Forced Induction - BIG boosted 5.3s: come In and list ur setup!

I am currently doin a build on my car and wanna know what u guys r doing with 5.3s. Im not really interested in the junkyard stuff like everyone has done and is doing. I am mainly looking for guys who have built them and seen what they've done. I'm hoping to eventually go 26-30# on mine and was wondering what kind of lag u guys see, what turbos u guys r running, ad most of all what kind of numbers.

I don't want to hear about cars that aernt done yet, I would like to see proven setups. Numbers, videos, track times, whatever u got.

Thanks in advance

30lbs on a 5.3? id build a bigger motor and run lower boost to get the power i want, before i did that. i dont see 4 bolt heads being able stay down unless you run really low timing, which i wouldnt want to do on a street car, and even then youll still run into trouble.

Im not saying dont do it, cus im all for doing things how you want. Im just stating my opinion haha

Jesus, 30lbs on a 5.3? id build a bigger motor and run lower boost to get the power i want, before i did that. i dont see 4 bolt heads being able stay down unless you run really low timing, which i wouldnt want to do on a street car, and even then youll still run into trouble.

Im not saying dont do it, cus im all for doing things how you want. Im just stating my opinion haha

Bigger motor = bigger wallet. I've got MAYBE 1200$ in this shortblock. Rotating assembly's for more cubes are 2500-3500$ alone. The 5.3 is cheap and it can make power. Everyone thinks more cubes is the answer, ask the supra guys that are making 1500-1600 on 3.0 liters.I already know what it takes to make the 4bolt heads stay down. Timing isn't a problem with the correct fuel and correct setup. There were plenty of guys going HIGH boost before the 6bolt stuff was ever thought of. It's just the smaller details I'm looking for.

Bigger motor = bigger wallet. I've got MAYBE 1200$ in this shortblock. Rotating assembly's for more cubes are 2500-3500$ alone. The 5.3 is cheap and it can make power. Everyone thinks more cubes is the answer, ask the supra guys that are making 1500-1600 on 3.0 liters.I already know what it takes to make the 4bolt heads stay down. Timing isn't a problem with the correct fuel and correct setup. There were plenty of guys going HIGH boost before the 6bolt stuff was ever thought of. It's just the smaller details I'm looking for.

Head sealing is the issue. From what I am seeing most people run into trouble around 20lbs or so. A bigger motor will make more power while keeping cylinder pressure lower.

I am coming from the stock block v6 world. We have been dealing with the 4 bolts a hole for years now. I have run 35+ psi. Trick is NO detonation and a good head gasket. I like the SCE titan coppers. It's a non-oring gasket. I don't know yet what the ls guys are using as I just began my 5.3 project. I was thinking of using my years and years of Buick know how and apply it to this build. I am anxious to start the the tuning...that's my favorite part.

As long as u got a good gasket as stated and an aftermarket casting head, 20psi is a walk in the park. We've had cars at 22psi with stock casting heads without pushing. Like stated above, there are motors everywhere making huge power with 4bolts. I think where moat people fall short is using the JUNK stock deck thickness of .300ish and expect the cylinder pressures to not flex the head between bolts

Bigger motor = bigger wallet. I've got MAYBE 1200$ in this shortblock .

This means you are running a stock crank and no real good parts. This is a cheap budget junk yard build. So your comment about it not being one is incorrect. Although I agree you don't need big cubes to make big power.

This means you are running a stock crank and no real good parts. This is a cheap budget junk yard build. So your comment about it not being one is incorrect. Although I agree you don't need big cubes to make big power.

How is it a junkyard build? A jy build is getting a stock longblock and boosting it. A pull out, all stock, rods thT r only supposed to hold 500whp, stock pistons, ect.

Just bc I do it on a budget doesn't mean it's a junkyard build. It's not a junkyard motor atall.

And bc I do it A budget, now I have "no real good parts"??? Wiseco's and callies are both junk right?

The tone of your op was that a junkyard build was nothing like the direction you were headed. Then turn around and say you have maybe $1200 in the short block. That dollar amount doesn't say "all out boosted effort." Just saying.
And I apologize for being a jerk about it. But without doing something greater than a good piston your results will be no better than a good motor pulled from the junkyard with rod bolts and cam. Id like to see a well built 5.3 with a set of great heads and the supporting parts to go the distance.

I just don't see what's so bad about a stock crank, CALLIES rods and wiseco pistons.

