Jake Spoon

The "cam swap" thread got me thinking about a lot of the conversions that are discussed here, where the stock 5.3 is swapped in. Since many of these engines are high-mileage (~100,000 miles), it seems like this would be the right time to go through the engine and replace parts that are known for wear, as well as adding the performance upgrades.

What are some obvious, relatively easy things that should be done to these 5.3 swap motors before the conversion? For instance, I remember reading a Hot Rod article a couple of years ago where the author suggested that replacement of the valvesprings was always a good idea and the LS6 cam was also worth considering.

milktasd

I replaced all the bearings, rings, seals, valve springs, oil pump, timing chain, gaskets, etc. had my crank polished, added arp rod bolts, trunion upgrade. Probably some more that I can't think of off the top of my head. I just remember going through everything, so that my 5.3 t56 Sonoma will last me for years as my dd.

superdave84

While 100,000 is a big, ugly number, it's not really that high for these engines. The LS series (and the lesser variants) are tough motors. Even work trucks and vans that are abused can easily hit 200k+ before busting.

turbonola

Good info to know

i r teh noobz

iTrader: (4)

Check compression and run it. I see plenty of used and abused fleet trucks with 2-300k still going strong. Highest I've seen was 422k on a 4.8. My 5.3 has 125k on it and its in good enough shape that I put a PRC heads/cam package on it. Good compression, good oil pressure, good to go.

If it helps, pretend its from Japan

STEEPSS

iTrader: (30)

IMO, do your homework and get the right cam, instead of a GM hotcam "that I saw on saturday morning tv".

That being said, I've seen tons of 100,000, and 200,000 mile motors do serious work. My motto is if it aint broke dont fix it.... until you break it, then upgrade it.

99MUSTANG5.3L

For the price of used motors, I don't think it's worth it to rebuild one. Just keep a spare in the garage.

Black98s10

I have 140k on my 5.3L. Not doing anything to the shortblockas far as rebuilding. Even with twin turbos figure it should last long enough for a forged shortblock to go in.

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

Got 350k on my stock 4.8. Gonna be using a stock 5.3 for my swap. All I did was compression test and leakdown. Everything checked out. Also had 60psi oil pressure idle. 5.3 engine has 100k miles. That's nothing for a well maintained ls motor.

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

I agree. I had Pat G (on here) spec a cam for a friends engine but we haven't installed the engine in his car yet (too many projects). I may build a test stand just for this so I can run and tune it and others.

I've been running a junkyard 103+K 5.3 as a daily driver / abuser for over three years and did nothing more than change the pan, oil and filter before installation.

Funny, I don't remember inviting you to my house! How did you know?

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

Because we all have several lying around, don't we?

Snkebait95

iTrader: (16)

I guess it all in the luck of the draw. I hear of all these motors like said above that ladt forever. I swapped a junkyard 5.3l in with a warranty with 113k on it. Replaced everything besides the crank rods pistons and bearings which i left alone. 250 miles later i was pullin about 6k rpm in 4th and list oil pressure. I disasembled it and saw how a piston barely hit the head just knocking the carbon off it. So now im putting in a fresh shortblock from tms. Im not saying this to discourage you but just expect anything.

MustangLS

iTrader: (5)

The junkyard 5.3 I got had just under 90k on it and I changed cam and upgraded valve springs but otherwise left it alone. I haven't spun it over 5k yet but runs good, doesn't smoke. If I was putting a turbo on it right away I would have changed gaskets, rod bolts and a new timing chain but that's about it.

71monte-carlo

cam, intake, valve springs & ur good. everything else will be ok if all u have is 100k plus on a 5.3

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Valve springs for sure. The rest is up to the application I'd say. Will it see boost? Track time? etc. I prefer to build things to last rather than keep a spare on hand. I'd rather do it right the first time and save myself the work later.