Pistions?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
Pistions? I have a stock 5.3 going in to my 39 chevy and i do not know a whole lot about the ls engines, im wondering about the pistons and if their good for nothing or if im able to spray some nitrous or boost it at all. I have the heads getting machined so the top end is redone. should i just run it with the fresh heads or can the bottom end handle a power adder?
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Murray, KY
Do a little research, but yes you will be fine. There are lots of people on here running pretty high boost on stock 5.3's, may want to read a few of the threads and see if they are filing ring gaps or anything. Only thing I would suggest is replacing you rod bolts with ARP's and and ARP head bolts, unless you plan on giving it a lot of boost or nitrous then I'd stud the heads. The 5.3 is preferred because they can be bought for a few hundred dollars, if you blow it up, go pick up another one, go through it, replace anyhing that needs it and replace bearings, then drop it back in and bolt it up. Your tune should be good to go, if you're really **** you could re-tweak the tune because every engine is going to be a little bit different, but the tune should be fine. 5.3's are cheap bang for the buck. I have a LS1 block and a complete 5.3, I have plans on using the LS1, but I have a little part of me saying just drop the 5.3 in with some forged pistons, cam, and head work, and spray the crap out of it, if it pops, oh well, buy another one, replace what's I broke in the other and go again.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
whats a known safe boost psi because i have a turbo i want to use but i thought i would be better off spraying. im not looking to push my limits but id like to run enough boost to give me that turbo edge.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 337
Likes: 1
From: Murray, KY
Well Hot Rod pushed 26psi into a 4.8 with a few upgrades, if you haven't read that article you need too, search "1200hp 4.8" and find the HRM link. I'd say.........15psib if you wanna test your boundries?
