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

Frankenstein motor

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 10, 2006 | 10:04 AM
  #1  
Aaron's Coupe's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Default Frankenstein motor

I know that a majority of the gen III engines have a lot of inter-changing parts and I need some help. I am contemplating building a LSx motor for my 1950 ford. I have a 6.0l iron block that I got for free from a friend. I also have a 5.3l that another friend is giving me. The 6.0 is just the block, crank and truck oil pan. The 5.3 is complete, but he through a rod and broke the block (hydro locked the motor).

With the 6.0 can build basically an iron LS2 with stock parts for a good street rod motor? Since this is a street rod the simpler the better I want carb set up no computer anything. My questions are this:

Since I don have rods and pistons, will stock LS2 pieces work?
I thought about a stock LS6 cam or a used aftermarket cam
Can I use the 5.3 roller lifters?
Can I use the 5.3 heads I have? Or do I need some stock LS1,6 or 2 heads?
Will a TH350 or TH400 bolt up

I know this would be a Frankenstein motor, but hey it is a hot rod!

One last really dumb question, what size bolts do I need to have so I can bolt the bare block on my engine stand? (I don’t want to use a SAE bolt when it is metric)
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2006 | 12:16 AM
  #2  
96 Comp T/A's Avatar
TECH Regular
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 429
Likes: 2
From: Tampa FL
Default

Originally Posted by Aaron's Coupe
IWith the 6.0 can build basically an iron LS2 with stock parts for a good street rod motor? Since this is a street rod the simpler the better I want carb set up no computer anything. My questions are this:

Since I don have rods and pistons, will stock LS2 pieces work?
I thought about a stock LS6 cam or a used aftermarket cam
Can I use the 5.3 roller lifters?
Can I use the 5.3 heads I have? Or do I need some stock LS1,6 or 2 heads?
Will a TH350 or TH400 bolt up

I know this would be a Frankenstein motor, but hey it is a hot rod!

One last really dumb question, what size bolts do I need to have so I can bolt the bare block on my engine stand? (I don’t want to use a SAE bolt when it is metric)
You are correct, the iron LQ4-9 truck block uses the same rod and piston components. I would look at having the iron motor line bored and a set of oversized pistons installed. You can go as far as .060 over on an iron block if it is sonic checked first. Stock rods would work although an aftermarket rod bolt would be a plus. Either cam choice is fine, If you want less lope and more driveability go the LS6, if you want something a little meaner, go aftermarket. The lifters are the same. 5.3 heads will bolt right up, although you will see an increase in compression due to the small chamber in the 5.3 head. A T350 or T400 can and will bolt up. You will need a specific flexplate for it. Look in the stickies in the automatic tranny forum for part #'s. I't's all there. The bellhousing bolts are M10x1.5. The length is dependant on your engine stand.
Cheers,
Jason
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:30 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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