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5.3 head question from an LT1 guy

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Old Oct 13, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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Default 5.3 head question from an LT1 guy

Why are the 5.3 heads so desirable?

I have a set, what casting numbers are the good ones?

I have seen 408+ inch engine go just as fast with these heads as they do with aftermarket heads.

And what has to be done to them to install them on a 6.0 liter block?

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Old Oct 13, 2008 | 04:52 PM
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mine are 862 castings....the chamber is smaller of course which means you get a compression b ump...the short runners once ported flow as well or better than a head with a larger intake runner....
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Old Oct 16, 2008 | 08:08 AM
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Anyone else?
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Old Oct 16, 2008 | 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by FASTFATBOY
Why are the 5.3 heads so desirable?

I have a set, what casting numbers are the good ones?

I have seen 408+ inch engine go just as fast with these heads as they do with aftermarket heads.

And what has to be done to them to install them on a 6.0 liter block?


Dave you can just bolt them on. The reason the 5.3 is used is the bump in compression on a stock ls1 bottom end.
If you are starting from scratch and building a 408 or so with a 6.0 liter block , I have a set of 6.0 liter heads that can be ported to work very well . I can make you a good deal on them but if you are going to spray that setup , depending on the size hit you may want to go with an after market casting for the thicker deck. Darts are good if you get them ported (even just cleaned up) for the price.

Hate to see what happened to your setup man, damn fine car you have.
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Old Oct 16, 2008 | 08:17 AM
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I say you can just bolt them on, you may want to put bigger valves then stock when you get them ported but they will just bolt on.
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Old Oct 16, 2008 | 12:27 PM
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Thanks for the kudos, I almost sold it ealrlier this year and put that engine combo in a coupe fox body.


The car is unique in alot of ways.
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Old Oct 16, 2008 | 01:40 PM
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Change the valves, the stock 5.3s are heavy. and for added fun have them CNCd.
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