slayer1234

Whats up everyone! Ive been looking around this forum for quite some time now and i've seen a few miata builds.. im thinking of going with a racing concepts kit but any feed back would be awesome. first question is I will be getting a block and tranny pretty soon and was thinking of a 5.3. which year is the best block and how can i tell if its a LM7 cast iron block or the LM4/L33 aluminum block by looking at the engine block?? im thinking of popping in a good cam into it to produce around 330 Hp hopefully should be plety for the size of the car. Second will the T56 tranny bolt right up to the 5.3? and what year/models are recommended?? any feed back would be awesome thanks

Keith Tanner

iTrader: (1)

Assuming the Racing Concepts kit is similar to the V8 Roadsters one I deal with...

You'll need an F-body oil pan, an LS1/LS6 intake and the parts to move the alternator down in order to fit that engine into your Miata. The L33 is rated pretty close to 330 hp from the factory. The T56 should bolt up.

If you want to tell if it's an iron block while looking at it, grab a magnet

slayer1234

haha i would have never thought of a magent!! Do you know What production vechicles came out with the L33? is there an RPO code i should look out for or Vin Casting number

fmowry

iTrader: (14)

First off, don't go with the Racing Concepts kit unless you want months of frustration. Just read the thread at the Miata engine conversions forum here:

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=293587

The L33 came in:

* 2005-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
* 2005-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD

This conversion forum is great but you will get more Miata specific swap info over at Miata.net forum linked above.

Frank

Keith Tanner

iTrader: (1)

According to car-part.com, check the 8th digit of the VIN. B is an L33, T is an LM7, Z is an L59. You're looking for a 4wd extended cab IIRC.

unk577

iTrader: (1)

Talk to Shandelle at v8roadsters.com or Keith(above at Flyingmiata.com) as they have the best engineered/built kit on the market. They also probably have the most experience with miata conversions as well.

rao

iTrader: (18)

The T-56 will bolt up. This swap looks interesting.

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

On page four of this section, you will find "My LS1 Miata build," by LS1_Miata. There are links to his website showing the build, as well.

There are several of us LSX Miata builder/owners here. Just let us know what you need.
Good-luck on your build.

slayer1234

hey thanks for all the replys guys. for starters im planning for a 5.3 as you all know either iron or allumium block. but i want it to have a little extra juice before i drop it in. I wanted to know if any of you have had experience on the TSP 228R ive seen it alot on ls1's but couldnt find info on a 5.3 any idea how well it will go and how much added hp on a stock block for a daily driver??

fmowry

iTrader: (14)

You'll probably get better responses to various cams in the subforums for the 5.3. I'm not aware of any 5.3s in Miatas currently. I've got an LS6 bolted in, and there are quite a few LS1s. Many of the people doing the LS swaps need to deal with emissions and in many states, a truck motor in a car chassis is illegal. I know a lot of guys on a cheaper budget that pick a 5.3 simply use the LS6 intake and a Z06 cam to bump up the power quite a bit.

Frank

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

There's a sponsor on this site (I don't recall the name) that has a thread about how to make good power out of a budget 5.3 build. Their set up dynoed in the 325 RWHP range of which is close to stock LS1/LS6 numbers. You'll probably find it in a search for 5.3 or 5.3 build or 5.3 budget build. I remember them posting the topic in this "conversion" section. Another good option may be a strocker 5.3, if you're into strockers.

I can tell you for sure that if I were to build another LSX Miata, it would be a 5.3 aluminum block LS set up.

slayer1234

ya im really leaning towards the aluminum block only thing is it s hard to come by down here. i have been searchin for an ls1 block but no luck at all

jfg455

iTrader: (5)

There isnt alot of the B motors out there. An easy power upgrade for the money is an 04 ZO6 cam and springs. Wakes the 5.3 right up. Especially if you go in and change your fuel and spark tables over to ones from an F or Y body tune. The other option is a T70 turbo. Puts it up in the low 500HP fairly safely.

fmowry

iTrader: (14)

Where are they? I look at car-part occasionally and never find the aluminum block 5.3s for a good price.

Frank

Keith Tanner

iTrader: (1)

Is $800 a good price? Because I found one with 30k on it for that much last time I looked.

unk577

iTrader: (1)

There out there cheaper than that if you look hard enough, but $800 is near the bottom of what I've seen.

slayer1234

hey i wanted to ask if $350 for an ls1 block is pretty good?? 01 ls1 BUT its only bottom end no intake nor heads. should i take it or just get a complete motor??

l33miata

Complete motor, I too am thinking of a l33 miata. Look forward to the progress.

PETE180

iTrader: (1)

I found my complete motor with coils, injectors, minus the main access. and starter with 38K for $700. In 2004 the 5.3L's that came in the SSR, Ranier, Envoy XLT, and Isuzu's were aluminum and had a 9.49 to 1 compression.

I'm using an LS1 intake(down 20 cubes it might flow enough, we'll see) and injectors. I'm using cnc ported patriot heads(706's) with 2.0 intakes and 1.55 valves. The cam is a 224/230 on a 114lsa with 4* ground in.

I had the heads cut to 59cc's from the 61.6cc stockers and went to a .027 gasket from the .058 stocker. This should put me in the high 9.9 to 1 area. The 04 blocks are identical to the LS6 without the larger cast in liner. The main difference between the lm4 and the l33 is the use of flat topped pistons in the 05-07 verses the dished pistons in the lm4.

I'm hoping for 360hp to the wheels....

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

.027 gasket & decked to 59cc's & flat top pistons? Better check your PTV clearance. That sound awfully tight if not an interference to me.

Anyway, glad to see that you found a motor. It will be interesting to follow along w/ your progress.