Wht do u see as the weak link here?

Nothing wrong with them parts at all. I think what they are getting at is you could build a 370 for damn near the same price. Most opt for more cubes

Nothing wrong with the stock crank. I went off at... not a junkyard build... but only $1200 in it. In the back of my mind I thought $1200 will get you a latemodel 5.3 and skinnies has made around 900whp with a single turbo on one and been beating on it for over a year. Never mind me. Your doing right by putting rods and pistons in one. It will live longer that way.

Nothing wrong with them parts at all. I think what they are getting at is you could build a 370 for damn near the same price. Most opt for more cubes

The price difference for a 6.0 vs a 5.3 is like double to triple lol. Plus the 370s don't have near the cylinder wall that the 5.3s do. We would all like more cubes, But I can't see paying 1500$ for a junkyard 6.0.

No doubt the 6.0's cost more. :(

The price difference for a 6.0 vs a 5.3 is like double to triple lol. Plus the 370s don't have near the cylinder wall that the 5.3s do. We would all like more cubes, But I can't see paying 1500$ for a junkyard 6.0.

Not gonna argue with you. You can get a 6.0 block and crank for $300. Everything else will cost the same. Don't see the huge price difference....

Doubt I would ever see the cylinder wall strength difference. The heads would lift long before I will crack the 6.0...... Not putting your build down at all. Matter of fact I debated building a 5.3 myself. Then I realized the cost was nearly identical.

I was gonna go the 370route. Summit sells 6.0 block already machined and everything for 750$, but it's the rest of the stuff thT would make me broke. I already got pistons and everything for the 5.3. I figured I will see what I can squeeze out the 5.3 while I slowly put together another motor. Either 370 or 408

Bigger motor = bigger wallet. I've got MAYBE 1200$ in this shortblock. Rotating assembly's for more cubes are 2500-3500$ alone. The 5.3 is cheap and it can make power. Everyone thinks more cubes is the answer, ask the supra guys that are making 1500-1600 on 3.0 liters.I already know what it takes to make the 4bolt heads stay down. Timing isn't a problem with the correct fuel and correct setup. There were plenty of guys going HIGH boost before the 6bolt stuff was ever thought of. It's just the smaller details I'm looking for.

I know how cheap the 5.3 stuff is, its what ill be doing if/when my motor lets go haha. As long as you can keep the heads down, go for it.

I'm hoping to, plus I don't see many people doing it. I'd rather do something different and fail then do something that has been done hundreds of times

i love the 5.3 builds, i need ryan to give me a ride around town so i can catch the boost bug, ryan you almost got that thing ready to roll?bob how close is your car to being done

It won't be done for the dyno day I don't think. I just finished up all the customer turbo Kits at the moment, so I am just now starting on my kit

I'm hoping to, plus I don't see many people doing it. I'd rather do something different and fail then do something that has been done hundreds of times

I can only image the sound of 30psi through a 5.3.. thatd be nuts. What turbo are you thinking about? Youll need something fairly large thats still somewhat efficient at that level. But because of that i feel like it will automatically be pretty damn laggy unless you run a spool valve..

i love the 5.3 builds, i need ryan to give me a ride around town so i can catch the boost bug, ryan you almost got that thing ready to roll?bob how close is your car to being done

my fuel pumps came back friday, got a startup tune from brian at DTM last week. As soon as i can catch a break at school ill head home to wrap it up.. if all seems good(no leaks) then ill schedule a tune for mid May.

What are the best factory heads to run on a boosted 5.3? Whatever I choose will get a mild port job.
My build will be like the op's. Plan on an 88. I bet one can make more power with an 88 on a smaller cubed engine. That's why I am using the 5.3 versus the 6.0.

I have a gt47-88, 6" inlet, t6, 3.5" comp outlet, 5" downpipe. 1.08a/r, race cover. Rated for 1600hp. It will b latch, I know, but I'm hoping the rossler 400 and Neal chance converter will keep it lit.

I have the 862 heads now silver t. But I have to go to a aftermarket casting. I am looking at the new edelbrocks. They're only 1,079$ from tsp and they say they have a 5/8" deck

I have a gt47-88, 6" inlet, t6, 3.5" comp outlet, 5" downpipe. 1.08a/r, race cover. Rated for 1600hp. It will b latch, I know, but I'm hoping the rossler 400 and Neal chance converter will keep it lit.

