5.3 to 383 Cost Estimate
10-31-2007, 03:31 AM
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5.3 to 383 Cost Estimate I've searched this a bit and found mostly threads on using 5.3 heads on an
LS1 Block. Only a couple of threads regarding boring to the necessary 3.905" and none that report failures at that bore.
I already have a full up, low mileage 5.3 so I have no interest in getting a 6.0 block to go larger than 383.
This will be a low rpm high torque application (trail/rock rig) so forged components are not necessary.
What is ballpark $ figure for materials and machine work?
Recommendation for a source for the rotating assy?
I've looked at a few of the vendors assembled short blocks and find them to be in the $3500-$3700 range. Can I piece this together for a significant savings?
LS1 Block. Only a couple of threads regarding boring to the necessary 3.905" and none that report failures at that bore.
I already have a full up, low mileage 5.3 so I have no interest in getting a 6.0 block to go larger than 383.
This will be a low rpm high torque application (trail/rock rig) so forged components are not necessary.
What is ballpark $ figure for materials and machine work?
Recommendation for a source for the rotating assy?
I've looked at a few of the vendors assembled short blocks and find them to be in the $3500-$3700 range. Can I piece this together for a significant savings?
10-31-2007, 06:56 AM
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In the truck community, most opt not to bore and find it more convienient to swap to an iron block 6.0 (lq4 or lq9). You can find complete pullouts from 1800 to 2600, depending on model and mileage. Look on performancetrucks.net for a little more info.
Since you already have a 5.3, you can look at swapping to a low duration/low lift cam to maintain torque (under 220 in duration). Working/milling the heads and adding longtube headers will provide additional torque. After that, it will be about gear ratio.
Since you already have a 5.3, you can look at swapping to a low duration/low lift cam to maintain torque (under 220 in duration). Working/milling the heads and adding longtube headers will provide additional torque. After that, it will be about gear ratio.
Last edited by Silver-Dollar; 10-31-2007 at 07:03 AM.
10-31-2007, 07:57 AM
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Just have the 5.3 block bored to accept the Stock size LS1 pistons (3.898 bore) and work those stock heads some. With a nice smallish cam, it should make excellent power all over. A guy locally built an iron 5.7 with a 222/226 cam, makes AWESOME power from idle to the limiter.
10-31-2007, 03:07 PM
#5
The crank is going to be the most expensive part. There's one in the for sale section I think for $650 right now. Pistons will be about $500 and rods will be about $250-$500 depending on design. Machining and balancing you would have to check locally, bearings, fasteners, and gaskets. I'd say you could do it for $2300 for the shortblock depending on the parts you use. You can do things relatively cheap if you shop around.
PS: get the block honed to 3.905. That's the most common off the shelf piston size for LS1 engines.
PS: get the block honed to 3.905. That's the most common off the shelf piston size for LS1 engines.
