Need help with first LS build
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: SC, USA
Need help with first LS build First of all I want to say this site has a massive amount of info on it, and I have gained a lot of knowledge from it, but I am in need of some help. I plan on swapping a 5.3 into an 81 Camaro. I already have an engine out of a 2000 Silverado. It has high mileage, so it is going to be a complete build. I have read that I can bore it out to stock 5.7 no prob. how hard will it be to get around 370 cubes out of it? Where do yall buy most of your parts from, and do you think it is possible to do it all for around $3500? Going to use stock heads ported and polished, new cam, and valve train. I need an LS1 intake, headers, front acc. drive, motor mounts, mt flywheel, and get a tune. thanks in advance! Anthony
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
I order through Texas speed typically. Idk about 3500, that'd a little low to do a complete build on it imo. I have an ls1 intake stock. Hooker headers with the egr 
also comp 7.4 pushrods with maybe 150 miles on them. Pm me if interested.
also comp 7.4 pushrods with maybe 150 miles on them. Pm me if interested. 
TECH Resident
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 859
Likes: 2
From: Frozen Tundra, WI
If you want 370 cubes it would be much easier and less expensive to start with a 6.0. They are 364 cubes. You can find them in most 3/4 ton trucks and vans. I found mine with 55k miles for $1500 so it was barely broke in and you could likely find one cheaper. After another $2000 I have 500 chp. The bottom end was left alone with a new cam and some mild port work along with a carb conversion. Just trying to give you another option that may be easier and less expensive.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: SC, USA
After doing a lot of reading, I think I am just going to bore the 5.3 to 5.7 with forged pistons, and leave it at that. I am trying to find a thread that lists all the different heads that came on ls engines, and all their specs. Also where will I run into problems with PTV clearance. this stuff is hard to find.
Technically, you can put a 383 stroker in that block if you bore it out to LS1 specs. Realistically, most LS1 stroker pistons are sized for 3.905" bore (LS1 bored out). You might need to have the block sonic tested to make sure the cylinder walls will take that overbore. By the time you have all the machine shop work done, you probably could have bought an assembled stroker 6.0 (402). Check out Texas Speed, think they have 'em ready to ship for $3700.
After doing a lot of reading, I think I am just going to bore the 5.3 to 5.7 with forged pistons, and leave it at that. I am trying to find a thread that lists all the different heads that came on ls engines, and all their specs. Also where will I run into problems with PTV clearance. this stuff is hard to find.
Boring a 5.3L block to 3.905" is a fairly common practice and there is plenty of meat around the cylinders to do so. The best bang for the buck would probably just be to reuse the stock 5.3L crank and rods, but with a set of forged pistons. I personally like Probe's pistons because they're very light and inexpensive. You can very likely have the shortblock together for about $1500 if you spend wisely.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: SC, USA
Thanks for the info, looking at $450 for the bore and sonic check, plus pistons. Undecided if I want to put that much in it right now. Cylinder walls are in good shape, gonna mic them and see if I can get by with honing for now.
Trending Topics
My 130k mile LQ9 only measured 1.5 thousands above its original 4.00" bore diameter, and still had the cross hatch pattern on the walls. A simple hone was all that mine needed. Chances are, that's all yours will need too.
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Speed-Pro cast hypereutectic pistons from Summit when I bought mine were $180 for the set ,,,,,I bought the 4.8l flat tops 4 my 5.3l ,,,,,they're a little more now ,,,,,,,,,,Alex's parts for King bearings and he often has deals on push rods like $80 a set for .080 wall 5/16" in the length You need ,,,,,,,,Rock-Auto has smokin prices also
