Im only shooting for 9s with my turbo 4.8... but i know what budget means! lol good luck to ya! 
Quest For 8's
Quest For 8's I have started my first LS build in a quest to run down in the 8's. This is not a hard thing to do these days, as cash can pretty much buy anything today. This project is not about spending money, just the opposite. I am on a mission to keep this a budget build. This is a stock shortblock 5.3 with Masterpower T70s'
I started out with a 07 aluminum 5.3 that is low miles but had issues when I got it, requiring 2 replacement rods (used). I took apart the shortblock and replaced the bearings along with opening up the ring end gaps. This was a dod engine so I drilled and tapped the oil passages, then installed plugs. A new Lil John/Brian Tooley camshaft. New LS2 style cam gear and old style guide. I used Alper Motorsports head studs.
I started this thread for a little something to do while it is cool outside, I will continue to update it as long as there is a interest.
I started out with a 07 aluminum 5.3 that is low miles but had issues when I got it, requiring 2 replacement rods (used). I took apart the shortblock and replaced the bearings along with opening up the ring end gaps. This was a dod engine so I drilled and tapped the oil passages, then installed plugs. A new Lil John/Brian Tooley camshaft. New LS2 style cam gear and old style guide. I used Alper Motorsports head studs.
I started this thread for a little something to do while it is cool outside, I will continue to update it as long as there is a interest.
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 406
Likes: 1
From: STL
A stock internal, aluminum 5.3 going for 8's? Sure, stupid amounts of power have been made cheaply through stock motors, but it's rare that they live long. I'm not optomistic. Good luck with that.
If you're wanting to run those times, you're gonna' want to look into stiffening up that G-body frame. At a minimum, you should box it in.
If you're wanting to run those times, you're gonna' want to look into stiffening up that G-body frame. At a minimum, you should box it in.
Thanks guys. Topgun you can do it, with a turbo(s) engine size many times just becomes a number. Building on a budget is the only way to go. I grew up in the 70s in a big family with little money, so I learned early how the stretch a dollar or make do with with I have.
Hazz If I can keep on top of the tune, I feel it will go a long way. I realize the stock componet build have there limits, I am already sorcing parts for a second engine. I have 2 sets of heads pretty much ready. The car Monte that this engine is going in (in avatar), has been back halfed with a 4 link and full cage. However I have another Monte that went mid 9s with a bone stock suspension, other than a 6 point bar it had zero done to the frame, it even had completely stock 100K+ control arms with rubber bushings. Heres a shot of it.
Hazz If I can keep on top of the tune, I feel it will go a long way. I realize the stock componet build have there limits, I am already sorcing parts for a second engine. I have 2 sets of heads pretty much ready. The car Monte that this engine is going in (in avatar), has been back halfed with a 4 link and full cage. However I have another Monte that went mid 9s with a bone stock suspension, other than a 6 point bar it had zero done to the frame, it even had completely stock 100K+ control arms with rubber bushings. Heres a shot of it.
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Thanks guys. Here is a little update showing the oil pump rebuild. I got this used one with the engine, it is for a standard LS, the one on the engine was a high volume that was designed to be used with the dod system. Here are some shots showing where I "ported" it to smooth flow and added shims to increase pressure a little.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 406
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From: STL
Hazz If I can keep on top of the tune, I feel it will go a long way. I realize the stock componet build have there limits, I am already sorcing parts for a second engine. I have 2 sets of heads pretty much ready. The car Monte that this engine is going in (in avatar), has been back halfed with a 4 link and full cage. However I have another Monte that went mid 9s with a bone stock suspension, other than a 6 point bar it had zero done to the frame, it even had completely stock 100K+ control arms with rubber bushings. Heres a shot of it.
Good luck with it, guy.
Well, if the car is at 3000 pounds, you are going to need at 800 WHP to go 8's.
The best HP from a STOCK INTERNALS 5.3 that I have seen on a single turbo was 875 flywheel HP on an engine dyno.
Now, with some good twins, race gas (or E85) and a good tune, should be able to.
But one burp and kiss that motor good-bye.
To be honest, get a LM7 iron 5.3L and try first.
It would be a shame to blow that L33 motor.
The best HP from a STOCK INTERNALS 5.3 that I have seen on a single turbo was 875 flywheel HP on an engine dyno.
Now, with some good twins, race gas (or E85) and a good tune, should be able to.
But one burp and kiss that motor good-bye.
To be honest, get a LM7 iron 5.3L and try first.
It would be a shame to blow that L33 motor.
I completely understand the pistons and rods will be the limiting factors, however running 8s with a stock bottom end is not breaking new ground as quite a few have done it. One good thing about this engine over many others that I have seen, is it does have the second design pistons and rods, which are considered to be stronger.
skinnies made 855whp thats a little more than 875 at the crank .... https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...ingup-now.html
This is a cool article showing what can be done with a stock based 5.3L.
http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/engin...g/viewall.html
I already have the heads done and assembled, but here are some pics of the spare set that I am currently working on, stage 3s they are not but they should make for a good low buck set of turbo heads. My camera is not the best. Haha
http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/engin...g/viewall.html
I already have the heads done and assembled, but here are some pics of the spare set that I am currently working on, stage 3s they are not but they should make for a good low buck set of turbo heads. My camera is not the best. Haha
Here is a another small update. I have the heads on, I used the LS1 head gaskets (as per Denmah's suggestion). So we will see how well they'll hold up. Heads on and the LS3 valley cover on. The newer truck intake is setting on for now, I am still up in the air on what intake I will use. I like the Holley Hi Ram, just not sure if it is worth the cost and they are not in stock right now. I have the OBX headers bolted up for looks.
Bags-o-fun. I ordered the Summit trunnion kit yesterday and it showed up today. I was surprised to see the bearings actually said "made in USA" on them, not bad for $100. Now time for the fun.
