Budget 5.3 build
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Budget 5.3 build Hi all, my name is Dylan. Im currently putting together a 5.3 to go into my S13. This will be a budget build so im buying used whenever i can, and buying new parts when necessary.
Im starting out with a freshened up 5.3 iron block
I bought a set of 706s, new OEM valve seals, used OE 5.3 rocker arms and rails.
I am going to use a 02-04 LS6 cam/springs.
I also am going to mill the heads. Still unsure of how much I want to take off, maybe .045 since ill be using a low lift cam with 5.3 dishes.
The setup will be topped off by a dual plane intake with a carb. Unsure of which carb ill be using at this time. Im shooting for 330whp through a NV4500 or T56 (fingers crossed). Also will be using MSD 6LS for spark
Im starting out with a freshened up 5.3 iron block
I bought a set of 706s, new OEM valve seals, used OE 5.3 rocker arms and rails.
I am going to use a 02-04 LS6 cam/springs.
I also am going to mill the heads. Still unsure of how much I want to take off, maybe .045 since ill be using a low lift cam with 5.3 dishes.
The setup will be topped off by a dual plane intake with a carb. Unsure of which carb ill be using at this time. Im shooting for 330whp through a NV4500 or T56 (fingers crossed). Also will be using MSD 6LS for spark
Last edited by moss500berg; Sep 30, 2013 at 10:37 AM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Im open to comments, criticism, or things you guys would do differently. Im fairly new to building engines so any input is appreciated
Edit: Starting to think this may be in the wrong section due to lack of getting flamed.. haha. Perhaps this is the section where people ask which pushrods they need over and over again. Idk lol
Edit: Starting to think this may be in the wrong section due to lack of getting flamed.. haha. Perhaps this is the section where people ask which pushrods they need over and over again. Idk lol
Last edited by moss500berg; Sep 30, 2013 at 05:38 PM.
Yea this is the place for that, you should start a build thread in the conversions forum, probably get more views there...don't wanna upset the forum popo lol....looks like a cool build...did you see the horsepower episode this week? They are putting a 600+ hp Ls/tko600/9" into a 240...wish I had that cash lol
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Thanks man! Yeah ill start a build thread once I get further along with it. Budgets tight for a little while so progress will be slow. And no I didnt get to see that episode, a few people are talking about it on another forum im on. Ill have to get used to things here for sure, alot different than my other forum haha
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Yeah most definitely, yellow springs are what im after. Hopefully I can find a decent price on a used cam.
And yeah I thought about using an EFI intake, id probably use the truck intake. But I want to use a dual plane and carb to make a little bit more torque down low, for if I need to drag it out of a higher gear like a hairpin after a long sweeper. And for the simplicity of a carb. I absolutely hate wiring lol
And yeah I thought about using an EFI intake, id probably use the truck intake. But I want to use a dual plane and carb to make a little bit more torque down low, for if I need to drag it out of a higher gear like a hairpin after a long sweeper. And for the simplicity of a carb. I absolutely hate wiring lol
Trending Topics
Hello, how's it going ? Ok , to start don't ever buy used valve springs unless maybe They have only like 2000 miles on them and They're half of new. Fred Beans Parts has yellow LS6 springs new for $59 and I believe Scoggin Dickey has Them for about the same. You can pick up an 2001 LS6 cam or more likely an LS2 cam for aroung $50-60 which is the same exact cam except the LS2 cam uses the timing gear on the front for cam sensor instead of the pre 2005 which has the reluctor molded into the rear of the cam. Then pick up a 2005-up vette timing cover or I believe 2007-up truck t-cover for maybe $35-40. The 2002-2004 LS6 cams are routenly going for $125-200 or better yet if You can find a used hot cam or an asa cam for a resonable price .Or search the classifieds for a while maybe 2 or 3 times a week maybe more maybe less You'll see a used aftermarket cam for $200-300 sometimes a 224 or right in that neighborhood. Next You might consider having the block decked to remove some material so as to end up with .035" quench which will help control preignition which allows more timing=hp . Message Me later and I'll explain more .Need to work now
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/1208t...d/viewall.html
Heres a link to some different cams dyno'd in a 5.3L in various states of tune. LS6 cam and a pretty stock 5.3 should make pretty close to 330 especially if you add some compression.
