I'm new to the LS world and want to build a NA engine to play with on the street. I saw a certain vendor has new GM blocks available. The 5.3 iron block is cheapest. However, they offer another block that is bored to 5.7 liters. (3.898 I think) This block is painted and costs $300 more.
I come from old school thinking that all mods being equal, more cubes equals more/reliable power. My understanding is the downside of the 5.3 "bored out" to 5.7 is that it can't be bored any further if it needed it. I have no idea yet on heads or cam. Not wanting to over spend or go for mega power. Used 5.3's go for a premium price around here. I will still try to find a used 5.3 for all those pesky small parts that drive up a build.

 

You can't go wrong with a new LS3 aluminum block. It's the best bang for the buck.

 

The 6.0L iron blocks are still plentiful.

 

FYI, this also applied to the 5.7 LS1/LS6 blocks. You really can't bore them out, so 5.7 in any form is the farthest you are going.

There were a few rare 5.3 blocks that can be bored out to a 6.0.
But like KCS said, 6.0 blocks are everywhere. If you want to stay N/A, just get a 6.0.

 

Hi, DO NOT BUY an early GEN-III AL block for HP use as they will crack in the "windage" hole area.
This 1" hole can be observed BETWEEN the Main Housing Bore AND the Cam Bearing Housing bore.

Lance

 

We bore them to a 3.903" bore to make the Iron 5.7 (347ci), sell them machined and ready to go.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATK-HP-Chevy...e=STRK:MESE:IT

 

Wow! 5 responses and only one was close to answering! I didn't ask about 6.0's or LS3's. I am asking which of the two listed blocks is a better deal. Not a difficult question, not looking for someone's alternative opinion.

 

Don't shoot someone giving you good advice. Notifying you of better alternatives that you might not be aware of is just good mannerism.

 

well TJ looks like ATK Engines has your block.
You will find a lot of good information here, as well
as many who will encourage more perhaps then you
had originally planned. I am certainly guilty of that myself. LOL
That said once you start with a 4.00" Bore, the cylinder
head choices expand considerably, and as we all know
HP is a drug that most of us continually want more off so
it makes sense for future upgrade possibilities to start
at a 4.00" Bore if possible.
Good Luck

 

You could pick up a brand new GM gen 3, 5.3 bare block 299.99 plus 90 shipped.
It comes stock in 3.780, bore/hone it out to 3.800 you should be to go.
Use a JY block as you mentioned for all the little parts cause they will 1 hundred dollars you to death. Best bang for your buck.

But yeah I wouldn't be prickly because someone offered you something else. It's very easy to get carried away when buying parts. Your asking about a block N/A of maybe 450-500hp once good money is put in it. while if you go bigger displacement arguably the same amount of money would get well over what the N/A 5.3 will allow.

 

Is the 2nd block Iron as well? If so GM did not make a 3.9" bore Iron block and it would be a 5.3 that was bored out. The aluminum blocks do not leave much room to be "bored" especially the 5.7 blocks (3.9").

 

Yeah you're right. What was I thinking trying to suggest a more cost effective alternative? Get that 5.3L iron block that's been honed out and painted. That should suit you well...

 

Thanks!

 

I just picked up a complete '05 LQ4 for $400. I think your best bet is to get a complete junkyard mill! Unless you have a no-ceiling budget. Building a motor block up is going to cost ya....

FYI Also, It's been done... a 4.8/5.3 block punched and stroked to 383 cu in. As long as it magnafluxes ok, it is entirely possible.

 

For sqrbodylsfreek- The wrecking yards around here are onto the LS craze. They ask way too much, unless it's for their own use. Sometimes you can find a deal, however, it is getting rare. Looks like buying the whole vehicle at auction is a better option around here. That way, at least a guy gets everything.

 

HI TJ, yes you are correct.
I used My CRYstal Ball with his report that you were stating a request for information about FE blocks.

I thus am sorry.

Lance

 

I hear you, depending what it is you will pay between $1500 and $2200 around here, even on 190k 4.8s. It has definitely gotten ridiculous. I looked on craigslist for about a year before I found my LQ4. Keep in the lookout!!

Since you are swapping into another vehicle, I would try to find a van or pickup with a bad trans or rotted frame. That way you have the whole harness and ecu. Good luck!