New build need suggestions
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
New build need suggestions Back story I've got a gen 3 lm7 I had a stock block reworked by machine shop they put .20 flat top pistons and stock crank back in I put a stage 2 btr turbo cam with 243 heads tbss intake 78mm turbo the lifters spun in the tray and scarred my cam so now I'm rebuilding it I wasnt happy with the power im wanting more hp I didn't get it to a dyno before it spun im thinking it made 4-500 hp I'm wanting to be closer to 8-1000 hp what would be the best route to go to achieve my goal this will be strip only truck I don't have an unlimited budget so I'm wanting to do as budget friendly as I can
I'm running a 5.3 LM7 SBE with a 85mm T6, and I figure it's gotta make 15 psi to make over 700... Double the air so to speak.
Are you using a boost controller, or just wanting to see what it will make without one? For example mine with the boost controller off will make 14 psi at 7100.
You might have boost leaks, might need to go over stuff.
Are you using a boost controller, or just wanting to see what it will make without one? For example mine with the boost controller off will make 14 psi at 7100.
You might have boost leaks, might need to go over stuff.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
I run the terminator x ecu and a 4 port solenoid with onboard air I don't think I had leaks but that is very possible on the new build I'm running all new piping so hopefully I won't have any leaks in running a Ebay turbo 78mm I'm thinking maybe it is junk and not doing what it should
Trending Topics
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 267
From: Halfway back on the Highway to Hell...again!
Well with wanting that kind of power on this build. A stock crank will hold you for a limited time as will a stock rod. You could continue with the crank but need at least forged rods and pistons and balanced to within a gram or so to be reliable.
After that, then get some very good flowing heads to move all that air. This can all be done for under $4k since you have to pay for machine work and assembly.
But you will have a very stout bottom end that will handle 1000hp and live.
After that, then get some very good flowing heads to move all that air. This can all be done for under $4k since you have to pay for machine work and assembly.
But you will have a very stout bottom end that will handle 1000hp and live.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
Well with wanting that kind of power on this build. A stock crank will hold you for a limited time as will a stock rod. You could continue with the crank but need at least forged rods and pistons and balanced to within a gram or so to be reliable.
After that, then get some very good flowing heads to move all that air. This can all be done for under $4k since you have to pay for machine work and assembly.
But you will have a very stout bottom end that will handle 1000hp and live.
After that, then get some very good flowing heads to move all that air. This can all be done for under $4k since you have to pay for machine work and assembly.
But you will have a very stout bottom end that will handle 1000hp and live.
I'd price everything out and then look at pre-built short blocks as a lot of times they are a cheaper route overall.
A 5.3 and a nice billet 7875 like the new VS racing unit will get you pretty close to your goal, if its a track only rig, I'd look really hard at going to a T6 platform.
An S4xx T6 style turbo will get you to your goal much easier with the ability to upgrade as you go faster.
Last edited by Black_Sunshine_99; Jun 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM.
A decent billet wheel T6 turbo in the 75-80mm range with a Gen IV 5.3 would get you there, VS makes some good ones but if you can score a used Borg would be even better.
As long as you don't get greedy with timing at peak torque and give it plenty of RPM it'll live for a while.
A Gen IV iron 5.3 is cheap and will take a ton of power, Summit has a rotating assembly that would make it more reliable and stretch it out into the 1,200hp range which then the block becomes the weak point.