SheldonZ28

iTrader: (4)

Hey Everyone.

Trying to figure about how far i can go with this motor before its much more cost efficient to just find an LS1 shortblock.

Here's my current mods:

LS6 intake
TR230 cam
918 Springs
1 5/8" LT headers
ORY
Magnaflow catback
CAI
ASP Underdrive

Would heads, like say the PRC Stg. 2.5 5.3L heads make much of a gain on this motor?

Im figureing im about at as big as a cam i should go with the motor, as its got a smaller displacement. I know i can bore the 5.3L to 5.7L bore size, then id be better with the 5.3L heads and a bigger cam.

Any opinions on whats my max for this engine? or an idea or where id be at right about now hp wise?

Sheldon

s346k

iTrader: (4)

i was wondering the same thing regarding the 5.3 motors. i think you could simply deduct 15-20whp from a fully built setup comparable to an ls1 because of the cubes. perhaps that can be overcome with rpm, as less displacement would allow more rpm? i dunno, but i'd like to build one and find out. the engines are cheap and parts are all interchangable. only problem is - accessories won't coexist between the ls1 and lm7/lq motors.

i'd love to see a huge cammed 5.3 with some ported/milled heads on it and a vic jr. swap rod bolts and say hello to 7500 rpm.

04gtoBMXracer

iTrader: (26)

with a turbo, anything is possible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk9uU_3VHT0

1slowcar

iTrader: (5)

I have a 5.3 I'm working on, so far from what I can tell the only downside is it's iron block and it has dish pistons (bad if you stay NA)

1slowcar

iTrader: (5)

well they ya go, looks pretty good with one of those

Sheephead

iTrader: (13)

I have a 05 ecsb truck,It has the alum.block 5.3 with flatops.They also come with ls6 heads with 799 casting.With those heads the motor is 10:1 comp.

SheldonZ28

iTrader: (4)

WOW!

That is impressive. We have CNC ported 799 casting heads here (TSP Stg. 1) that my dad is using on his LS1, never imagined they would ever work on mine.

Good to hear the power outputs here. I read the 4.8L had flat top pistons, is this true? Could i buy a set of new 4.8 pistons and put them into my 5.3L for the flat top?

Or i could buy some 5.3l pistons from the 05+ trucks.

This is awesome info! Im hoping with my cam in around 360 - 370rwhp. Maybe some head porting, & flat top pistons i can start fighting LS1's

SheldonZ28

iTrader: (4)

GMPD Says $43 each for 5.3L Pistons w/Eng code "B", im assuming this is the 5.3 HO vin code? Their an extra $10 each over regular ones. These the flat tops?

Sheldon

1slowcar

iTrader: (5)

Sooo tempting to buy

Tack

I'd like to bring this thread to life again. Reason being: I have 63 Nova that needs building. I had been looking for a lq4/lq9 to put in it. Then I came across a guy that practically gave me a complete 5.3L w/only 40k on the ticker so I couldn't pass it up. The year is approx. 03/04. With that being said, I'd like to keep the rotating assy as is as it looks to be in real good shape. With that being said, keeping the motor N/A and no juice, what can I get outta this thing. The plan is to put a t56 behind it (still looking for one of those). Here's my plan "A" so far: I was thinking about the TSP 228R with a set of PRC 5.3L 2.5's. I was also thinking about that new Edelbrock Pro-Flo XP intake. I think that thing would look pretty bitchin' in the Nova. I'm not looking to blow the doors off everybody in the county, just spirited driving from time to time. But, I don't want the thing to be a slug either. I'm kinda looking to be between 350 rwhp and 400 rwhp. What kinda power am I looking at here? Let's assume I'm not going to bore this thing out. If I did, I know what I'd use and about how much power I'd be putting down. So, it's staying 5.3L for now. Where am I at boys and girls?

nastychevelle

iTrader: (7)

with that setup i'd say around 375+hp through a t56 depending on rear end... on the other hand if its gonna be a DD i'd go with a cam like a a TR224 people have had very impressive results with that cam

JohnFrazee02SS

iTrader: (23)

I think a 5.3 would be just as good as a 5.7

Tack

Thanks for the input. It won't be a DD. It'll be a weekend driver at best, so I'm not real concerned with a bigger cam...just don't want to get too big. I'm not sure small cubes would like big cams.

Tack

bump in the night

mystic98ls1

iTrader: (22)

I have done this build already. I did a set of TEA 243 heads, a 224/227 570/577 cam, prof products intake, full exhaust though a six speed. It was an HO 5.3 out of a 06 truck. It put down 386rwhp with 361 ft pounds. With a bigger cam would have made 400 easy

wzup1000

iTrader: (17)

Yeah, they definitely dont lack the potential for good power.
Most people who run them, have them pushing a 4500+lbs. truck (may be similar to your weight) and then are still able to make good power, and run damn good times at the track.

Personally, to gain the most out of that 5.3 while still retaining good driving qualities in your car, I would try and run a similar setup to the original thread starters.

The same bolt on setup:ls6(if staying efi), or the gm/vic jr. intake w/ a 750-850 cfm carb, headers, ud, etc...
A Cam with low 23x/23x duration, around .59x/59x (+or- .010) lifts, and a 113 (+or- 1 degree)lsa
A good flowing set of 5.3 ported heads with a little milling and/or thinner gaskets (to get around 10.8:1 CR), and a good beehive with some titanium retainers to keep the valve-train lighter (for some good hi revs)
A decent 3200-3600 stall (if you end up going auto)
Some 3.73s to get her moving


And you would have a really decent "budget" ride that you could drive everyday (if need be),abuse at the track, then drive home, still have lots of life to live. And would react well to a little nitrous if you ever decided to switch to the dark-side.

Tack

That's great input. Thanks. FYI, curb weight of a 63 Nova with 6 banger/2 spd power glide is no where near 4800lbs. It's a skimpy 2800lbs or so. So I figure it'll be about 3k lbs w/5.3l + t56. Thanks again guys.

Tack

Well, nevermind I guess. I just won an auction on ebay for a ls1/t56 out of a gto. hell yeah. thanks again for all the replys though, it's appreciated. by the way, i have a complete low mileage 5.3L for sale!