looking to do a lsx swap. i have owned a 2000 ss with mods so i am familiar with mods of ls1. do the same mods apply to 5.3? can i do ls6 intake and ls1 heads and cam in a 5.3? what kind of numbers are out there on 5.3? thanks for any help.

 

5.3 is a great engine to do an lsx swap with. its a great hp per dollar choice. they are an ls engine so all the ls6 intakes, ls cams, and botons work with them. the ls6 manifold is a great upgrade for the 5.3 and is needed as the truck manifold doesnt fit without a cowl hood because of the high mount accessories. as for the heads the 5.3 flow great with just some porting and many ls1 guys use them on their engines. as for the cam an ls1 cam is kinda small even for this engine but would still help and would be a good sleeper cam since it wouldnt lope all over the place

 

i was talking about all the usual head and cam choices for the ls1. still usable in a 5.3? thanks

 

oh yes definetly, the only thing u have to remember is the smaller displacement, so even a smaller aftermarket cam for the ls1 is going to have quite an effect on the 5.3

 

And unless you get it REALLY Cheap by the time you are done you could be close to LS1 swap money.

 

All LS series parts fit a 5.3L, though the L92 stuff certainly wont fit, and the LS1 heads can present valve shrouding issues.

The LS cams will act like they have 6 more degree's of duration in comparison to an LS1.

ex. TR224 cam will act as if it has 230* duration due to the smaller bore.

As for mods, the 5.3L can use an LS6 intake (i used one on mine), can use LS1 ignition, accessories, pans etc.

The 5.3L would however be better suited to 1 5/8" headers rather then 1 3/4" due to smaller displacement. (i have a set of 1 5/8" headers for a 5.3 into a thirdgen avaliable if your interested. PM me)

Imo, a damn good combo for about 350rwhp - TR224 Cam, Headers, ORY, underdrive, LS6 intake, and a good tune.

Let me know if you got any more questions, i think i was one of the first guys to get a 5.3L into a thirdgen

 

very true as since it is a truck engine you will have to change the oil pan, accessories, and the intake manifold. it does add up really quick unless you are able to get them cheap used.

 

thanks for all the help. i am just looking right now. i am looking at the 5.3, ls1 or a 6.0 depending on the price etc. i read a article in carcraft on the 5.3 but would like to go with a ls1.

 

IMO I would go with a 5.3 and if you are going to take the top end off, go ahead and pull the bottom end apart as well. Have the block bored to the stock LS1 bore (can't remember it off the top of my head) and stick some LS1 pistons in it if you are on a budget. This way you have a brand new bottom end (no worries of bearings or anything like that). Sure you end up spending about the same as you would for an LS1 or a 6.0 but you have a bottom end that you know the condition of.

This would also let you make a little more power, or would allow you to go with slightly bigger parts (cam, heads, etc) for even more power there. Or you can stick with stock 02+ LS6 parts and make 360-380whp and have it drive like its stock versus making the same power with a cammed 5.3 that's gonna be a little tougher to drive and tune.

 

Yea I started to do one Sheldon kinda opened my eyes on it. But in all if you can do and do it cheap wear it out and Good Luck!!