I have the 862 heads now silver t. But I have to go to a aftermarket casting. I am looking at the new edelbrocks. They're only 1,079$ from tsp and they say they have a 5/8" deck

Ahh yeah i forgot about being auto too. itll gonna lag at first but youll be set once it finally gets going. Good luck man

I'd also like to hear more from guys with built up 5.3's. How bout it?

Who has forged rotating assemblies in a 5.3? I am curious to hear about these setups and the power they are making. I saw calspeed has rotating assemblies for 2k

Yea, if u keep stock crank in it, ur looking t 500$ for rods and 500$ for pistons. Plus the little things obviously, but cheap neverless.

Not too many chiming in on there builds. Come on 5.3 guys...

I will post my buddies 5.3 setup we recently did.


All stock 2001 LM7 5.3 (unless noted ... its stock) :nod:

Engine:

60lb injectors
Arp rod bolts
LS9 head gaskets
re-gapped stock rings to .030"ish
head studs
'02 zo6 cam
PRC dual spring
moly push rods
2 bar map
King bearings (rod main)

Turbo:
PTE 74mm
JGS 50mm WG
50mm BOV
ebay from mount
Snow meth kit/ 93 octane

Th350 and 8.8 rear (3.08's)


DynoJet Dynoed 554whp & 574wtq @ 12 psi (eddy brake was not working and would only spool 12psi) -- runs 15 to 16 psi on the street. (Guessing somewhere in the 6's whp @ 15to16psi).


No track time yet. But it feels really strong. (3000lbs - '87 S10 Blazer)

This is irrelevant, but I think its crazy on the price of arp headstuds considering how much you can get a 5.3 for.

Anyone using arp headbolts on high boost?

mine isn't finished yet, but motor is going together next week,
stock rods, pistons, crank (01 lm7)
arp head studs, main studs, rod bolts.
gt4788 1.10 a/r t4 3.5" downpipe
317 heads
slp oil pump and billet timing gear
02 z06 cam (yellow springs for now)
0.030" ring gap stock rings
105lb/hr injectors and some E85 should do the trick'
currently waiting on a 99 pcm and a 3 bar map to finish this thing up.

Forged 365 kicked the bucket, so in went an '04 5.3 with 160k+ miles.

New parts: Melling oil pump, ARP rod bolts & head studs, LS9 cam & head gaskets.

Old parts: 317's w/PRC dual extremes, TBSS intake, GT-91mm front mount, Magnafuel pump, ID2000 injectors (E85). 5.3 just got rings gapped, and cleaned up. Original bearings, rods, pistons & crank...you get the idea.


The 365 pushed my '68 C10 to 141 mph in 1/4 @ 3,850# race weight breaking loose outta da hole. Around 21-22 psi.

Fast forward to 5.3 install, and didn't adjust tune, saw 20psi. That sumbitch pulls hard. Hard as the 6.0, no. Damn close? Yes. Close enough that I probably won't build another shortblock, when 5.3's are $250. Might switch to an aluminum block just to save weight.

Lag with the 6.0 was none. With the 5.3, very slight. Backed it down to 17 psi to get the weight transfer dialed in, and will be starting soon to tune up to 23-25 psi.

Anyone have personal experience with a cast crank and forged rods plus pistons? How much abuse will the stock crank take. I hear conservative is 550hp max?! If you can say otherwise, how much and how long (miles)

Anyone have personal experience with a cast crank and forged rods plus pistons? How much abuse will the stock crank take. I hear conservative is 550hp max?! If you can say otherwise, how much and how long (miles)

Most stock stroke guys are running the stock crank. Some well into the 1000 rear wheel horsepower range. They seem to take a ton of abuse before bending......

I'm getting ready to pull out a 4.8L motor that has had gallons of E85 + 19 PSI of boost through it...stock rotating with 317 heads, dual springs.
I am going to be putting in a completely stock 220K mile 5.3 L to see if I can hit low 10's (I have a M6 and traction issues).

These little motors are great for power in stock form.
The key is good tuning, period.

Good info here.
Looks like a 5.3 can be safely bored to 3.902 or so which would make it possible to use ls1 pistons, rods and so on. I may go that route. Undecided about using stock crank or a stroker forged one.

Yea the stock cranks are good well past the 550 mark.

I will b starting a build thread shortly

Anyone know what the 5.3 hp record is?? Any form, stock or built

I want to say 820 something..

