Hey guys, I searched and couldn't find it but figured it was out there so I posted here first. Anyway, I have a 5.3 that I got for free, so I'm going to bore it to LS1 bore (also btw, what exactly do they rate that at from the factory?) and it will be going into my chevelle. The thing was hydrolocked, snapped 2 rods and I'm sure the pistons are none too perfect after that, so I am looking at options for new rods and most likely pistons. I am wondering about putting a set of stock ls1 rods/pistons in for cost reasons, but I am worried about what the weak links are in the stock setup. I would be replacing rod bolts with ARP's for sure. Any other budget minded/cost effective rods and pistons out there? Trying to keep costs on the motor down, because I'm sure getting a t56 in a 1972 chevelle will suck me dry.

 

How much power are you looking to make. There are guys on here pushing 500-600hp out of the stock bottomend. Its not going to last forever at that level but it's being done. If you go with the ls1 pistions and rods, the arp rod bolts are a good call, and also get a good set of after market rings, no more oil consumption or piston slap. The bore on the stock ls1 is 3.898". Sound like you have a cool project on your hands got any pic's?

 

Well to begin with, I am hoping to put down a pretty modest number due to money issues, but eventually with some new heads and other stuff, in the 400-500hp range. I am just trying to get a good solid bottom end done now so I don't have to tear the engine out and down again in the near (somewhat) future. It will have mostly stock 5.3 components other than the bottom end, with the exception of it being carbed and maybe cammed to begin with. The pistons will definately be reringed. I will try to snap some pics of it, it's really not very impressive right now. The car currently is in the total bodywork stage, just wanting to get the engine and drivetrain rolling so I can put it in before I paint it. As of now I've got the driver side rocker, outer wheelhouse, trunk drop off, and quarter panel on, and the pass side is all cut out and ready for the new stuff to go on. Bodywork should go fast hopefully though, so by early summer hopefully I'll have myself a rod.