Noob question (is this the engine I want)
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Spring, CO
Noob question (is this the engine I want) I have an opportunity to get a 5.3 for cheap. It's from a crashed 2003 Suburban with 170k on it. Comes with all accessories, computer, wiring harness, and gas pedal for $600. It's drive by wire, I thought all trucks were drive by cable, but I guess not. It's sitting in the truck right now and I verified.
I know some years had stronger rods than others. Is this one of them?
My power goals, at least for the time being, are 600-750 RWHP with some turbos. Will these heads support that?
As long as the cylinder walls look good, I figured I would freshen it up with some bearings and rings (bigger endgap of course), should I upgrade the rod bolts?
If I decide to turn up the wick more, I would rebuild it with better pistons and rods, but I would be happy until that time comes with the above mentioned power goals.
Should I ditch the drive by wire?
Then there is the turbo/ intercooler discussion. Definitely CKO turbos, probably twins. To throw a wrench in things, I live in Colorado at 6000 feet, so it takes more turbo to reach power goals than at sea level. With that in mind, what would you recommend for turbos?
But the bigger question is, should I start out with this motor?
I know some years had stronger rods than others. Is this one of them?
My power goals, at least for the time being, are 600-750 RWHP with some turbos. Will these heads support that?
As long as the cylinder walls look good, I figured I would freshen it up with some bearings and rings (bigger endgap of course), should I upgrade the rod bolts?
If I decide to turn up the wick more, I would rebuild it with better pistons and rods, but I would be happy until that time comes with the above mentioned power goals.
Should I ditch the drive by wire?
Then there is the turbo/ intercooler discussion. Definitely CKO turbos, probably twins. To throw a wrench in things, I live in Colorado at 6000 feet, so it takes more turbo to reach power goals than at sea level. With that in mind, what would you recommend for turbos?
But the bigger question is, should I start out with this motor?
Last edited by GrampasBuick; Jul 11, 2015 at 11:57 PM.
Get the motor. Take the harness and the pcm and the pedal and tac module.
Just put new upgraded valve springs and pushrods. Bigger injectors. Some cheap on3 turbos. Spend your money on a quality tune and fuel system.
Let it eat as is. No need to complicate things. Motor is good to go w above mods.
assuming motor was operating correctly and has healthy cylinders
Just put new upgraded valve springs and pushrods. Bigger injectors. Some cheap on3 turbos. Spend your money on a quality tune and fuel system.
Let it eat as is. No need to complicate things. Motor is good to go w above mods.
assuming motor was operating correctly and has healthy cylinders
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Spring, CO
Get the motor. Take the harness and the pcm and the pedal and tac module.
Just put new upgraded valve springs and pushrods. Bigger injectors. Some cheap on3 turbos. Spend your money on a quality tune and fuel system.
Let it eat as is. No need to complicate things. Motor is good to go w above mods.
assuming motor was operating correctly and has healthy cylinders
Just put new upgraded valve springs and pushrods. Bigger injectors. Some cheap on3 turbos. Spend your money on a quality tune and fuel system.
Let it eat as is. No need to complicate things. Motor is good to go w above mods.
assuming motor was operating correctly and has healthy cylinders
