RCALLOYS

Hello

Planning a 5.3 conversion for our 2002 S10. Every once in awhile I'll run across a 5.3 aluminum engine. Plenty of iron units out there. However, if the price is right...... would you go for the aluminum version and why? Weight and easier cooling I know would be two factors but other than that, what is the advantage? No plans for anything fancy as far as performance. Just the standard stuff like headers, cold air, maybe a cam, simple things. No superchargers or turbos

SmOkA2k3

Aluminum would shave around 100ish pounds off only benifit i could see is there a reason you want the 5.3? you can get a LQ4 6.0 for around same price and its basically exactly same engine just larger displacement and far more potention in the long run 5.3 is a great motor just if you go to the trucks section you will find numerous 5.3 owners switching to the LQ4 or LQ9 as for performance the 5.3 versus the 6.0 with just headers, CAI, and maybe a cam (tr224) can easily be 50 plus HP as well as the broader torque curve of the 6.0 that you will much appreciate in a truck

RCALLOYS

Reason I am going for a 5.3 is fuel mileage. Out of the box it is darn near 300hp, 5hp shy actually. Figure with headers, good exhaust, cold air and a mild cam........ will be an awesome runner in a little S10. My truck is a RCSB and with the 4 banger and myself in it.... weighs 3200lbs. Original plan was go for an LS1 but couldn't justify the cost for (in my mind), 20 more hp and and 20 more cubes over the 5.3 idea.

Saving 100lbs up front would be nice though. This is my first conversion in a late model vehicle. Figured a 5.3 would be a fairly economical and simple way to go. Then, down the road if we decide to upgrade it should be simple to go up to a LS1 or LQ4 6 liter. Thanks for the info! Look forward to more opinions.

67RSCamaroVette

iTrader: (63)

The aluminum will help handling and probably help your fuel economy, too. 'long as you're being nice to it, an aluminum block is great. (read, no big overbores, no insane RPM's, huge nitrous shots, or extreme amounts of boost...)

spy2520

iTrader: (3)

i figure with an s10 your gas mileage wont be much worse 6.0 over the 5.3. your truck is pretty light, and gas mileage really starts getting shitty with either heavier vehicles or moderate to heavily modded motors (cams and ****)....

Sabre002

iTrader: (7)

I want to put a 5.3 with a 5 speed in my 91 S10 this 2.8 is killing me it wont get out of its own way I dont need nothing fast for this thats what my other two cars are for I just want to have a nice work truck that I can go down the highway in with something in the bed and still keep up with trafic haha

FastKat

iTrader: (10)

I would use the 5.3L... don't forget, they put the 5.3L in full size extended cab Silverados!!! I have driven one or two of those around and they pull the truck just fine. Also, I am pretty sure the weight savings between a cast iron and aluminum block is 65lbs, assuming both units have aluminum heads.

zz4bronco

I Have A 5.3 In A 72 Short Bed.currently Putting A 5.3 In My Sons 71 Ss El Camino.motor Is Incredible.if Not Enough Power When Done,,,, Put A Blower
On It!!!

Kenova

iTrader: (4)

I'm thinking about an L33 (aluminum 5.3) for my Vega. I have a 1500 with a 4.8 and find that plenty (I really don't haul much). The extra weight savings would be a bonus, and it shouldn't wadd the car up (too much LOL) and with an auto tranny the 7.5" rear might stand half a chance of staying in one piece.
Ken

randyc

I have just finished a L33 engine in a 2000 Sonoma. The front end now sits slightly higher than with the 4.3. Overall I am extremely happy with the swap. The handling has not changed. IMHO go with the aluminum version.

Andy1

Don't want to hijack the thread, but what year/model did they start putting the aluminum version (L33?) of the 5.3 in trucks/SUV's?

Thanks,

Andy1

Kenova

iTrader: (4)

Andy, GM started putting L33s in some 1500 series pickups in 2005. I've only seen them in 4x4s. They may also have been used in some of the fullsize and midsize SUVs, but can't say for sure which ones. They are still a little hard to find in the salvage yards, but should be getting a little more common (especially after winter ). They are easy to pick out. All iron blocks are painted black but the L33s are left in bare aluminum.
Ken