Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 19, 2003 | 07:34 PM
  #1  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

What would the difference be in using the LS1 5.7L heads vs. the 5.3L heads? I heard the 5.3L flow better but there has to be a downfall to using them. I am going with the TR230 cam and maybe some juice in the future.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2003 | 07:38 PM
  #2  
camaro99SSdvl's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: NorthCarolina
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

yeha i got a post just like yours under ya, I've heard that they flow better than LS1 heads as well, im curiosu myself
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2003 | 07:47 PM
  #3  
Jimmyz's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 1
From: Marietta, GA
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

The 4.8 & 5.3's offer no advantage over the LS1 head except for a smaller combustion chamber. If you mill the deck surface, it will let you achieve a slightly higher compression ratio. This is straight out of the May 2003 GMHTP Mag.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2003 | 07:52 PM
  #4  
Ron@Vengeance's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (51)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,628
Likes: 1
From: Cumming GA
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jimmyz:
<strong> The 4.8 & 5.3's offer no advantage over the LS1 head except for a smaller combustion chamber. If you mill the deck surface, it will let you achieve a slightly higher compression ratio. This is straight out of the May 2003 GMHTP Mag. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Quit reading magazines and go build a damn motor <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2003 | 08:00 PM
  #5  
Jimmyz's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 1
From: Marietta, GA
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Cammin BeaSSt:
<strong> Quit reading magazines and go build a damn motor <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">That's really funny...I couldn't build a model airplane. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2003 | 08:20 PM
  #6  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

So what's the sacrifice you make by increasing compression? If I am using 230/224 .575/.563 111 LSA cam and planning on maybe sprayin' in the future, a TNT 100 Wet Shot. I heard that with my setup I may smack a valve. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2003 | 08:22 PM
  #7  
XLR8VRL's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Fla
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

The 5.3L heads have the same port volumes
the 5.3 has the same exhaust valve size but a smaller intake valve , however the seat is the same and can be machined to accept the 2.00" 5.7L intake valve the chambers are slightly smaller so you will see an increase in compression WITHOUT milling the head which might help you with V/P clearance good luck i have a set on the bench getting ready to go on soon I saw a buildup with a mild port job on these heads, a cam,bigger MAF and TB, long tubes, and LS1Edit programing - was putting down 500Hp at the wheels awesome <img border="0" alt="[burn out]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_burnout.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2003 | 01:07 AM
  #8  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

So should I go with 5.3 or 5.7 heads for my setup?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 20, 2003 | 07:44 AM
  #9  
XLR8VRL's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Fla
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

compression = power! I`m gonna go with the 5.3L`s
you shouldnt have V/P clearance probs if you dont mill the heads too much.
PS; my old small block stroker is 12 to 1 comp never had any probs but it doesnt like pump gas - I mix 110 sunoco with 93 amoco half and half and it loves it <img border="0" alt="[burn out]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_burnout.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2003 | 03:16 PM
  #10  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

If I go with TEA's Stage II 5.3L heads would I have any problems? What would be the gains over TEA's Stage II 5.7L heads? If spray was added to the equation later what effect would the different size heads have on that?
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 02:34 AM
  #11  
TEA Brent's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green, KY
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

The 5.3 head does flow better (asuming your talking ported) on the intake and exhaust. The 5.3 head builds compression without milling at all. This leaves you with a much larger piston to valve clearance. The 5.3 head flows 15cfm better than a 5.7 so it is a killer nitrous head. I hope I answered everything for ya, if not let me know.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 08:47 AM
  #12  
GeorgeC's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,987
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by XLR8VRL:
<strong> I saw a buildup with a mild port job on these heads, a cam,bigger MAF and TB, long tubes, and LS1Edit programing - was putting down 500Hp at the wheels awesome <img border="0" alt="[burn out]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_burnout.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Where did you see that? Most of the big 420+ cid motors seem to only make a little over 500rwhp. I haven't had my ARE 382cid solid roller on a dyno, but it should be in the ~500rwhp range.

I think you saw/read something incorrectly. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 10:43 AM
  #13  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

So are there any downfalls at all to going with the ported 5.3L heads?

I heard that you were running the GeorgeC , what do you recommmend?
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 05:40 PM
  #14  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

Thanks guys, these are the answers I've been looking to get for about 2 weeks now.

What if I sprayed with the TR230 cam I mentioned above and the 5.3L Stage 1.5?

Vince : I plan on using QTP's LT 1 3/4" Stainless Steel Race Style Headers, QTP's off-road y-pipe, to a Hooker Cat-back. Running dumps at the track. Do you think this will flow well enough?
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 05:43 PM
  #15  
VINCE's Avatar
Shorty Director
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 4
From: Valrico, Florida
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

I am obviously no exhaust expert.. I am still running Macs.. I think you will do well with the setup mentioned.. Make sure you get the proper merge collectors. You want some scavenging..
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 07:13 PM
  #16  
Mike K.'s Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, FL
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

I know it was a fluke but after seeing what Vince went through with his 5.3 heads I am scared to use them although most people do get more power with them.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 07:18 PM
  #17  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

What happened to Vince?
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2003 | 07:30 PM
  #18  
98_WS6_M6's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 98
From: NW Indiana
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

Are there any downfalls to having too much flow on the exhaust side? I'm comparing TEA's Stage II to Stage 1.5, 5.3L heads. The 1.5's flow 15cfm more on the exhaust because they use the stock valve instead of aftermarket valve.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2003 | 12:13 AM
  #19  
VINCE's Avatar
Shorty Director
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 4
From: Valrico, Florida
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

I see no down falls with running the 5.3L head. Just be aware that milling them will increase compression and that will require a better tune to prevent detonation on pump gas.. A good tuner can give you killer #'s with these heads.. If I were to stay NA I would swap my heads for some 5.3L's and run higher compression. I also have valve reliefs, so milling them .050 would be fine for me even with my 232 cam.. Matching the exhaust is also important when building a setup.. You can have a killer H/C setup, but if your exhaust is your bottleneck you will never see your cars true potential..
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2003 | 12:37 AM
  #20  
GeorgeC's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,987
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL
Default Re: 5.3L vs. 5.7L Heads

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 98_WS6_M6:
<strong> So are there any downfalls at all to going with the ported 5.3L heads?

I heard that you were running the GeorgeC , what do you recommmend? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm not an expert, but I do like the 5.3 heads. I used them on my current motor since the flow numbers are just as good as an LS1 head, and the smaller combustion chambers helped get the compression ratio we wanted (which is pretty high) w/o too many piston to valve clearance issues with the huge cam I'm running.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:39 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE