Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

I am currently doin a build on my car and wanna know what u guys r doing with 5.3s. Im not really interested in the junkyard stuff like everyone has done and is doing. I am mainly looking for guys who have built them and seen what they've done. I'm hoping to eventually go 26-30# on mine and was wondering what kind of lag u guys see, what turbos u guys r running, ad most of all what kind of numbers.

I don't want to hear about cars that aernt done yet, I would like to see proven setups. Numbers, videos, track times, whatever u got.

Thanks in advance

Ryans99ls1

iTrader: (16)

30lbs on a 5.3? id build a bigger motor and run lower boost to get the power i want, before i did that. i dont see 4 bolt heads being able stay down unless you run really low timing, which i wouldnt want to do on a street car, and even then youll still run into trouble.

Im not saying dont do it, cus im all for doing things how you want. Im just stating my opinion haha

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

Bigger motor = bigger wallet. I've got MAYBE 1200$ in this shortblock. Rotating assembly's for more cubes are 2500-3500$ alone. The 5.3 is cheap and it can make power. Everyone thinks more cubes is the answer, ask the supra guys that are making 1500-1600 on 3.0 liters.I already know what it takes to make the 4bolt heads stay down. Timing isn't a problem with the correct fuel and correct setup. There were plenty of guys going HIGH boost before the 6bolt stuff was ever thought of. It's just the smaller details I'm looking for.

Cronic_Moronic

Head sealing is the issue. From what I am seeing most people run into trouble around 20lbs or so. A bigger motor will make more power while keeping cylinder pressure lower.

Silver T

I am coming from the stock block v6 world. We have been dealing with the 4 bolts a hole for years now. I have run 35+ psi. Trick is NO detonation and a good head gasket. I like the SCE titan coppers. It's a non-oring gasket. I don't know yet what the ls guys are using as I just began my 5.3 project. I was thinking of using my years and years of Buick know how and apply it to this build. I am anxious to start the the tuning...that's my favorite part.

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

As long as u got a good gasket as stated and an aftermarket casting head, 20psi is a walk in the park. We've had cars at 22psi with stock casting heads without pushing. Like stated above, there are motors everywhere making huge power with 4bolts. I think where moat people fall short is using the JUNK stock deck thickness of .300ish and expect the cylinder pressures to not flex the head between bolts

2000RATA

This means you are running a stock crank and no real good parts. This is a cheap budget junk yard build. So your comment about it not being one is incorrect. Although I agree you don't need big cubes to make big power.

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

How is it a junkyard build? A jy build is getting a stock longblock and boosting it. A pull out, all stock, rods thT r only supposed to hold 500whp, stock pistons, ect.

Just bc I do it on a budget doesn't mean it's a junkyard build. It's not a junkyard motor atall.

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

And bc I do it A budget, now I have "no real good parts"??? Wiseco's and callies are both junk right?

2000RATA

The tone of your op was that a junkyard build was nothing like the direction you were headed. Then turn around and say you have maybe $1200 in the short block. That dollar amount doesn't say "all out boosted effort." Just saying.
And I apologize for being a jerk about it. But without doing something greater than a good piston your results will be no better than a good motor pulled from the junkyard with rod bolts and cam. Id like to see a well built 5.3 with a set of great heads and the supporting parts to go the distance.

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

I just don't see what's so bad about a stock crank, CALLIES rods and wiseco pistons.

Wht do u see as the weak link here?

1fast bird

iTrader: (22)

Nothing wrong with them parts at all. I think what they are getting at is you could build a 370 for damn near the same price. Most opt for more cubes

2000RATA

Nothing wrong with the stock crank. I went off at... not a junkyard build... but only $1200 in it. In the back of my mind I thought $1200 will get you a latemodel 5.3 and skinnies has made around 900whp with a single turbo on one and been beating on it for over a year. Never mind me. Your doing right by putting rods and pistons in one. It will live longer that way.

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

The price difference for a 6.0 vs a 5.3 is like double to triple lol. Plus the 370s don't have near the cylinder wall that the 5.3s do. We would all like more cubes, But I can't see paying 1500$ for a junkyard 6.0.

2000RATA

No doubt the 6.0's cost more.

1fast bird

iTrader: (22)

Not gonna argue with you. You can get a 6.0 block and crank for $300. Everything else will cost the same. Don't see the huge price difference....

Doubt I would ever see the cylinder wall strength difference. The heads would lift long before I will crack the 6.0...... Not putting your build down at all. Matter of fact I debated building a 5.3 myself. Then I realized the cost was nearly identical.

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

I was gonna go the 370route. Summit sells 6.0 block already machined and everything for 750$, but it's the rest of the stuff thT would make me broke. I already got pistons and everything for the 5.3. I figured I will see what I can squeeze out the 5.3 while I slowly put together another motor. Either 370 or 408

Ryans99ls1

iTrader: (16)

I know how cheap the 5.3 stuff is, its what ill be doing if/when my motor lets go haha. As long as you can keep the heads down, go for it.

Bobsmyuncle

iTrader: (32)

I'm hoping to, plus I don't see many people doing it. I'd rather do something different and fail then do something that has been done hundreds of times

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

i love the 5.3 builds, i need ryan to give me a ride around town so i can catch the boost bug, ryan you almost got that thing ready to roll?bob how close is your car to being done