10 sec NA 5.3l build suggestions
#1
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Ok, I've been bitten by the bug, and need to go faster now. I'm looking for suggestions of what I can do to get my car into the 10's without resorting to any power adders or bottom end rebuilding. It seems to me that there arent alot of NA 5.3l motors out there that achieve this, unless I'm just not having luck with the search button. Your advice and input would be greatly appreciated.
Current car/mods include:
-'91 Nissan Silvia (like a right hand drive 240sx) weighs 3030 with me in it
-L33 aluminum 5.3l with 799 heads, LS6 intake, 232/234 @.050, .595/.598 lift on a 112 (basically a TSP Torquer v2, but from comp cams), rod bolts, pushrods and the recomended valvetrain from comp cams to compliment the cam, stock rockers.
-T-56 (MN12) Built to handle power
-IRS suspension from a skyline GT-R with 4.10 gears and stock posi that WORKS!
-Coilover suspension technically for drift, it too works!
-First time out at the track ran a best of 11.75@117 1.56 60' with MT Drag Radials launching right around 5000 or so RPM, slightly slipping the clutch out of the hole.
If my calculations are correct, I'll need another 80-90HP to get myself in the 10's. I'm already planning of finding a FAST 90, but need some input on cam/heads selection. This motor comes with 9.95:1 compression, and I'd like to run the most compression I can and stay 91 octane (maybe 11-11.5:1 static or so was my thinking)
I've checked into getting the stock heads CNC'd, but if there's another head that would work better, I'd be more inclined to go that route. Cam would need to be matched for that particular head IMO.
What do you guys think? Can this be done? If I'm missing any info, just let me know.
Thanks in advance!
Geoff
Current car/mods include:
-'91 Nissan Silvia (like a right hand drive 240sx) weighs 3030 with me in it
-L33 aluminum 5.3l with 799 heads, LS6 intake, 232/234 @.050, .595/.598 lift on a 112 (basically a TSP Torquer v2, but from comp cams), rod bolts, pushrods and the recomended valvetrain from comp cams to compliment the cam, stock rockers.
-T-56 (MN12) Built to handle power
-IRS suspension from a skyline GT-R with 4.10 gears and stock posi that WORKS!
-Coilover suspension technically for drift, it too works!
-First time out at the track ran a best of 11.75@117 1.56 60' with MT Drag Radials launching right around 5000 or so RPM, slightly slipping the clutch out of the hole.
If my calculations are correct, I'll need another 80-90HP to get myself in the 10's. I'm already planning of finding a FAST 90, but need some input on cam/heads selection. This motor comes with 9.95:1 compression, and I'd like to run the most compression I can and stay 91 octane (maybe 11-11.5:1 static or so was my thinking)
I've checked into getting the stock heads CNC'd, but if there's another head that would work better, I'd be more inclined to go that route. Cam would need to be matched for that particular head IMO.
What do you guys think? Can this be done? If I'm missing any info, just let me know.
Thanks in advance!
Geoff
#2
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (18)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: the chi/ addison Il
Posts: 541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
you def. want some ported ls6 heads or good aftermarket ones that ll flow. more cam, compression and maybe an even steeper gear. what are you spinning that thing to. I would think you would need to plan on spinning it somewhere in the neighborhood of atleast 7k or more kinda a crap shoot on a stock bottom end. that being said i love that its in a nissan. Really wanna do a early 70s datsun swap myself. light weight, power and great handling all in a nice looking car. i m sure someone will give you more specific suggestions but you def. need heads and bigger tb and intake
#3
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I spin it up to 7k prety much whenever I drive it. On the dyno it peaked at around 6500, but carried it prety well, prolly due to the ls6 intake. In it's current config/tune, it ran 412hp to the ground at 6500rpm and 373tq@4900 on a dynocom dyno. (would be more like 370ish hp on a mustang)
As far as a 510 goes, I've always wanted to do one. They're cool.
As far as a 510 goes, I've always wanted to do one. They're cool.
