TZ2884

iTrader: (14)

I've got a 5.3 in my regal right now and I really want to upgrade and have found a good deal on an ls3 shortblock. I was wondering what it would take to get the ls3 in and running.

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

Im assuming the 5.3 is a gen 3 engine. So you have a 24x reluctor wheel and the ls3 has a 58x wheel. Lingenfelter makes a box that converts the signal so you can run a 58x engine with a 24x harness and ecm. You could also just swap to a newer harness. As far as the engine goes most everything else bolts up. The valley covers and timing covers are different, but thats about it.

TZ2884

iTrader: (14)

It is a gen 3 5.3. I was planning on having the reluctor wheel changed rather than use the lingenfelter box because of the negative things I've heard about the them.

What would I need to do as far as wiring?
What timing and valley covers would work?

Crazier

Just put a turbo on it

Ebay style turbo build probably cost you $800

then if you blow it up, swap it out.

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

If you swap out the reluctor wheel, crank and cam sensors. It should basically be plug and play. You will need a knock sensor adapter harness as the knock sensors are on the side of the block. Also an extended harness for the cam sensor.

TZ2884

iTrader: (14)

Ok, I've heard about having to modify the block for the knock sensors also. Is there anything to that or did I misunderstand?

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

You would have to drill and tap the knock sensor holes and swap the ls3 knock sensors for the ones off your 5.3

TZ2884

iTrader: (14)

Are there bungs or something on the ls3 block for the gen 3 knock sensors?

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

You would have to swap your gen 3 crank into the gen 4 block since horizontally mounted LS engines have a slightly shorter crankshaft in order to accommodate the smaller engine bay. That being said the 5.3 and ls3 have the same stroke just different bore sizing which makes the crank swap possible...

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

He does not have a newer buick regal with the transverse mounted 5.3(ls4). He has a g-body with a swapped 5.3. so no crank swap is required.

tta656

iTrader: (5)

Sounds easier to turbo it