HeavyMetl

iTrader: (2)

Well, just barely 11s. Fairly basic stuff, a 2010 LC9 5.3 out of the junkyard. Dod/VVT delete, Tick 227/235 cam kit, super crappy ebay $160 long tube headers, and an underdrive pulley. Trans is a TH350 with a 3800 stall. 10 bolt rear with 3.73s. When I bought the car, it had a 355 with double humps and a roudy cam. Swapping in this 5.3 feels like a 100hp more!

I used Holley EFI, I already have Dominator ECU that I used in my other "race car", so I just bought the engine harness and can plug it in and swap tunes in less than 5 minutes. I’m probably way to happy about these results and this is the slowest car I currently have. But for minimal expense and effort I dig it. The old school guys in my town still think I’m full of crap saying it’s a 5.3 and has been this quick. Lol

383z

iTrader: (2)

Congrats! Looks like an easy build and it sounds easy on the wallet for some good thrills.
Clean engine for a junk yard engine too.

Tuskyz28

I've found out the old school guys hate LS motors. Anyway good build, mid 11s is just a head swap away.

HeavyMetl

iTrader: (2)

I don’t think it’s hate so much as not understanding. Most of the old school guys think you can slap a set of AFR heads on a small block and “show them LS motors how it’s done.” I also built SBCs years back and remember seeing LS trap speeds and dyno numbers and thinking it was impossible. 120+ mph at 3500lbs with pump gas 346ci? Incredible considering I had a Dart head 383 at the time that didn’t perform nearly that well.

As for this Nova, I think a 4.56 gear would help a ton. I’m considering it, and I’ve also got a good 4L80E sitting on the shelf that would negate the street efffects of a 4.56. Hmm....ideas ideas.

Tuskyz28

How much does your nova weigh?

HeavyMetl

iTrader: (2)

3045lbs empty. Well, with some gas in the tank that’s what it weighed.

Tuskyz28

That' aweome!!

sbdgbody

iTrader: (11)

nice build what heads

HeavyMetl

iTrader: (2)

Stock 243's that came with this fine junkyard engine.

HeavyMetl

iTrader: (2)

Took advantage of the cool fall air and hit the track last night.

60' - 1.73
1/8 - 7.48@93.4
1/4- 11.74@114.16

For just being a 5.3, and with a 3.73 gear, I'm really pleased. What a fun, cheap combo.

zzracer

iTrader: (33)

I have a few buddies that are still die hard old school small block Chevy for life. I have been begging them to do this very thing with a 5.3.
Badass!

Doug G

Congrats

Amazing what these "new" motors run ain't it

Believe

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

idk about 120+ @3500lb but i do know 130+ @3250 is possible out of a 346 ls6 with stock heads and cam

you did good with your nova but don't go to crazy on the gear with these engines. They have big broad tq and imo you simply end up hurting trap speed.....especially for a street car.

I'm sure there are lots of little things you could do to pick it up before adding that kinda gear.

zzracer

iTrader: (33)

I little more gear is not going to hurt. 5.3s are not torque monsters by no means. Don't know if you could run a 1/4 with a 4.56 though.