5.3 quirks

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Jun 26, 2009 | 06:07 PM

CHRIZ28

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From: Pocahontas, AR

5.3 quirks

I'm in the middle of a Cutlass/LS1 conversion and have came across a super cheap, complete 5.3. Just wondering if there's something extremely bad about them, or if they don't like rpms, or anything. Also interested in what cam specs will fit, and what won't. Just thought I'd get this, toss a nice cam in (to use with >4K converter) and slow build the ls1/6ltr, to get the car on the road and have alittle fun. I've always been a fan of the MS3 (had 3) and would like to go back with that. Will be using a 2000 SS M6 computer if that's an issue too. Thanks, been searching, but not really found anything.

Chris

Jun 27, 2009 | 04:41 PM

Isolde

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there's nothing wrong with the '01-up 5.3s, the truck intake is all done at 6300, but is a restriction by 5500. The stock cams are tiny, the LS6 cam really kills the low-rpm torque below 3500, but adds 40 horses, better to just start with something from the aftermarket. I tried the smallest Lunati VooDoo and liked it. It's strong, and is fine with having the 1-2 upshift at 6200 with a 4L60 or 700R-4. I'd do it again. I was using a B&M TorkMaster 2000. It was an okay match. No complaints. But next time I'd use a Holeshot 3000 and a 3.73:1 axle. Since then I took that engine apart to have it bored.

Jun 27, 2009 | 04:56 PM

NemeSS

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From: Houston,TX

i would recommend mill the heads .030 to raise scr, with ls6 cam.
they use same crank as ls1, diff. balance. however the milled heads are not needed. but it will make for noticably more responsive engine.

Jun 27, 2009 | 05:00 PM

Isolde

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From: Smithfield, UT

but then you're out a set of head bolts and a set of gaskets, plus you just reduced your piston to valve clearance. But if you live at higher elevation, it becomes more worthwhile.

Jun 27, 2009 | 05:07 PM

bjamick

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From: Birmingham AL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isolde

but then you're out a set of head bolts and a set of gaskets, plus you just reduced your piston to valve clearance. But if you live at higher elevation, it becomes more worthwhile.

WTF is this ****? The whole point is to add compression, that's the reasoning behind milling the head. Trust there will be no piston to valve problem with a mill job of .030

. Unless you go with some radical cam, but then if your going radical you would have most likely changed out the pistons anyways.

Once you remove the head for any reason you need to change the gasket, so what!

There is nothing wrong with the 5.3's, they just weight around 50-60lbs more or so than an LS1. They can be bored to the same size as an LS1 and you wont even tell the difference b/t the 2. The ls1/6 intake will fit right onto the 5.3 also giving it an extra boost in power over the stocker.

If you do go with the LS6 intake and fuel rails and injectors from an F-body just go ahead and buy the wiring harness for an F-body and not a truck

. This is bc the injector connectors are different b/t the truck and Fbody.