Heres a link to some different cams dyno'd in a 5.3L in various states of tune. LS6 cam and a pretty stock 5.3 should make pretty close to 330 especially if you add some compression.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 4
I feel that milling the heads .045 is too much .assemble the short block and see where the pistons sit in the bore .you would like to have 10.0-1 static compression ratio .mill the heads alittle to get that .what head gaskets are you using ?check out Texas Speed for the new parts you need .get new valve springs .you should measure for new push rods if you deck the block and heads any .
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Correct, valve springs are on my list of NEW parts. I know better than to buy used springs lol.
And I like the ls2 cam and cover idea.
I need to see how far the pistons sit in the hole as of right now. One reason I was only wanting to take material off the heads was for expense reasons.
I will say that im on the fairly uneducated side of taking material off heads and block.
So should I (budget permited) have a little taken off the heads and block both?
And if I take off the block, will I have to also have the intake shaved to fit?
And I like the ls2 cam and cover idea.
I need to see how far the pistons sit in the hole as of right now. One reason I was only wanting to take material off the heads was for expense reasons.
I will say that im on the fairly uneducated side of taking material off heads and block.
So should I (budget permited) have a little taken off the heads and block both?
And if I take off the block, will I have to also have the intake shaved to fit?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
@garygnu ill probably be using OE head gaskets. Unless there is a more logical option for a low-hp budget motor.
And I would be alright with spending 600-700 on a decent street/race cam kit.
I would like to get close to 10:1 static too. If the shortblock wasnt already assembled I would just put 4.8 flat tops in it and call it a day. Which may be another option without touching the heads or block
And I would be alright with spending 600-700 on a decent street/race cam kit.
I would like to get close to 10:1 static too. If the shortblock wasnt already assembled I would just put 4.8 flat tops in it and call it a day. Which may be another option without touching the heads or block
Last edited by moss500berg; Oct 1, 2013 at 07:21 PM.
Oem head gaskets are the way to go, I wouldn't even worry about milling if budget build, I'd save money to port them later.
As far as a carb goes unless you're good at tuning them or know someone who is efi is way better, I have both and prefer my efi car hands down even though it's an auto car. Anyway good luck with the build
As far as a carb goes unless you're good at tuning them or know someone who is efi is way better, I have both and prefer my efi car hands down even though it's an auto car. Anyway good luck with the build
Cool that's always a bonus, the only problem I've mainly had will the carb is the trhtote response, with efi it's snap and go, with carb you have to slowly lean into it, which has seemed to always be true with any carb car I've driven...
If you are planning to close your hood (unless you plan to cut it) you cant use the truck intakes or Carb setup from what I have seen. The LS6 cam is def a nice budget cam thats available for the prices mentioned above. As far as milling the head, depends on what your goal is. Remember that you are looking at a 330rwhp and probably the same or more Tq. So depending on what your goal is as far as 1/4 time goes it may not be necessary to spend the cash if its a budget build. Also, remember that the GM fuel system is returnless so you will need to buy fuel rails which allow for a return. Check out the generic Ebay ones that go for about $70-90....they have worked well from what I have seen.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Im not too worried about the difference in throttle response. I will build a EFI car at some point too. But with this particular build, im keeping everything simple.
And my hood is already in bad shape as is, so I planned on cutting it from the git.
Its not going to be a car for the 1/4 either. Its for going sideways and making tire smoke. The engine it has in it now is on its last leg. Id say it makes about 60rwhp on a good day anymore hahaha.
And my hood is already in bad shape as is, so I planned on cutting it from the git.
Its not going to be a car for the 1/4 either. Its for going sideways and making tire smoke. The engine it has in it now is on its last leg. Id say it makes about 60rwhp on a good day anymore hahaha.
tada!