The following users liked this post:
Slowski (03-24-2020)
#6
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (96)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 0
Received 81 Likes
on
72 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sounds like you are making good power now for a basically cam only 5.3. CNC's heads will get you more and a little more cam might squeak out a few but be careful, too much cam can start killing midrange and make your car ET slower at the track.
#7
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm trying to stay away from the spray for now, but will prolly add it in the future. I want to see what a 5.3l can really do. I know I'm limited by the inches, but I'm sure the little guy can pull it off. Just was curious if anyone else had a proven setup or an idea of what I would need.
Trending Topics
#11
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you cut out ~500lbs, you'll be in the 10s.
Or if you cut out ~250lbs, and add only ~40hp, you'll be there too.
From what I know about the s13, 250lbs should be doable without too many problems.
Or if you cut out ~250lbs, and add only ~40hp, you'll be there too.
From what I know about the s13, 250lbs should be doable without too many problems.
#12
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm planing on swaping the front clip with fiberglass units, but then I'll need to add a cage which means no gains there, as for interior pieces, there's not a whole lot there. If there's 250 pounds in it, it would be in sound damping crap, but that's about it, and the 5 pounds I'll get from removing the rear seat is hardly worth it, really. I'd also like to retain the interior for streetability purposes, somewhat. I could go with carbon fiber hood, fenders, doors and trunck lid, but I've heard some not good things about going with cf doors, though there would be right around 50-75lbs, maybe more shaved right there. Thanks for the idea though, I'll have to check out what elese isn't really needed.
#13
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: phx the cactus patch
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes
on
13 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I know JC Whitney used to sell a fiberglass front clip for 70-81 camaros n firebirds that would remove 300 lbs. from car ,,,,,,,,I figured 50-70 lbs. in steel to cage the front . I don't know what is available for that car and as far as the back seat ,,,,,You'd be surprised at what it weighs and how quickly a cpl hundred lbs. adds up . Lighter rims can shave 30 - 50 lbs. ,,,,, good luck
#15
On The Tree
iTrader: (82)
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SD
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't know about running 243's as the chambers are bigger than your 5.3's and will drop your compression. Don't think you can mill them enough to get that back or even raise it like you wanted. Personally i'd find some cnc'd 5.3's and have them milled if possible for more compression...
#17
13 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sublette, KS
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
For those of you who don't know, the 799 and 243 heads are basicly the same heads. On the heads I would recommend "Advanced Induction" ( http://www.advancedinduction.com/LSX...cGMLS2Head.php ) if staying with the stock 799/243 heads and also have them mill them as far as your PTV clearence will allow you to. The cam is pretty decent sized for a 5.3, if I were to change it, mabe a TSP Torquer V3 or mabe an MS3. And definitely a bigger intake manifold, I would recommend a FAST 102 with a 90mm or bigger TB.
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
#18
On The Tree
iTrader: (82)
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SD
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
For those of you who don't know, the 799 and 243 heads are basicly the same heads. On the heads I would recommend "Advanced Induction" ( http://www.advancedinduction.com/LSX...cGMLS2Head.php ) if staying with the stock 799/243 heads and also have them mill them as far as your PTV clearence will allow you to. The cam is pretty decent sized for a 5.3, if I were to change it, mabe a TSP Torquer V3 or mabe an MS3. And definitely a bigger intake manifold, I would recommend a FAST 102 with a 90mm or bigger TB. ![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
#19
13 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sublette, KS
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Well with ported heads he would definitely see an increase in high rpm power without a sacrifice in low end. If he would do the CNC'd heads and a bigger cam, he might want to shift it up closer to 7500, where he would probably see a pretty decent gain with the bigger manifold. But if he wants to stay with the LS6 intake, at least get it port matched with the CNC'd heads, the stock runners on an LS6 intake will be smaller than the runners on the heads.
#20
10 Second Club
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bellingham, WA
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I made 10's NA in my RX7 with a nice head/cam combo with some ET Streets and Skinnys, 2850lbs and a 1.6X 60'. I did it on 5.7L but I'm sure it can just as easily with 5.3L. I wend with an EPS 230/238 112LSA cam with Texas Speed Ported 5.3L heads. Good Luck!