Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

Can't decide which route to go engine wise...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 11, 2019 | 10:16 AM
  #1  
Kfxguy's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 758
From: Louisiana
Default Can't decide which route to go engine wise...

So my ls1 started making noise when I cranked it the next morning after going to the drag strip. Could be valvetrain related or a rod knock. rather than repair this engine, I've pretty much decided to put another one in there and not ruin this one. What I have now as a spare is a gen 3 aluminum 5.3. It is in very good condition. What my reservation about it is, its a gen 3 which is weaker. I wanted to turn this thing up to about 16-18 psi and let it eat. I'm not so sure this would be a good idea with this motor. I thought about putting bearings in it and gapping the rings, but I'm not sure this engine will hold up like that. Being its Christmas time, I really cant spend a ton of money on it right now. But I really need my car running. What would you do, being on a budget?

I also thought about rounding up gen 4 internals and going that route. Or doing the Summit rods and pistons, which I'd really like to do but cant really afford it right now.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2019 | 10:36 AM
  #2  
ddnspider's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,628
Likes: 1,778
From: FL
Default

I wouldn't bother swapping in a gen 3 5.3....unless you put the gen 4 guts in it like you said. I'd still see if its valvetrain related and fix what you've got.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2019 | 10:37 AM
  #3  
jayyyw's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 1,088
Default

It's most likely lifter tick. It has happened to me after a night of beating on the car. 3 different sets of lifters all did it every now and then.

I have a full set of gen 4 rods for sale. Currently pending for another member, but if that falls through, I can let you know.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2019 | 11:28 AM
  #4  
Game ova's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 48
Default

Are you one to do high RPM burnouts in the water box? If so, I'm leaning toward a spun bearing. No load high RPM are especially brutal on factory bottom end hardware. Yes, some get away with it, but it's essentially Russian roulette.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:14 AM.

story-0
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-1
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-3
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-8
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE