TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

I have started my first LS build in a quest to run down in the 8's. This is not a hard thing to do these days, as cash can pretty much buy anything today. This project is not about spending money, just the opposite. I am on a mission to keep this a budget build. This is a stock shortblock 5.3 with Masterpower T70s'

I started out with a 07 aluminum 5.3 that is low miles but had issues when I got it, requiring 2 replacement rods (used). I took apart the shortblock and replaced the bearings along with opening up the ring end gaps. This was a dod engine so I drilled and tapped the oil passages, then installed plugs. A new Lil John/Brian Tooley camshaft. New LS2 style cam gear and old style guide. I used Alper Motorsports head studs.

I started this thread for a little something to do while it is cool outside, I will continue to update it as long as there is a interest.

topgun542

iTrader: (6)

Very Nice! Im only shooting for 9s with my turbo 4.8... but i know what budget means! lol good luck to ya!

thehazz12

A stock internal, aluminum 5.3 going for 8's? Sure, stupid amounts of power have been made cheaply through stock motors, but it's rare that they live long. I'm not optomistic. Good luck with that.
If you're wanting to run those times, you're gonna' want to look into stiffening up that G-body frame. At a minimum, you should box it in.

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys. Topgun you can do it, with a turbo(s) engine size many times just becomes a number. Building on a budget is the only way to go. I grew up in the 70s in a big family with little money, so I learned early how the stretch a dollar or make do with with I have.

Hazz If I can keep on top of the tune, I feel it will go a long way. I realize the stock componet build have there limits, I am already sorcing parts for a second engine. I have 2 sets of heads pretty much ready. The car Monte that this engine is going in (in avatar), has been back halfed with a 4 link and full cage. However I have another Monte that went mid 9s with a bone stock suspension, other than a 6 point bar it had zero done to the frame, it even had completely stock 100K+ control arms with rubber bushings. Heres a shot of it.

topgun542

iTrader: (6)

ohhhh i know how stretching every dollar is... it sucks... im waiting on my tax money to buy my turbo

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

This is gonna be a interesting build.

78buturbo

iTrader: (1)

im in for this one good luck

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys. Here is a little update showing the oil pump rebuild. I got this used one with the engine, it is for a standard LS, the one on the engine was a high volume that was designed to be used with the dod system. Here are some shots showing where I "ported" it to smooth flow and added shims to increase pressure a little.

thehazz12

I don't know, man. I wish you the best of luck, but a tune can only do so much for you. At the power you'll need to hit 8's, the selection of internal components is pretty important. I'm sure that's something you're fully aware of. I just couldn't be comfortable. I can't help but envision some nasty piston or rod carnage which very well may take out everything else. We shall see.
Good luck with it, guy.

Crystalss

interesting build...keep the updates coming!

Chicago TDP

iTrader: (3)

Well, if the car is at 3000 pounds, you are going to need at 800 WHP to go 8's.
The best HP from a STOCK INTERNALS 5.3 that I have seen on a single turbo was 875 flywheel HP on an engine dyno.

Now, with some good twins, race gas (or E85) and a good tune, should be able to.
But one burp and kiss that motor good-bye.

To be honest, get a LM7 iron 5.3L and try first.
It would be a shame to blow that L33 motor.

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

I completely understand the pistons and rods will be the limiting factors, however running 8s with a stock bottom end is not breaking new ground as quite a few have done it. One good thing about this engine over many others that I have seen, is it does have the second design pistons and rods, which are considered to be stronger.

1slow96z

iTrader: (4)

skinnies made 855whp thats a little more than 875 at the crank .... https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...ingup-now.html

Chicago TDP

iTrader: (3)

I stand corrected....I thought there was another out there that put down big power numbers but I was not going to blurt it out and not know how to back it up. Thanks for keeping me up to date.

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

This is a cool article showing what can be done with a stock based 5.3L.
http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/engin...g/viewall.html

I already have the heads done and assembled, but here are some pics of the spare set that I am currently working on, stage 3s they are not but they should make for a good low buck set of turbo heads. My camera is not the best. Haha

Beatdown Z

iTrader: (18)

Subscribed!

Machine-Master

Very Nice, like the Studs and will also tap my block for the 1/8 pipe thread, alway wanted to do that,

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

Here is a another small update. I have the heads on, I used the LS1 head gaskets (as per Denmah's suggestion). So we will see how well they'll hold up. Heads on and the LS3 valley cover on. The newer truck intake is setting on for now, I am still up in the air on what intake I will use. I like the Holley Hi Ram, just not sure if it is worth the cost and they are not in stock right now. I have the OBX headers bolted up for looks.

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

Bags-o-fun. I ordered the Summit trunnion kit yesterday and it showed up today. I was surprised to see the bearings actually said "made in USA" on them, not bad for $100. Now time for the fun.