I am far from BIG boost, but I put down 609 @ 10lbs on a dyno dynamics through a little 67mm :). Here is a dyno clip from yesterday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7-m2We2qPg

Here is an idle clip from when it was open down pipe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebsZLuPWeHw

W94,killer ride,skinnys needs to jump in here,he has done some crazy things with a 5.3

He has, but everything he has done was on a stock bottom end. Which are strong don't get me wrong. But what I wanna see is somebody pushing the limits of a BUILT bottom end. I think the 5.3 is a VERY well fitted motor for boost. And I think most ppl over look it b it's only 32x c.I. But the cylinder walls are just massive, we already know the block will withstand damn near anything. With a set of high quality rods and pistons, what really IS the limit of one?? Obviously the first suspect is head sealing issues, with the heavy cylinderwall, and an overall smaller cylinder, I think these 5.3s would seal better then the 4" bore stuff. I wanna seewhat happens at 30+ psi with one of these bad boys

I'm guessing you've never seen this thread? http://www.theturboforums.com/smf/the-builds-board-hall-of-fame-builds/gigantic-turbo-ls1%27ish-motor-custom-kit-and-a-nova/210/
Fastest guy I'm aware of with a 5.3 bored to 347. 8.60's around 166 mph at a very high elevation track, Bandimere. 346 cid iron LSx, 2 psi launch, 19 psi max, 5800 ft elev, 8015 ft DA, E85 fuel, 3280# race weight. He's been low 8's now with his 6.0.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LImnsM9YyAI&list=UU9zPQnLgwKjTjTUdizXad2w&index=7&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G2eWE-5Rvc&list=UU9zPQnLgwKjTjTUdizXad2w&index=12&feature=plcp

That is my favorite nova right there!

That thing is a testament to building an AWESOME car!

That is my favorite nova right there!

That thing is a testament to building an AWESOME car!

Agreed! One of my favorite LSx powered cars to date.

I would be such a happy guy with that kind of performance lol

Putting forged pistons/rods in my 05 L33 5.3 right now. Going to test the limits of a Precision billet 76 and try for 900+rwhp.

that Nova is crazy.......

Nice thread! Enjoying the results and info!

Thanks,Matt

there has to be more 5.3l running around?!?

08' 5.3 stock
cammed and springs
mpt76
14lbs 550ish rwhp running 18lbs on street .. started pushin water on 19-20lbs arp head bolts and ls9 gaskets on the way.. 20-24psi coming soon. after stronger springs installed
pulls like a mofo .. spins 10.50X26 mt streets 70mph roll in chevelle

How much HP can 5.3 pistons and rods take?

So finished dyno'ing mine today... It's right at 20lbs on an unleashed performance rear mount turbo setup (comp oiless turbo). This is a bone stock short block with a cam in it. It does have ls9 head gaskets and studs. Short Block has about 30k on it.

Power-- 759hp/667tq!!! Now you got me interested in cranking it up just to see if I can hit skinnies numbers! That's the highest horsepower stock short bock 5.3 I've seen! Pretty awesome for these little motors!

Billy

So finished dyno'ing mine today... It's right at 20lbs on an unleashed performance rear mount turbo setup (comp oiless turbo). This is a bone stock short block with a cam in it. It does have ls9 head gaskets and studs. Short Block has about 30k on it.

Power-- 759hp/667tq!!! Now you got me interested in cranking it up just to see if I can hit skinnies numbers! That's the highest horsepower stock short bock 5.3 I've seen! Pretty awesome for these little motors!

Billy

damn impressive... what year 5.3
and to the wheels?

How much HP can 5.3 pistons and rods take?I made 855rwhp and 1100+ rwtq in my rx7 thru the auto, 9 inch, and 33" tires.

Hey Chevelle,

Yes that's to the wheels.... I believe it's a 2001 block, but I can check on that to verify it. I'll get an updated video posted of it...the current one shows it at 706hp...before we turned up the boost a little more :)

Skinnies....those are insane numbers man! That's awesome!


Billy

Glad to see these setups, mine comes back fromthe machine shop today, rods are in the mail, should be together before the end of June.

Rossler called and my th400 is done :)

is that the duck-call BOV in the second video??? haha jk

me and a friend are making over 600whp with 4.8s and china turbos. i wonder how a 80-88mm would light with a 4.8l

Keep the 5.3 and don't let these guys tell you different.

