Which 5.3 and why?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: FLINT MI
Which 5.3 and why? Im starting a 5.3 turbo build
I keep seeing different people emphasizing the 8th vin letter. I dont know what the differences are besides i believe they show the gen of the motor but whats better or what should i stay away from?
Plan on using a Huron Speed V2 kit, and cam, trying to reach 700ish rwhp
I keep seeing different people emphasizing the 8th vin letter. I dont know what the differences are besides i believe they show the gen of the motor but whats better or what should i stay away from?
Plan on using a Huron Speed V2 kit, and cam, trying to reach 700ish rwhp
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: FLINT MI
If i run a custom grind cam to spec match the turbo kit do you think the ls2 rods would be enough or would it be recommended to upgrade? From what ive read guys are just grabbing a 5.3 and slapping a turbo on it tuning it and pulling crazy numbers without touching a thing but im a skeptic lol
It's still all in the tune! I'd leave the bottom end alone, cam/pushrod/spring swap, trunion upgrade kit for the rockers and call it a day with some LS9 head gaskets and ebay head studs.
There are plenty of guys making big power with factory 5.3 heads. Many opt for 243's or 317's, but if you're on a budget, or not building an all-out 5.3 setup, stick with factory heads.
I'd strictly look for 2005+ and leave the factory internals alone. Alum blocks are about 80lbs lighter and plenty strong for 700whp. The alum block 5.3's also come with the "good" 243 heads. They would be the ideal 5.3 to run for your goals IMO. The older gen3 L33 engines are alum too. They also have the better pistons/rods if you can find one.
The more power you make NA, the more power per lb of boost you'll make. Figure out a boost level your comfortable with, then build the motor appropriately. If you want 700hp at 15lbs you'll need to make roughly 350hp NA. If you have the octane to run more boost you can get by with less power NA.
According to the weight trap calculators I'm making 700+ at the wheels with a tiny cam (212/212 @ 112) and ls6 intake on a stock 4.8 long block (small heads) at 19-20lbs of boost, S476 turbo. Running E85 for fuel.
The more power you make NA, the more power per lb of boost you'll make. Figure out a boost level your comfortable with, then build the motor appropriately. If you want 700hp at 15lbs you'll need to make roughly 350hp NA. If you have the octane to run more boost you can get by with less power NA.
According to the weight trap calculators I'm making 700+ at the wheels with a tiny cam (212/212 @ 112) and ls6 intake on a stock 4.8 long block (small heads) at 19-20lbs of boost, S476 turbo. Running E85 for fuel.
Last edited by Forcefed86; Oct 27, 2014 at 08:32 PM.
Trending Topics
Restricted User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 7,192
Likes: 109
From: Ohio
Any 5.3 will work. Even the older ones have been pushed to 700whp on stock internals.
I'd grab a 5.3, put on ls9 Headgaskets and ebay studs, and mild cam and spring combo, and cram boost down it's throat. The stronger floating rods are a bonus.
I'd grab a 5.3, put on ls9 Headgaskets and ebay studs, and mild cam and spring combo, and cram boost down it's throat. The stronger floating rods are a bonus.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?
Pouria Savadkouei
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Liljohn on here also has mls gaskets specific for the 5.3 bore which would work well. If they had them when I slapped my motor together that is what I would have purchased over the ls9 gaskets.
Felpro has the small bore head gaskets in their MLS permatorque line too. Same gasket the guys running 4's at 40lbs of boost on SBE 5.3's.
Last edited by Forcefed86; Apr 9, 2015 at 09:31 AM.
Aluminum will do most just go iron block cause of price and availability. S13lsx went into the high 8s with a stock block in a 240sx chassis as reference. Stock heads will do but if you can get the 243 heads on the aluminum block that's ideal.
I have an 05 LM7 iron block which has the upgraded rods but kept the 24x reluctor wheel. Guess it's the hybrid year between Gen 3 and Gen 4?
I have an 05 LM7 iron block which has the upgraded rods but kept the 24x reluctor wheel. Guess it's the hybrid year between Gen 3 and Gen 4?
Just buy a 2005 L33 5.3 for the reasons forcefed said. It's kinda silly not to, for me it was $150 more than a 2005 iron block. The lighter weight and better heads on the L33 make it more than worth the cost difference.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: FLINT MI
Ok so sorry for digging up my old thread but I had to put the Trans am on hold for a bit. But its time! Bout to buy an engine. Looking at either an L33 or LM7
I know the 33 is aluminum and the M7 is Iron
The aluminum is 80 lbs lighter which is nice but not huge
From what i understand the 33 will be fine to 700 hp no problem but will i have issues if i try to push it to say 1000? and im just talking block. if i went that high i will have done some internal work where for now around 700 i dont intend to.
Should i go straight for iron just to know later if i want more power im safer?
Need options and need a motor!
Please Help! Thanks
I know the 33 is aluminum and the M7 is Iron
The aluminum is 80 lbs lighter which is nice but not huge
From what i understand the 33 will be fine to 700 hp no problem but will i have issues if i try to push it to say 1000? and im just talking block. if i went that high i will have done some internal work where for now around 700 i dont intend to.
Should i go straight for iron just to know later if i want more power im safer?
Need options and need a motor!
Please Help! Thanks
http://www.felpro-only.com/break_roo...id=313&pid=899
The 26190 PT bore size = 3.945"
The 26191 PT bore size = 3.835"
The 26191 PT bore size = 3.835"
