first 5.3 build
first 5.3 build Well I have a 2000 gmc sierra 2500. The 6.0 started knocking at 185,000 miles. I just purchased a 5.3 off ebay to swap into it. First engine I've ever personally bought. I went with the 5.3 because the 6.0 isn't for me lol, plus 5.3s are cheap. I want better mpg then the 12 my 6.0 offers. I dont tow enough to justify the crap mpg. Plus all these 5.3 turbo builds are pretty motivating.
In case you think I'm crazy, the 2000 sierra 2500 is more like a 1500hd. I don't believe it has many similarities with the later 2500hd trucks that are much bigger, I believe a 5.3 should move it fine with my factory 4.10/11 rear end. It will be bolting up to the stock 4l80e as well. If a 5.3 can move these new crew cab beasts it should do fine for me.
Anyways where do I start with the engine? It has 140k miles and I'm told checked out and ran fine. Do I need to do a total disassembly first? I'm wanting to rebuild it for some boost but not sure if I just throw arp bolts at it and ls9 gaskets and call it done or if I need to consider main bearings and cam bearings and Piston rings as well? How would you start? Compression check first?
My goals are probably 500-525 crank hp all said and done, it will probably stay na for awhile though.
I'm thinking ls9 head gaskets are pretty much a safe bet?
Do the heads need arp studs or bolts? Then arp rod bolts as well? I'm not trying to go crazy but I'd like a engine built for a reliable 8 to 10psi I think. Do I need special pistons or rings? Obviously a forged rotating assembly would be best, but are stock pistons or rings a weak point?
I've searched a bit but I like people's suggestions as well
In case you think I'm crazy, the 2000 sierra 2500 is more like a 1500hd. I don't believe it has many similarities with the later 2500hd trucks that are much bigger, I believe a 5.3 should move it fine with my factory 4.10/11 rear end. It will be bolting up to the stock 4l80e as well. If a 5.3 can move these new crew cab beasts it should do fine for me.
Anyways where do I start with the engine? It has 140k miles and I'm told checked out and ran fine. Do I need to do a total disassembly first? I'm wanting to rebuild it for some boost but not sure if I just throw arp bolts at it and ls9 gaskets and call it done or if I need to consider main bearings and cam bearings and Piston rings as well? How would you start? Compression check first?
My goals are probably 500-525 crank hp all said and done, it will probably stay na for awhile though.
I'm thinking ls9 head gaskets are pretty much a safe bet?
Do the heads need arp studs or bolts? Then arp rod bolts as well? I'm not trying to go crazy but I'd like a engine built for a reliable 8 to 10psi I think. Do I need special pistons or rings? Obviously a forged rotating assembly would be best, but are stock pistons or rings a weak point?
I've searched a bit but I like people's suggestions as well
Last edited by trilkb; Aug 12, 2016 at 05:02 PM.
