late model DOD conversion on 5.3 alum block

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Feb 24, 2016 | 07:21 AM

rkreigh

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late model DOD conversion on 5.3 alum block

looking to build out a late model DOD 5.3 alum block

a few questions

I want to eliminate the DOD, looks like that's fairly easy. new cam, timing chain, plug the old DOD stuff and swap in a new front cover and top cover

here are the questions

this block seems to have 2 knock sensors on either side of the block and a grey crank position sensor at the back.

can I adapt the older LS6 style sensors? will the top cover and top mounted engine cover work, looks like the DOD posts might be in the way. I've heard it's best to get the LS2 style top cover to eliminate the DOD but I want to retain some form of knock sensors for sure.

also considering a 4.0 stroker crank but many have advised against it due to the pistons coming too far out of the bore. this will be a weekend toy so I'm not really too concerned about longevity.

block looks really good and the bores look like just a hone will be needed.

thanks for any feedback, hoping I can make this block work well in a TTiX build up on a 2003 vette.

I'm also considering going to a full 1/2 head stud as I'll be pushing around 20 psi and planning on an LS9 head gasket. where's the best source for studs that don't cost more than the block and what would be a reasonable price to pay for this work to upgrade to 1/2 studs at machine shop.

thanks for any tips!

Feb 24, 2016 | 09:34 AM

JoeNova

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From: Ohio

You're way overthinking this.

Why don't you want to use the knock sensors in the side of the block? I would prefer to have mine there but with a gen 3 its not an option.

Feb 24, 2016 | 11:02 AM

rkreigh

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thanks Joe!

I over think some stuff and under think others (like why am I doing all this

)

the knock sensors on the side of the block could work just fine if they can work with the earlier ECM. I was hoping that would be true. knock sensors can be finiky and I wasn't sure since they are a totally different design (improved!!!) if they would work or not with the older corvette stuff.

I also understand I should swap out the oil pump as the DOD stuff is higher volume

I think then the crank sensor and cam sensor are the only other things to worry about

thanks for the feedback!

Feb 28, 2016 | 06:45 PM

Project GatTagO

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From: Little Austin

You need 8 non DOD lifters as well...

Andrew

Feb 29, 2016 | 06:48 AM

rkreigh

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the other interesting thing is the oil pump (getting a new one there too)

the stock DOD pump is a bit higher volume, not really sure of the specific differences but it seems like it might work ok.

definitely getting new valley cover, cam and lifters, timing chain, ect....

looking to see how the cam and crank sensors and knock sensors will work out.

I kept thinking of a "poor mans ERL" keeping the stock bore and liners and adding the alum "rails" for a 6 bolt head.

sure seems like that would work, anyone tried it??

Feb 29, 2016 | 07:48 AM

JoeNova

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From: Ohio

You're still ridiculously overcomplicating this.
Why bother with a complicated 6-bolt conversion, 4" stroke, 1/2" studs, etc?
You act like you're going to be running twin billet 76mm turbos at 40 PSI...

Take your block, throw some Chinese studs or ARP bolts in it, replace the valley cover and toss in some LS7 lifters, and run it. I still scratch my head when people think they have to re-invent the wheel to do the same thing 800 other people have had success doing.

Feb 29, 2016 | 04:03 PM

1CAMWNDR

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For the cost of the GEN IV DOD/VVT delete and a new cam you could probably have a GEN III 6.0L shortblock and not have to worry about it.

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Mar 2, 2016 | 06:04 AM

rkreigh

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very good point. In my case since I have lots of the parts lying around the cost won't be too bad

I have

cam, lifters, oil pump, timing chain, sproket for timing chain

so what's left is the top cover (cheap, and I guess the front cover)

here is my questions for those that have done this and don't mind answering:

I'm going to run a 24 tooth crank sensor, so I need to swap out the "grey sensor" with the black one from the Gen III looks like thats a direct fit into the same position on the back of the block

adapt to the "block mount side sensors" what in the tune needs to happen or do they have the same freqjuency / voltage readings as the "top mount" sensors and I just need to modify the wiring harness

cam position sensor - do I need a new front timing cover for this or just swap out the sensors

I'm fitting this into an older C5 Z06 2003 (or maybe a project vette c3, not sure yet :>)

spring is coming, and hopefully the tax refund too so I can get rolling on this!

thanks!