5.3 Build Suggestions
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 62
Likes: 7
5.3 Build Suggestions Hello forum im in the process of building a 99-06 Gen 3 5.3 Engine for street/strip. As for the bottom end all the bearings and piston rings have been replaced. The camshaft has been replaced with a Elgin SS2. Im in the process im deciding on the lifters. The lifters I removed look good except for one because the old camshaft I was using had a flat spot on the lobe. But I figure its not a good idea to reuse the lifters since I installed a brand new camshaft. Should I go with regular lifters or there any cheap well fair priced lifters I can swap it for extra hp or reliability?
Also what are you guys running for the oil pump? I ordered a replacement from ebay but it turned out to be made in china so I may not use it. I have the stock oil pump and its not seized. Can these oil pumps be rebuilt better or should I just buy name brand replacement?
Also what are you guys running for the oil pump? I ordered a replacement from ebay but it turned out to be made in china so I may not use it. I have the stock oil pump and its not seized. Can these oil pumps be rebuilt better or should I just buy name brand replacement?
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,890
Likes: 1,137
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Get genuine LS7 lifters. Brian Tooley Racing has them. Not the Delphi ones you see for sale everywhere. Do not run a Chinese oil pump. Buy a Melling 10295 and that's all you'll need.
It would be best to check the length and see what size you need.
Their is no Guaranty the aftermarket cam has the same base circle as a stock cam profile.
As for an Oil pump, you can purchase an M295 Melling stock replacement pump through Summit Racing. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-121170
For lifters, I would recommend the GM 12499225 at bare minimum with Genuine GM trays.
Their is no Guaranty the aftermarket cam has the same base circle as a stock cam profile.
As for an Oil pump, you can purchase an M295 Melling stock replacement pump through Summit Racing. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-121170
For lifters, I would recommend the GM 12499225 at bare minimum with Genuine GM trays.
