First Project Advice
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Joined: Jan 2025
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From: Canada
First Project Advice Hey all I just bought my first 5.3 believe it's an l59 and I'm just seeking some advice from everyone here, I got the block almost completely disassembled I'm gonna clean it all up and start piecing it back together, any tips for reassembly would be greatly appreciated too. (I am reading a book on how to do this as well)
First time building an engine I'm kinda trying to keep it somewhat cost effective just to make sure I can do it without junking it but my plan was to keep bottom end stock for now with new rings and I'm gonna gap them, rehone the cylinders, a cam and a turbo.
I'm here looking for opinions on what cam would be best for my application, engines gonna likely go in an older gbody or a small rear wheel car like a 370z and I honestly just plan to pull it in the fall and keep doing upgrades over the winter so something manageable for the streets but I'll be taking it to the track too.
Turbo advice would also be greatly appreciated, I don't know a whole lot about them yet I still have yet to do my research on that area but if there's anything you can throw in about those that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.
First time building an engine I'm kinda trying to keep it somewhat cost effective just to make sure I can do it without junking it but my plan was to keep bottom end stock for now with new rings and I'm gonna gap them, rehone the cylinders, a cam and a turbo.
I'm here looking for opinions on what cam would be best for my application, engines gonna likely go in an older gbody or a small rear wheel car like a 370z and I honestly just plan to pull it in the fall and keep doing upgrades over the winter so something manageable for the streets but I'll be taking it to the track too.
Turbo advice would also be greatly appreciated, I don't know a whole lot about them yet I still have yet to do my research on that area but if there's anything you can throw in about those that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.
These questions need answering for the best answer for sure.
Also, for a first build, follow the K.I.S.S principle, keep it simple stupid.
If the 5.3 was in good running condition, reuse everything including the rings but go ahead and gap them.
Turbo, I'd recommend the tried-and-true VS 7875, will make plenty of power, be easy to package and easy on the wallet.
Don't skimp on the critical components, get name brand injectors, fuel pumps and wastegates, bov can be cheap as it won't destroy the engine if it fails.
Power has a snowball effect making its way down the rest of the drivetrain so plan accordingly.
Also, for a first build, follow the K.I.S.S principle, keep it simple stupid.
If the 5.3 was in good running condition, reuse everything including the rings but go ahead and gap them.
Turbo, I'd recommend the tried-and-true VS 7875, will make plenty of power, be easy to package and easy on the wallet.
Don't skimp on the critical components, get name brand injectors, fuel pumps and wastegates, bov can be cheap as it won't destroy the engine if it fails.
Power has a snowball effect making its way down the rest of the drivetrain so plan accordingly.
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Joined: Jan 2025
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Hey all I just bought my first 5.3 believe it's an l59 and I'm just seeking some advice from everyone here, I got the block almost completely disassembled I'm gonna clean it all up and start piecing it back together, any tips for reassembly would be greatly appreciated too. (I am reading a book on how to do this as well)
First time building an engine I'm kinda trying to keep it somewhat cost effective just to make sure I can do it without junking it but my plan was to keep bottom end stock for now with new rings and I'm gonna gap them, rehone the cylinders, a cam and a turbo.
I'm here looking for opinions on what cam would be best for my application, engines gonna likely go in an older gbody or a small rear wheel car like a 370z and I honestly just plan to pull it in the fall and keep doing upgrades over the winter so something manageable for the streets but I'll be taking it to the track too.
Turbo advice would also be greatly appreciated, I don't know a whole lot about them yet I still have yet to do my research on that area but if there's anything you can throw in about those that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.
Spoiler!
First time building an engine I'm kinda trying to keep it somewhat cost effective just to make sure I can do it without junking it but my plan was to keep bottom end stock for now with new rings and I'm gonna gap them, rehone the cylinders, a cam and a turbo.
I'm here looking for opinions on what cam would be best for my application, engines gonna likely go in an older gbody or a small rear wheel car like a 370z and I honestly just plan to pull it in the fall and keep doing upgrades over the winter so something manageable for the streets but I'll be taking it to the track too.
Turbo advice would also be greatly appreciated, I don't know a whole lot about them yet I still have yet to do my research on that area but if there's anything you can throw in about those that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by FionaTaylor; Feb 3, 2025 at 11:19 PM.
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Best advice is figure out how much time and money you think it will take, then triple your money budget, quadruple your time budget, and expect that to just get you up and running enough to sort out the inevitable problems. On your 3rd or 4th build things will start going a lot more predictably.
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From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Best advice is figure out how much time and money you think it will take, then triple your money budget, quadruple your time budget, and expect that to just get you up and running enough to sort out the inevitable problems. On your 3rd or 4th build things will start going a lot more predictably.