Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

Looking for opinions. Is it worth going from a 5.3 to 5.7? Are the extra cubes worth the extra price of machine work? I was going to do a .020 bore just to match to new pistons, but to take it to 3.898, will run about an extra $250 with sonic check and more aggressive bore. Worth the extra cash?

Also, pistons, i was planning on running Speed-Pro as this motor will never see spray or boost. Mostly street driven, very occasional pass at track. Think the Speed-Pro's are going to fit the bill, or should i step up to Mahle pistons? I know for a fact i won't need a full forged piston. I was planning on running a Scat I-beam rod, simply for the ARP bolts, just not worth installing in a stock rod, IMHO. Was planning a press fit rod, should i go floating, since the price really doesn't change?

Sorry for so many questions, but my mind is going crazy, looking for outside thoughts on this. LOL

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

No opinions at all?

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

If your not boosting or spraying it doesn't matter too much then... The 5.3 will make a little less then the 5.7...

No need for forged rods or pistons on a NA 5.3 or 5.7, but ARP rods bolts will deff help if you plan to shift at a high rpm.

LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

Turbo the 5.3 and make 700WHP.

Nuff said.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

I would turbo it, but tuning with a carb can be a bitch.

I guess i'll just bore it .030 and run a speed pro piston with pressed pins.

GMRL

Ive heard of people using factory LS1 pistons for a mild na build.

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

Just boost that 5.3 and you will be good.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

I'm just gonna run the speed pro pistons with the scat pressed rods, swing by summit tomorrow and pick them up. I won't boost it at all, to much hassle playing with a blow thru carb. Just gonna bore it .030 over, have TEA port the 243 heads.

RezinTexas

for the price of machine work on the 5.3 block, I would try to find a bare 6.0 block.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

Originally I was looking for a 6.0 block, but most wanted 3-500, plus it would have needed machine work. Summit sells a .030 over 6.0 block for 675, but I question the machine work quality when fitting the pistons for correct clearances.

LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

Either turbo it or put a 6 liter in it like mentioned above...or do both!

parks450

iTrader: (17)

As far as boring it out I'd say go for it, I noticed a difference in my s10 from the 5.3 to the 5.7 I only had to pay an extra $100 for boring so it was worth it for me, $250 still isn't terrible considering it will take them 10-12 passes per cylinder.

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Just make sure they use a torque plate when bore/honing... I know a lot of people say they aren't needed but I would opt for it if you can..

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

Yeah it took me awhile to find a shop that actually knew LS motors, another member here recommended them. I think i'm just gonna bore it .030, my truck is light, so it will still make nice power at 330 cubes.

TexasGMC08

Summit does not do the machine work to the ls blocks they sell... They buy them from gm and still in the gm crate when they get to summits wearhouse.. Ive called on them before. Also they dont know if the knock sensors are on the side or in the valley until you open the box...

TexasGMC08

But yes bore the 5.3 out to a 5.7 or in my case to a 6.4 395 cubic in!!!

TheWolfMatt

Didn't think that you could get the 5.3 out that far. Good to know.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

Now that may be an option for me, i could drive right to summit and have them open every box looking for the one with knock sensors in the valley, this way my crank would work with it. The block they sell is really a good deal, by the time you factor in buying a used block for 3-500 + the machine work.

TexasGMC08

machine shop bored it out to a 3.9065 i used a 4.125 crank and used 6.125 rods which gave it 70 extra cubic in. 395!!!

Smoke23

I just had my 5.3 block done as well. Had it punched out to 3.905 and used Diamond 10cc pistons. Used a set of Lunati forged rods and stock crank. The cranks need to be rebalanced due to being balances different. 5.3/5.7/6.0's all use the same crank, just the 5.7 has a lil different balance setup. As soon as I get mine back she is going on a 2 stage setup and a steady juice diet of at least 250 shot..