ewingr

I have just purchased a 2007 5.3L with 243 heads. I'm going to get an LS1 intake...not sure if I should look at a different one, maybe LS6. But my question is, can I use the throttle body that came on the Vortec or do I need a new TB also?

MustangLS

iTrader: (5)

I had an LS6 intake on my 5.3 and used the stock truck throttle body with it.

Russ K

iTrader: (1)

I assume that your engine came out of a new body style truck? If so it will have a 4 mounting bolt TB. And a LS1 intake uses a 3 mounting bolt TB.

Are you planning on a drive by wire or cable TB?

Russ Kemp

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

If you are going to run a cable style TB the cam arm will interfere with the truck water pump outlet if it is the style that exits up top pointing towards the hood.

Just swap the water pump out.

ewingr

I apologize for not providing more information.

It is out of a 2007 truck; it is iron block; came with 243 heads, and flat top pistons. I don't have the engine number yet.

I am definitely planning on drive by wire.

Here's a link to the engine I purchased on eBay. Don't have it in possession yet.

So, I guess, recommendations on best intake (and any other mods you want to suggest) to get is appreciated. Wanting to keep it reasonable in cost. I don't plan on racing it. Streetablility and fuel economy is top priority. I'm alway game for power, but don't want to spend lots of $ and then also lose economy.

We alwasy want too much, huh?

Jim_PA

iTrader: (9)

From what I can remember, the LQ4 throttle body doesn't have a clean air inlet for the PCV so you have to pipe one into your air intake. Other than that, my LQ4 throttle body works just fine on the LS6 intake.

ewingr

Ok. So it sounds like I can use the TB with an LS6 Intake.

I just opened a new thread on this, but should have asked it here: can I use the injectors from the 5.3 as well?

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

LS1 and LS6 intakes are 3 bolt TB. Yours comes with a 4 bolt TB. An LS2 intake will bolt up. it's 4 bolt. Or you can buy an adapter (ebay) and use an LS1/6. Btw, you wont see much increase with a $300 LS6 intake over a $30 LS1 intake on a stock 5.3.
The flex fuel injectors will fit the intake, but are too short for the fuel rail to reach. You can used spacers or aftermarket rails.

ewingr

I really appreciate your detailed reply. Hopefully one day I'll have the experience to help out on the LS forum

It's interesting. I've read over and over how that LS6 will increase the hp by 10-15. Any idea why it wouldn't make much difference on this engine?

I just went onto eBay, and found the adapters. They are $60-70. Seems like maybe that could be a good down payment on a polished TB from S&P, or a better TB (of course I don't know what that would be...I'm so green about LS).

I found http://www.ebay.com/itm/Convert-turn-your-LS3-LS7-injector-into-a-LS2-injector-spacer-extender-adapter-/171069336427?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27d486eb6b&vxp=mtrinjector spacers on eBay, and he indicate he does have LQ4 spacers. I presume LQ4 spacers is what I need. Correct?

Maybe I'd be better off getting a complete intake, with all the other stuff.

BTW...you're the second person to reference a $30 LS1 intake...but every one I've seen on eBay for an LS1 has ended up at over $100. There are two on there now for under $100, but bidding has just started. One there with TB, Injectors, and rail for $300.

Ironfreak

From what I understand on the ls6 vs. ls1 intake is the flow is better, but the hp gains are all relative to the rest of your motor. In myopinion I would go with the ls1 intake (what I'm doing) and spend that money on other upgrades that will reap more power like cam and exhaust.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

The LS6 will flow more on a larger 5.7 engine with a bigger cam. Most of that hp increase is over 5000 rpm (350 vs 400hp).
The smaller 5.3 would have to rev higher than the 5.7 to achieve that level of flow. Even then, the stock cam would prevent that if not the valve/heads too.

ewingr

Thanks guys. It all makes sense.

I think I may look for an LS2 intake, as it has the 4 bolt TB, and I'll be able to use the one that comes on the engine.

I'll not be touching it, but this would look cool, if nothing else:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/OBX-ITB-INDIVIDUAL-THROTTLE-BODY-Chevy-Corvette-LS1-LS2-LS6-SFD52-ITB-Kit-/161083272294?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25814fac66&vxp=mtr

LS BRAVADA

iTrader: (4)

Is thare a reason not to use the stock truck intake set up ?

ewingr

Not technically, no. I just want the asthetics of the LS.

LS BRAVADA

iTrader: (4)

Did you say what this engine is going in ?

ewingr

Probably not. It's going on a 61 Chevy bubble top.

65ChevyIINova

I am in the middle of the same swap with an 02 block with an LS1 intake. My truck intake has the same bolt pattern as the LS1 so it will work for me.

With the smaller displacement of the 5.3 then an LS1 intake will flow plenty of air to support the engine (unless you are doing something over the top). LS1 intakes go on here for cheap and not so much on Ebay.

LS BRAVADA

iTrader: (4)

Just FYI the truck intake flows just as well as the LS1 intake up to around 5000rpm although its not as pretty. I was going to do the LS1 intake on my 5.3 until I did the research. The cost of the car intake, rails, injectors, etc was not worth it to me plus I like low end power anyway. I'm not trying to steer you in any direction just want to let you know the truck intake really isn't that bad.

ewingr

Yup. I appreciate the input.Frankly, my motivation for doing it is for looks. I want it to be similar to the LS1 in my '56.

I went down the path of thinking I should do the best performing one, within reasonable $, so was going to get an LS6 manifold. But then I learned here that really only helps at high RPM (and not so much on the 5.3, vs 5.7), and frankly, I won't be racing, so why do that.

Currently looking for one from an LS2 (so I can use the 4 bolt TB that comes with the engine). Maybe there are other 4 bolt ones I should look for. I'm not having much luck with specifically LS2, and all that I"m finding, even for the 'common LS1', are not running the low price quoted to me a few times here.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

LS2 intake at a reasonable price might be a tough find. Lots of LS1 takeoffs a few years ago with guys swapping to the LS6. Not as many LS2s produced and few options to replace them.
I found both my LS1s for under $40, that included rail and bolts. Btw, the GM bolts are about $20 from the dealer. Keep an eye out on craigslist.
Your other option, if hood clearance isn't an issue and you're doing it for looks, is a cleaned up truck intake.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...k-intakes.html