Hey all Ive been without my car for a couple weeks (clutch went by-by) so lately Ive been looking for other projects.
Lately seems like I see more and more people going with a 5.3L block, seems to make sense as I can pick one up for $100. Ive read that like the LS1 max it can be bored is 3.905. With a 4 inch stroke it would make a 383 and a 4.125 would make 396, am I right?
So just for the sake of discussion what would be the downfalls, if any, of persuing a 396 5.3L stroker? As far as I know, using the measurments above, Ive begun to assemble a parts list. Im not actually going to build something like this, at least not soon!

Block: 5.3L Iorn block $100-$200

RODS: Eagle SIR6250BBLW 6.250" $305.33

Crankshaft: K1 Crankshafts (By Carrillo) 346-4125RB6F 4.125Stroke $785
SCAT Chevy Forged 4340 4-LS1-4125-6125-24 4.125Stroke $699

PISTONS: Diamond/Mahle forged 3.905bore +/- 600 dollars

Obviously I would need alot more to put it together, but what are your thoughts on a build of this nature? Would it be reliable? Would it put the block under undue strain?
Ive posted up the same thread in the performance truck section to see what they say, but wanted to see what yall think too.
Thanks all!

Oh by the way Im well aware of the 6 liter option, but this is simply for the sake of discussion, so please no "get a 6L/LS2 block" answers!

 

I see no problem with doing this. Personally I think the 4.125 stroke is a bit much compared to the small bore. I actually have a 5.3 that spun a bearing I am gonna do a bigger cube build with and leave the 5.3 on the front of the block so it is like a big cube sbc in an old school sleaper. Thinking about putting it in my 31 ford.

 

Well one could go with a 4 inch crank and make a 383 and be loser to square, anyone else?

 

I inquired about the 4.125" crank prior to purchasing the 4.00" (383) stroker kit from Eagle.The tech at Eagle advised me to go with the 383,he stated the 4.125" stroker would cause an adverse rod angle that decreases the life spand of the motor.

Your best bet is to call the various manufactures of stroker kits and get their take on this.

 

its nice to finally get some 5.3 info with out all of the comments being get a 6.0

 

The block can take it and if arranged professionaly, it will work fine. Longevity depends on who builds it and how much detail went into it.
There is always the option of 4.100 crank as well 393 cid.

 

I like the 393 idea, it'd be a torquey little SB (Som'bitch).


BTW...get a 6.0

 

My 2003 Silverado has a 5.3L and I want to build another (more power) engine for it. I was debating on what to do? Does anyone know the max bore for a 5.3 could take? I do like the idea of a 383 or even a 396....hmmm

 

i also have i 5.3 i want to stroke. my question is do you have to have the block clearenced if you put in a 6.0 crank?

 

the max bore u can get out of the 5.3 safely is boring it to make it a iron 5.7 383 stroker... im not sure about a 396 tho///

 

I have an LS6 396 stroker with a Lunati assembly. I don't see any reason it couldn't be done to your 5.3. If u plan on going na it should be fine but if you want to spray it then it requires a lot of bank roll to ensure the pistons last. Such as coating the sides,crowns, and combustion chambers and a whole lot of other precautions. If u want to spray it and not spend a ton of money I would go with a 383. That way you have more piston and it can take more heat and abuse.

 

i thought the 5.3 was only in brand new trucks anyways i feel like an idiot gonna stop talkin now

 

I was just looking on ebay at cranks, ideas popped up for me too while I made a beeline to search anything up for it. Course all the pros i have seen say dont go over 4.00 in since the crown of the piston, and the ring pack will be extremely small, and making it more prone to rocking at bdc, again back to the experts.

 

Most people stay at 383 because on on the bottom stroke the piston comes out of the bore too much and causes longevity issues on a 396.

 

11k miles on my 395ci 3.915 bore x 4.100 stroke
But it's no slap-it-together method. My engine builder is about as **** as they come..prob a good thing

 

What kind of numbers are you making?

 

#'s have varied over the years, last pull in July '08 was 463rwhp/462rwtq SAE
not that it makes a whole lot of diff but was through 3" steel d/s, 12 bolt and 3.90 gears

def not a peaky combo but has major grunt and gets my tank moving
has run 11.14 @ 125mph at 3700lbs

 

Hey Cdubzz, what cam and heads you using for that motor.

 

wow great info here...i have been thinking about building a 5.3L and then getting a body to put it in..great ideas over at the conversions forum too!!

 

Looks like I need to find another 5.3 so I can build a stroker.