The problem with the LS motor's is they have limited real estate when it comes to the deck. The way the cylinder sleeves and water jackets are set-up there is little actual deck material for the head to seal too. That is why big boost motors dry deck the heads so that there is much more material for the head and deck to seal together with. Same thing with thicker beefier heads. More material, less chance of moving around.

As someone else said SBF and GN guy's have been dealing with this for years and the answer is more deck material, more head material, copper gaskets, and smaller bores. A smaller bore like a 5.3 will have more meat around the cylinder for the head to seal too. SBC guys have an extra bolt at 5 bolts, but the principal is the same.

Big blocks have 4 also and they have the least of all the engine combo's problems with this, because they have a ton more material head wise and deck wise to seal to the block.

Yes 6 bolts help but the analogy I used the other day to someone was you can put stone turrents on a wooden fort(lsx with 6 bolts) but it's still not King Arthurs Castle(big block).

Nothing wrong with an LSX at all I love them, it's what I run just saying that this will work if the fuel, tune, compression and quench is correct.

I would use an as cast 225 trick flow head and a cam tailored to your set-up and turbo will not be laggy at all especially if you use certain tricks in the stock pcm to spool the turbo.

I can't wait to see this thing go:)

Like said before, the small bore is where it's at when head sealing is an issue. Not to mention the iron is better over aluminum, ect. I just think most people think they need 427ci+ to make huge power. Last I recall the supras ad lambos that are the big killers aernt 427+ci........


On a side note, anyone ever thought of doing like a dry deck setup to an iron block and having external passages(3/4" lines maybe) to flow coolant thru the heads?? That setup with custom gaskets would be the cats ass

Keep the 5.3 and don't let these guys tell you different.

The problem with the LS motor's is they have limited real estate when it comes to the deck. The way the cylinder sleeves and water jackets are set-up there is little actual deck material for the head to seal too. That is why big boost motors dry deck the heads so that there is much more material for the head and deck to seal together with. Same thing with thicker beefier heads. More material, less chance of moving around.

As someone else said SBF and GN guy's have been dealing with this for years and the answer is more deck material, more head material, copper gaskets, and smaller bores. A smaller bore like a 5.3 will have more meat around the cylinder for the head to seal too. SBC guys have an extra bolt at 5 bolts, but the principal is the same.

Big blocks have 4 also and they have the least of all the engine combo's problems with this, because they have a ton more material head wise and deck wise to seal to the block.

Yes 6 bolts help but the analogy I used the other day to someone was you can put stone turrents on a wooden fort(lsx with 6 bolts) but it's still not King Arthurs Castle(big block).

Nothing wrong with an LSX at all I love them, it's what I run just saying that this will work if the fuel, tune, compression and quench is correct.

I would use an as cast 225 trick flow head and a cam tailored to your set-up and turbo will not be laggy at all especially if you use certain tricks in the stock pcm to spool the turbo.

I can't wait to see this thing go:)

Hopefully find a donor fox body car soon so I can respond. Planning on a 4.8 (already have), small cam, head gaskets, ebay studs, twin on3 76mm or a single BW S475 (already have), with a turbo 400. Who cares if its a little slow off the get go,that just keeps me from spinning so hard, the 4.8 with a cam should push the car as well as the stock 5.0 did that people think were quick, then hopefully spool at 4Kish so i can keep it lit between shifts.

Like said before, the small bore is where it's at when head sealing is an issue. Not to mention the iron is better over aluminum, ect. I just think most people think they need 427ci+ to make huge power. Last I recall the supras ad lambos that are the big killers aernt 427+ci........


On a side note, anyone ever thought of doing like a dry deck setup to an iron block and having external passages(3/4" lines maybe) to flow coolant thru the heads?? That setup with custom gaskets would be the cats ass

Yep sure has. I have seen it done before. Only it was an aluminum block.

Yep sure has. I have seen it done before. Only it was an aluminum block.

Take the sleeves out, weld it up, then machine for new sleeves I assume.

Anyone know what the 5.3 hp record is?? Any form, stock or built

I want to say 820 something..

How much HP can 5.3 pistons and rods take?

While this isnt a 5.3, it IS a 4.8 which is the same bore, but less stroke.

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/forced-induction-159/ls-power-twin-76mm-turbo-4-8l-1200hp-still-going-485734/

1202hp anyone? :)

Oh and that forum has a few boosted 4.8 and 5.3 guys.