Hey guys, im looking to purchase my engine/tranny combo here pretty soon and had a couple questions..I have a 2 door bmw i want to put an lsx in it with a t-56 and was looking to spend the least amount of money..so i was looking at a 5.3 or 6.0 truck engine..would the t-56 mount up without a conversion kit? what heads can i put on the 5.3 or 6.0 block? id like to eventually put aluminum heads on it and build the engine, but as of now i just want a cheap (but good base)...Thanks in advanced!

 

If you get a 98-02 F-Body, 04-06 GTO, or CTS-V T56 then it will bolt right up to any 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2, etc...
The 5.3 would probably be the cheapest and if you get one from 01+ then they came with aluminum heads.

 

thank you for the reply! now what are my head and intake options with the 5.3? are they all almost interchangeable?

 

can I build a 5.3 up to ls3 specs or is there not that big of an aftermarket field for them?

 

5.3s can make tons of power when built correctly. They use the same parts as other gen 3/4 GM v8s with the exception of the smaller bore the 5.3 /4.8 engines have, leading to valve clearance issues with valves over 2.000 inches.

 

so i can put ls1 heads and intake on the 5.3? is it the same block? can i bore it out to a 5.7? what about the crank?

 

you would have to re-sleve a 5.3 to a 5.7 (someone correct me if im wrong) but i think 5.3s only make 30 less hp than a 5.7. you can also put a set of ls1 (241) or ls6 heads (243) and a big cam and make some good power. if your on a budget id buy a 5.3, ls1 241 heads, and an ls6 intake.

 

I thought all 5.3's came with aluminum heads?