FlGa89

I'm new to engine building and etc.. I done engine swaps and transmission swaps general maintenance and repair though..I have an 5.3 in a 2003 1500 that I daily drive.. I was wondering if it's possible to get 4-500 hp out of it and maybe run a single turbo..and what would be the best way to do this and keep it reliable.. Thanks for any info..

jetech

Interesting read

Ken84lsc10

Anything is possible with these ls engines. Adding turbo from my understanding requires different piston ring gap different exhaust manifolds retuning computer etc etc. usually a cam swap headers and retuning awaken these engines to close to 400 hp alone

jetech

It all depends on how much boost you are going to feed it. You can get by with doing nothing but adding the FI and a time if you aren't swinging for the fence

SoCalDave

Sure you can. The big thing seems to be the proper piston ring gap for turbos so you don't destroy pistons. I didn't go turbo on my old '73 Nova because the turbo setup and exhaust requires welding skills that I don't have, but it's still fun. An '01 Camaro and a '73 Nova equals plenty of fun

jetech

My post should have read fi ( forced induction) and a time not time...lol.
Yeah it is best to gap the rings but you can get away without if you don't go crazy and don't stick your foot in it for extended lengths of time,but where is the fun in that !

Chris97b

iTrader: (1)

Are we talking RWHP or FWHP? 500 FWHP is probably reasonable NA, but RWHP you're definitely talking some kind of FI. Easily do-able with a turbo build, but bear in mind that this would be a pretty involved process. For an '03 that's been daily driven, I wouldn't consider an FI build without forged internals, better heads/cam, and of course a turbo needs a new exhaust setup. You'll want to have the block and heads gone over by a machine shop, and as others have mentioned the rings need to be gapped wider and a tune is a requirement. Fuel delivery could be an issue as well, so new injectors, new fuel pump probably, and I'd strongly recommend a better intake as well. All in, not sure it's worth the $$$ on an old beat up 5.3 unless you're dead set on keeping the stock block.

bmwchev

I installed a C6 cam and springs in my 60k mileage 5.3 and added a gt35 turbo and am making 395 h.p. at the wheels. Also running 65lb. injectors in a LS1 intake. It hasn't been "really" tested yet (only about 30 laps on the track), but hasn't blown and isn't smoking.