Advice on building a 5.3L
01-13-2022, 11:40 AM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Advice on building a 5.3L Hello,
I just received a used Chevy 5.3L Vortec engine (LM7) out of a 2003 Silverado. Everything on it is stock at the moment and I would like to build it so that it can produce more than the stock 300 HP and keep it naturally aspirated if possible. I was already considering changing the cam, intake , and throttle body but would like to know what others have done with these engines and what's recommended. Thank you.
I just received a used Chevy 5.3L Vortec engine (LM7) out of a 2003 Silverado. Everything on it is stock at the moment and I would like to build it so that it can produce more than the stock 300 HP and keep it naturally aspirated if possible. I was already considering changing the cam, intake , and throttle body but would like to know what others have done with these engines and what's recommended. Thank you.
01-13-2022, 12:27 PM
#2
What vehicle is this going in?
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bkspear (01-13-2022)
01-13-2022, 12:51 PM
#4
I'd do a 212/218 cam on a 114, or something very similar.
Trail blazer SS or NNBS truck intake with a 90MM throttle body.
Keep it simple. You have a moderately heavy SUV, not a race car.
Unless it is a racecar and I'm mistaken
Trail blazer SS or NNBS truck intake with a 90MM throttle body.
Keep it simple. You have a moderately heavy SUV, not a race car.
Unless it is a racecar and I'm mistaken
The following users liked this post:
bkspear (01-13-2022)
01-13-2022, 12:59 PM
#5
Teching In
Thread Starter
Thank you for replying. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just some more HP/performance and to have it sound pretty badass. And no, its not a racecar. LOL
01-14-2022, 01:51 PM
#6
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OP,
wretched73 provided some great advice. Take a look at our newly released SUM-8728R1 Big Truck Torkinator truck cam. Specs on it are .600/.585, 212/218, 110+3 with -5* of overlap. We designed this for folks that want to put their trucks/SUV's to work and have it sound good at the same time. You can expect a nice steady lope with this cam which will require tuning. It will make great torque from 2,000 rpm on up. With our SUM-174004 .600" lift beehives it will be happy out to 6,500 rpm.
To help with the install we offer the CMB-09-0029 install kit. This includes the timing cover gasket, water pump gaskets, oil pump o-rings, LS2 timing chain, valve cover gaskets, and harmonic balancer bolt.
wretched73 provided some great advice. Take a look at our newly released SUM-8728R1 Big Truck Torkinator truck cam. Specs on it are .600/.585, 212/218, 110+3 with -5* of overlap. We designed this for folks that want to put their trucks/SUV's to work and have it sound good at the same time. You can expect a nice steady lope with this cam which will require tuning. It will make great torque from 2,000 rpm on up. With our SUM-174004 .600" lift beehives it will be happy out to 6,500 rpm.
To help with the install we offer the CMB-09-0029 install kit. This includes the timing cover gasket, water pump gaskets, oil pump o-rings, LS2 timing chain, valve cover gaskets, and harmonic balancer bolt.
01-14-2022, 06:38 PM
#7
TECH Addict
I have a L33(all Aluminum) ,, in a jeep YJ,, its a LOT of motor in a jeep.. 
You will be surprised how well it drives,
Rule #1,, change lanes THEN hit the gas pedal.. You have been warned..
I have the truck manifold and a Terminator X-Max, and 4l65E.. w/GM NP241(full size truck version)
Unless your a yahoos-hooligan speed free you'll likely scare yourself by the second drive.. WOT is insane, but is a smile maker..
You will be surprised how well it drives, Rule #1,, change lanes THEN hit the gas pedal.. You have been warned..
I have the truck manifold and a Terminator X-Max, and 4l65E.. w/GM NP241(full size truck version)
Unless your a yahoos-hooligan speed free you'll likely scare yourself by the second drive.. WOT is insane, but is a smile maker..