Getting right down to business, I guess I'll use this thread to post all of my noobish questions, so here's the first one;

I've got a stock 5.3 Vortec motor without most of the accessories. For now, I'm planning on boring it out to stock LS1 bore (3.898, I've been lead to believe?) And then run LS1 pistons. Since I'm not changing the crankshaft or anything else, am I right in assuming that I can still run stock connecting rods?

For clarification, these are the pistons I'm planning on running:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-04-Chevrolet-Pontiac-346-5-7L-V8-LS1-LS-1-8-Flat-Top-Pistons-Moly-Rings/360791471236?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D4820455719541460419%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D300915419961%26

 

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Is this 5.3 iron or aluminum?

 

It's iron. Out of a Silverado. 2004 I think, but to be honest I'm not certain.

 

Yes, 3.898" is the LS1 bore size. With the 5.3 crank, you'll be at LS1 inches.

The iron 5.3 can safely be taken to 3.9", probably more if you have it sonic tested.

HOWEVER, I'd say you'd get better overall results moving to an aluminum block. Think of it like this: Running an iron block instead of aluminum is like having two extra full sized batteries hanging on the nose of your car.

 

Hmm, point taken. I originally went with the 5.3 due to cost, but now I'm interested in keeping it because I've been led to believe that if/when I decide to turbocharge later on, the iron block will be able to take a much worse beating than the aluminum block.

Does that make sense?

 

That is true. A properly prepared aluminum block can handle like 800 HP, the iron block more.

 

I see. What's included in properly preparing an aluminum block? Because I don't plan on making more than around 500 to the wheel, eventually.

 

For 500? Nothing, just stock will handle it

700+ then it's a good idea to upgrade to arp main studs, rod bolts, head studs!