthusiast to keep up with. If they are going to call a LS1 a LS1 then they should call this aluminum "5.3" truck block a LM4 or a L33 block.....specifics are always better than generalizations or nicknames.
It should be worded differently.GM never named the vortec engines "5.3 LS"....that's just a poplar misnomer that get's thrown around because theirs too many variations for the average enthusiast to keep up with. If they are going to call a LS1 a LS1 then they should call this aluminum "5.3" truck block a LM4 or a L33 block.....specifics are always better than generalizations or nicknames.
09-15-2015, 09:48 AM
#9
TECH Addict
No, they don't call the 5.3 a 347. Not at any point in that advertisement do they refer to or claim that the 5.3 is a 347.
They do say that the 5.3 block is a popular choice for 347, 383, and 395 builds due to its lower cost.
The advertisement literally couldn't be any more clearly worded. All their shortblocks are built using ls1 blocks. There's also a convenient budget friendly offering that allows you to use a 5.3 block and save a nickel. And it's all right there written in plain English.
They do say that the 5.3 block is a popular choice for 347, 383, and 395 builds due to its lower cost.
The advertisement literally couldn't be any more clearly worded. All their shortblocks are built using ls1 blocks. There's also a convenient budget friendly offering that allows you to use a 5.3 block and save a nickel. And it's all right there written in plain English.
09-15-2015, 12:33 PM
#10
Oh no, not another one! Post some photos of your carnage, we like to see things go boom. haha
Take a look at my thread, you will get a few ideas, and good luck on your journey!
Post some photos of your carnage, we like to see things go boom. hahaTake a look at my thread, you will get a few ideas, and good luck on your journey!
09-15-2015, 01:22 PM
#11
No, they don't call the 5.3 a 347. Not at any point in that advertisement do they refer to or claim that the 5.3 is a 347.
They do say that the 5.3 block is a popular choice for 347, 383, and 395 builds due to its lower cost.
The advertisement literally couldn't be any more clearly worded. All their shortblocks are built using ls1 blocks. There's also a convenient budget friendly offering that allows you to use a 5.3 block and save a nickel. And it's all right there written in plain English.
They do say that the 5.3 block is a popular choice for 347, 383, and 395 builds due to its lower cost.
The advertisement literally couldn't be any more clearly worded. All their shortblocks are built using ls1 blocks. There's also a convenient budget friendly offering that allows you to use a 5.3 block and save a nickel. And it's all right there written in plain English.
Yet you still just don't get it! (not unlike your other thread 
) Why use incorrect engine code slang/terminology like "5.3" when the actual engine code could/should be used.
09-15-2015, 01:23 PM
#12
The 5.3L aluminum block offers quite a few advantages. One, it is cheaper in cost. Two, it has better bay to bay breathing than the LS1/6 blocks. We use them quite often in 347/383cid builds.
Give us a call if you have any questions or would like a quote.
Give us a call if you have any questions or would like a quote.
09-15-2015, 01:56 PM
#13
TECH Addict
Honestly, they probably use "5.3" because it's fewer characters than all the official nomenclature. Think of it as slang, if you will.
And, not everyone knows the engine codes for the various aluminum block 5.3's, so just referring to them all as "5.3" is just smart marketing.
And, not everyone knows the engine codes for the various aluminum block 5.3's, so just referring to them all as "5.3" is just smart marketing.
09-15-2015, 04:17 PM
#14
The add isn't confusing, at all.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
They are offering a 347ci shortblock built using either a 5.3 block, or a LS1 block. What is confusing about it?
Obviously the 5.3 block is bored to accept LS1 sized pistons and give you LS1 displacement. But they straight up say that the 5.3 block is used for cost savings.
No, they don't call the 5.3 a 347. Not at any point in that advertisement do they refer to or claim that the 5.3 is a 347.
They do say that the 5.3 block is a popular choice for 347, 383, and 395 builds due to its lower cost.
The advertisement literally couldn't be any more clearly worded. All their shortblocks are built using ls1 blocks. There's also a convenient budget friendly offering that allows you to use a 5.3 block and save a nickel. And it's all right there written in plain English.
They do say that the 5.3 block is a popular choice for 347, 383, and 395 builds due to its lower cost.
The advertisement literally couldn't be any more clearly worded. All their shortblocks are built using ls1 blocks. There's also a convenient budget friendly offering that allows you to use a 5.3 block and save a nickel. And it's all right there written in plain English.
This shouldn't be confusing anyone. We can build a 347 (3.903"/3.622") or a 383 (3.903"/4.000") out of either block, 5.3L or 5.7L. We "call" the engine what it is; Either a 347cid or 383cid. However, we make note that we have the option to use (what started life as) a 5.3L aluminum block. It is just bored and honed to 3.903".
09-15-2015, 04:20 PM
#15
We call it a 5.3L block because that's what it is.
Last edited by Sales4@Texas-Speed; 09-15-2015 at 04:26 PM.
09-15-2015, 05:50 PM
#16
Because we are only using the block. Engine CODES, such as LH6, LC9 and LMG dictate much more than just what block was used. In fact, all Gen IV 5.3s use the same block. The engine codes could mean one engine had flat-tops and another had dished pistons. Various AFM/VVT options. Flex fuel vs. non flex fuel.
We call it a 5.3L block because that's what it is.
We call it a 5.3L block because that's what it is.
It's a 5.3, it's an LS, it's a gen IV, but it's.....uh... weird....
09-15-2015, 08:03 PM
#17
TECH Addict
I'm sure they could probably build you a 347, 383, or 395 ls4 shortblock, too. How hard can it be to shorten the crank like, what, 11mm? I'm sure they could probably figure it out.
So, yeah, probably ALL the 5.3 blocks.
So, yeah, probably ALL the 5.3 blocks.
09-16-2015, 08:20 AM
#18
Of course the LS4s can be built anyway you like....but they do use a different (GM corporate bolt pattern) 5.3 aluminum block is the point I was making, all gen IV 5.3 do not use the same block.
OP, if you are road racing and blowing holes in LS1s maybe step up to the LS6 block (or maybe even LS2/LS3), all are stronger. If trying to stay as cheap as possible and only last a couple years i would just find the lowest mileage stock short block locally.
Last edited by ahritchie; 09-16-2015 at 09:13 AM.
09-16-2015, 10:35 AM
#19
TECH Addict
Or buy two junkyard 5.3's for the same price as one LS1. Put one of the 327's in with all your LS1 stuff on it, and learn yourself about engine building with the other one on a stand.
5.3 block is going to withstand a little extra abuse because the smaller bore makes for thicker cylinder sleeves... Might keep you from perforating another block.
5.3 block is going to withstand a little extra abuse because the smaller bore makes for thicker cylinder sleeves... Might keep you from perforating another block.
