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Stroking/Boring 5.3L (LM7)

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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 05:36 AM
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Default Stroking/Boring 5.3L (LM7)

Hi Guys,

Done a search and there is a similar thread to this but no definitive answer. How much can you bore/stroke this block LM7. it was mentioned that you can bore it .125 to 3.905. Has anyone done this and is this safe.
The block is fully balanced. Attaching to the block will be the top of my current LS1 :LS1 heads, fast 90/90, 232/234/112 comp cam, ud pulley, 1 7/8 headers & twin 3 inch exhaust, hardened pushrods + all the usual bolt ons, built auto and 4200 stall.

My current LS1 is getting tired and my mechanic wants to try something different (different in Australia at least) to see if we can get more out of my current combo. Best so far is 365rwhp with standard LS1.

It is in a 2002 HSV II Clubsport

Cheers

Darren

Last edited by VXCLUB; Apr 2, 2008 at 01:00 AM.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 11:30 PM
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I know this is old but did you find any answers? from my research the LM7 can be bored to a 5.7L like the LS1 but you need the 3.6225 crank which I believe comes in the motor...correct me if im wrong
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 12:21 AM
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or go 4 inch crank and have a 383.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Shadytrixta1
I know this is old but did you find any answers? from my research the LM7 can be bored to a 5.7L like the LS1 but you need the 3.6225 crank which I believe comes in the motor...correct me if im wrong
Without a doubt. You can make a 5.3L into an iron block LS1 by boring it over. The 5.3L has everything you need, just buy the bigger pistons.

Know ahead of time that the cost of machine work and new pistons will be twice as expensive as buying a 6.0L. Only build the iron block 5.7L if you have something to prove, otherwise there's better power to be had with the 6.0L for a starting platform.

Originally Posted by ZMONSTER!
or go 4 inch crank and have a 383.
Or sell the 5.3L, don't spend money on sonic testing the block and having new pistons installed and rotating assembly balance, but instead buy a 6.0L and purchase a pre-balanced 408 rotating assembly.

By the way, not all 5.3L's can go to 3.905. I have one in the trash and one at minimum wall thickness to prove it. When boring over the typical amount, ALWAYS SONIC TEST YOUR BLOCK.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by SynergyV8
Without a doubt. You can make a 5.3L into an iron block LS1 by boring it over. The 5.3L has everything you need, just buy the bigger pistons.

Know ahead of time that the cost of machine work and new pistons will be twice as expensive as buying a 6.0L. Only build the iron block 5.7L if you have something to prove, otherwise there's better power to be had with the 6.0L for a starting platform.

Or sell the 5.3L, don't spend money on sonic testing the block and having new pistons installed and rotating assembly balance, but instead buy a 6.0L and purchase a pre-balanced 408 rotating assembly.

By the way, not all 5.3L's can go to 3.905. I have one in the trash and one at minimum wall thickness to prove it. When boring over the typical amount, ALWAYS SONIC TEST YOUR BLOCK.
I am curious as to what The 2 blocks were that you have. There are different castings and no one could tell me if one casting was more accurate then the other. This may help me narrow it down.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 01:11 AM
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Both were year '01 garden variety LM7's.

Oh and by the way, the one at minimum wall thickness is at 3.898". Not 3.905".
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 01:22 AM
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Do you have the casting number or know what casting logo was on the block??? Here is a thread I started when I was trying to find the difference in the block castings. I have to see if I still have the pictures of the blocks casting Logos. I know there was an early Version of the 4.8/5.3 L blocks that has a large 6.0 cast on top of it and it can be borred to 4.00 but I dont have a casting number or any good pictures of it ,only whats in the new books and what Jason from LPE told me.

http://www.performancetrucks.net/for...d.php?t=419881
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 01:27 AM
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I will PM you this weekend when I return to the shop with both casting numbers.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 01:30 AM
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Originally Posted by SynergyV8
I will PM you this weekend when I return to the shop with both casting numbers.
Thanks! I lost the pictures of the blocks casting logo's when My hard drive crashed. I will have to get some more since I still have both blocks
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 01:31 AM
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Originally Posted by 1FastBrick
Thanks! I lost the pictures of the blocks casting logo's when My hard drive crashed. I will have to get some more since I still have both blocks
Feel free to PM me. We're wh0ring up this thread!
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 01:35 AM
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lol i dont mind...not sure about the o.p. Im just here to try and learn
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 06:46 AM
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why not get a complete ls3 crate.... you will spend alot of money boring, stroking, balancing etc.. and still note have the same potential as a 4+ inch bore ls... unless your 5.3 needs boring anyway i dont think its cost effective...

i mean is you really like iron, then you would be better off with a 6.0...
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 03:21 AM
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back from the recently deceased but...LS3 crate? How much does one of those cost? I gotta guess around 10 grand!
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