joshua022

iTrader: (12)

I'm wanting to build my 5.3 with my tax returns. I'm looking at some 215cc ET performance heads w/a 54cc combustion chamber and want to know what cam I should match them with, or if I could put 1.85 rockers on my current cam(TR224 .563 on 110lsa), and give it .613 lift, and then use the saved money to get a better intake and injectors.

Or if anyone knows of heads that would be better for me let me know.

Any opinions would be appreciated, especially if you have experience with this set-up.

Thanks
-Joshua

j200pruf

iTrader: (1)

"Due to the fast ramp rate of this camshaft, the use of 1.8 rockers is not recommended." - Thunder Racing.


I'm really interested cuz I am still considering building a 5.3 instead of punching my rusty 5.3 to 5.7. After reading a ton on this site I would think you might want to go with a smaller runner to keep port velocity up, but I am a super newb so what do I know.

joshua022

iTrader: (12)

okay then what cam?? I

would like to keep a 110 LSA because i love the way it sounds, an the whole truck shakes back and forth. But if there is somethin better I'm open to suggestions.

silver01z06

Who told you 54 cc chamers? If you have to mill them to get that small chamber you might run into intake fitment issues.

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

Run that cam w/ stock rocker ratio, those ET heads(make sure it is 54cc), and an .040 head gasket. That will be one stout 5.3. I would stay away from a larger cam than what you currently have b/c you will start to lose alot of low end torque. Port velocity should be excellent w/ a 215cc runner.

joshua022

iTrader: (12)

craig @etperformance did.

I think they use thicker castings to allow for more milling if needed.

joshua022

iTrader: (12)

Who makes a .040 head gasket? You wouldn't happen to know a part number would you??

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

I run Cometic gaskets in an 0.040 thickness that can be found on just about any sponsors website. Fel-Pro makes an 0.041 gasket, but I don't personally have any experience with them. I'm not sure what the part numbers are for either manufacturer.

j200pruf

iTrader: (1)

Hey Jimmy, what size of a cam would you suggest for a 5.3 that is going into a light car with 4.10s where the loss of bottom end really wouldn't be that big of a deal. And when looking for heads for a 5.3 would you want to stick with the stock valves or upgrade to the larger ls1 valves?

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

You need to get the compression up a good bit to go with a cam larger than 220 duration, which is difficult with the small displacement of the 5.3. You can only mill the heads so far before running into intake sealing problems and it also reduces PTV clearance. These factors make it somewhat counterproductive to go with a cam larger than 228 duration. As far as valve size 2.02 is ok but will be shrouded by the small bore, so I would stay away from anything larger. The setup above will probably be the most optimal for almost every situation.
Now if you put your hands on one of the newer 5.3's with flat top pistons you can bring the compression up higher with less milling. The main thing is to run a cam that will keep the DCR at an optimal level.

j200pruf

iTrader: (1)

Cool deal, I was hoping to save some cash by just getting a 5.3 block with good cylinders instead of getting my current one bored and buying 5.7 pistons for it, oh well. Or could I get a set of the flat top pistons and put them in an older 5.3?

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

You could change to the newer pistons, but it'll most likely cost the same as buying a whole second hand engine. You shouldn't be discouraged from using the one you have. I was trying to guide you to use the right parts, not talk you out of it. A 224 cam in a 5.3 will run strong and sound just as tough. I'd use what you have already and I bet you'll be pleased with the results.

hammertime

iTrader: (1)

If you were going to all that trouble, it would be a shame to not just bore it to 5.7L.

If I were in your shoes, I'd run the cam you have, mill about .040 off the heads, do a mild home P&P on the heads to smooth things but not add any appreciable volume, then have a good valve job done along with a back-cut on the valves. Put it together with a Cometic or similar .040 thick gasket, and an LS6 manifold, and you should have a pretty stout setup.

jkwalkercchs

iTrader: (21)

so 243s milled 57cc flat top 4.8 pistons hmm ok cam suggestion
i got a 01z06 i can either put 1.85 or 1.75 ratio rockers on it

or just spend more money and put the 1.75s on this one??
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 216 int./224 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees): 115
lift: 561

j200pruf

iTrader: (1)

Is the piston pin height the same between the 4.8 and 5.3 motors?

99mongooSS

iTrader: (4)

there are no problems with your setup. But you need to use 1.7 rocker arms and your good.

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

No they are not.

j200pruf

iTrader: (1)

I actually found a bit of info that they are? The rod length difference is half the difference of the stroke which does seem the pistons would be interchangeable.

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

That's what I thought too. But researching and asking people I have only found and been told that the pin height is different. I'm gonna put my hands on some and measure myself.

joshua022

iTrader: (12)

What size injectors will I need? I would like to stay plug and play if possible.