Im needing some advice
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Owasso, OK
Im needing some advice I am wanting to put an lsx engine in my 1979 chevy shortwide...
I am not sure wether to build a 5.3l or a 6.0l as i am new to this lsx thing. I am just wanting something that you normally wouldnt see under the hood of a 73-87 chevy truck... Any advice or opinions would help out alot! Thanks
I am not sure wether to build a 5.3l or a 6.0l as i am new to this lsx thing. I am just wanting something that you normally wouldnt see under the hood of a 73-87 chevy truck... Any advice or opinions would help out alot! Thanks
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Frozen Tundra, WI
The 5.3 is usually a bit cheaper and should give you a little more MPGs.
If you are interested more in performance then go with a 6.0 because our heavy trucks can use the extra torque of the 6.0.
What are your plans for the truck?
If you are interested more in performance then go with a 6.0 because our heavy trucks can use the extra torque of the 6.0.
What are your plans for the truck?
5.3 with a snail shell 
If you're gonna stay all motor and no turbo, I would go wtih the 6.0 as was stated. If you wanna go boosted, definately get the 5.3 for the cost savings. Once I get my Impala done, I may be going the 5.3/turbo route in a g-body :O
If you're gonna stay all motor and no turbo, I would go wtih the 6.0 as was stated. If you wanna go boosted, definately get the 5.3 for the cost savings. Once I get my Impala done, I may be going the 5.3/turbo route in a g-body :O
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Owasso, OK
I have heard that 5.3's run better on boost than 6.0's... I'm wanting** to supercharge it.... but im still deciding. It is my daily driver and runs good, just wanting something that not everyone else has.
Trending Topics
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Frozen Tundra, WI
If you are considering a supercharger (boost), I would choose the LQ4 6.0.
#1 - there is no replacement for displacement.
#2 - if you change your mind then you will still have the 6.0 and its added torque.
As for the tranny, some people enjoy a stick but most can't out run a well built automatic unless they race often (1/4 mile).
#1 - there is no replacement for displacement.
#2 - if you change your mind then you will still have the 6.0 and its added torque.
As for the tranny, some people enjoy a stick but most can't out run a well built automatic unless they race often (1/4 mile).
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
From: Stockett, Montana
If it were up to me, building a truck that wasn't going down a drag strip, and just going to be cruised, and light duty hauling (I'm assuming) I would put a 5.3 in it. They are cheaper, would probably do better on gas, and with some simple mods would make plenty of power for a street truck!! My buddy had one in a 70 GMC half ton two wheel drive, all he did was program the computer, and build a set of headers. That truck ran very strong!! That thing would blow the tires off if you really wanted it to. Needless to say the 5.3 is more than adiquate for a light duty pickup!! As far as transmissions go, if you are wanting an overdrive, don't want electronics, and hate 700R4's like I do, go with a 200-4R. They are stronger than a 700 as far as I'm concerned, and non electronic!! The best part is that they are dimentionally identical to a TH 350, so puting one in your truck would be very easy!!! Thats just what I would do anyway. Good Luck!!
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
From: Stockett, Montana
I wouldn't run L92's on a mild compression, pump gas, street engine!! Those things have a 250+ cc runner. Unless you had big cubes, or boost, they wouldn't be great on the street. Low end torque, and vacuum are your friends on the street. You would have to turn a lot of RPM to make L92's work on the street, and we all know that's not always a good idea!! A good set of LS2 heads on a pump gas 6.0, ported stock, or aftermarket would be the way I would go.
Last edited by ten5nova; Dec 27, 2009 at 12:05 PM. Reason: grammarical error
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Frozen Tundra, WI