RedRocketZ28

iTrader: (19)

I have had my car together with the "weak" rod and piston LQ4 for a little over three years now. It still seems to run well with no abnormal noises or anything, but I have no idea how it's holding up as I haven't done a compression test or anything. I honestly have had no reason to.

With that being said, I have contemplated pulling the 6.0 and throwing in a 05+ 5.3 I have for this season. The reason behind this is to eventually put some aftermarket rods/pistons in the 6.0. I would like to keep the block in one piece so I have a good one to build when the time comes.

So...should I stick with the 6.0 and keep pushing it harder, or swap in the 5.3 and push it hard? The only significant change to the combo this year is that I got rid of the S480 92/1.10 in favor of a billet S480 96/1.32. I fear that I may run into spooling this new turbo on the footbrake with a 5.3. I would use the same cam, 225/231 .621 /.598 113+6, as well. This would have a set of 862's on it also.

It would also give me a chance to clean up the engine bay (paint again, ABS delete, clean up wiring). Granted, I could do all that with the engine still in, but would obviously be easier with it out.

Also, I'd like to be able to run a little quicker than the 9.5 @ 147 I did last year. That pass was on 15.5 lbs so I know it had more in it but am honestly afraid of pushing the current engine too much further. What are your opinions on this idea?

Thanks.

4Jenna

Gen IV rods in the 6.0? Late 03'?

a4ls2goat

I would stick to what you have and push it into the 8s!

RedRocketZ28

iTrader: (19)

Nope, the gen III rods.

That would take quite a bit more power on this engine! Ha.

a4ls2goat

You have the turbo to do it!
thats my personal opinion though. I always just work with what i got.
Specially having another motor for back up with good rods.

MY_2K_Z

iTrader: (1)

I would do an l33 and save some weight. I think it's a good move I'm thinking I'm gonna go the l33 route myself.

RedRocketZ28

iTrader: (19)

Well in my case it wouldn't be an aluminum 5.3. I have an iron 5.3 with the Gen IV rotating assembly.

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

Sell the 5.3, buy some Gen IV 6.0 rods, and freshen up current 6.0?

RedRocketZ28

iTrader: (19)

I have some Gen IV rods and pistons for the 6.0 already . I made the mistake of selling off the crank that went with the Gen IV 6.0 rods and would need to get my current one balanced for the heavier rods. I sold off the crank before I had this car back and didn't think I would need it anytime soon...oops.

I really hate to pull apart this current engine as it's treated me very well, but I also wouldn't mind seeing what kind of shape the bearings and whatnot are in. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it already has a couple of "S" rods in it.

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

Yep. Tough call then. Maybe do like you said and run the 5.3 you have while building the 6.0 (I thought you meant you were going to put high dollar aftermarket stuff in it), then you won't be down as long.

RedRocketZ28

iTrader: (19)

The plan was to put aftermarket stuff in the 6.0. I wasn't going to use the stock pistons and rods. I probably won't mess with it this winter and if it goes, it goes. I will keep an eye out for another 6.0 block and maybe throw my extra set of pistons and rods in that. Then I should be set for a bit.

mkvamso

iTrader: (2)

Ive had really good luck with gen 4 5.3s
Pushed 25+ psi through my last one until it pushed water, zero issues with the bottom end
Its still rocking a year later

A few other local guys have ran 30+ lbs on stock 5.3s without a hitch

Your current turbo will go farther on a 5.3 too

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

mkvamso, do your local guys pushing big boost thru the 5.3s prefer the iron or aluminum variety?

mkvamso

iTrader: (2)

A mix of both
I doubt the block material matters much on a stock piston/rod motor
Theyre still by far the weak link

One guy has an l33
Hes on 33lbs right now afaik
One of the fastest sbe cars i believe

I have had two flat top swapped iron blocks both on 25+

Forcefed86

iTrader: (4)

Get some decent boost control and ramp in boost based on RPM/gear. Big power at low RPM is what usually kills the gen3 rods IMO. Not that they won't eventually give anyway, but It think you could easily run your current boost or 16-17lbs up to 5000 rpm then ramp it up to 25 by 7k to see what it's really capable of.

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

Do that ^ and report back

Forcefed86

iTrader: (4)

Just be warned, I found 25lbs at 3400 RPM results in this… very quickly!

RedRocketZ28

iTrader: (19)

Decent boost control won't be an option this year. I will eventually be going with an MS3 Pro setup but I am focusing on getting some safety equipment in the car this winter. I have the 5.3 laying around and figured it might be worth it to swap it in for the peace of mind and to hopefully keep me from windowing a good 6.0 block.

yenkomike

iTrader: (2)

hard to say whats best but you have gone faster than a lot of guys on gen 3 rods. and a teardown might show some slightly bent rods. given you have the time I think if the 5.3 is a good solid engine it might be a good expendable engine for working on the 20+ psi tune .freeing up your 6.0 for upgrades.

mkvamso

iTrader: (2)

Controlling the boost is pretty important
Both of my turbo cars have spooled pretty damn fast, but i dont ramp in much boost until way up there.

I dont think im at max boost until over 5k rpm