Finally getting around to fixing up my old 83' Z28. It doesn't have an engine or transmission currently so I'm jostling the host of choices available these days (haven't even thought about this since the choice was between a carbed set up or the "new" TPI...lol). I have a 305 TPI engine from a 91' Z28 I was thinking about converting to a 350, but after reading on the LS swap I'm considering going that direction. Problem is, the car needs so much work that I'm not stoked on the idea of spending the dough to get the engine from a late model camaro when I could do the TPI for somewhat cheap. It just so happens that I can get a vortec 5300 from a 99' chevy truck for free. Can someone inform me on all the differences here. It is an LS engine (albeit a truck engine) so I'm assuming the normal LS swap applies, but what would have to be done to make it run on par with the camaro engines? Is it a worthy cause? I'm not well versed on all the tuner aspects of these new engines, I would rebuild the engine so I can customize as needed there. Then I suppose it's a matter of induction system, cam, heads and so forth, right? I should wind up with a 5.3 LS1 instead of a 5.7 LS1 right? Also, I don't like to use aftermarket parts, I try to stick with Bowtie brand. Anyways, it would seem somewhat off the beaten path and that's always been right for me. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

The 5.3 is the LS family. You're basically looking at an LS1 swap. However, you're starting with a truck engine, so there are some differences (basically you need to put the outside pieces like manifolds and front accessories to make it look like an LS1). Check out the LS1 swap sticky in the top section of this forum. There is a link in there regarding starting with a truck engine.

The engine is only a small part of the cost. Do you have the harness and computer (PCM)? Take note of the differences between LS1 transmissions and the "old stuff" (like what came in the car).

Expect to have to either buy aftermarket parts, or do some fabrication. Mounts in particular. Also exhaust.

It is possible to bore out a 5.3 to 5.7. The stroke is the same. Plan on 5.7 pistons and rebalancing the rotating assembly.

Is it a worthy cause? Well, make a realistic list of what you're going to need to buy, with prices, figure on several weeks of evenings and weekends of work, and then decide for yourself. One thing for sure, even a stock 5.3 has more power than a 5.7 TPI.

 

Thanks man, I didn't realize how much info is on this site! I'll read up and figure it out. Yeah, I'll have to buy the harness and PCM. I was thinking I could just leave the bore the same and use the vortec heads (not sure yet about the LS1 manifold and bolt patterns), I'm looking for atleast 400 HP or a little more. I basically want to get my car into the high 11s low 12s and think it's reasonable with the 5.3 base. I'll do as you say and price it all out. I'm wanting to convert from auto to manual and get a 12 bolt rear most likely, so I'm down to save a little money on the engine if I can. But money is time and I've got plenty of time! lol. Thanks again.

 

If you're aiming for 400+rwhp, you shouldn't be starting with a 5.3. Sure it can be done, but it's gonna take a LOT more mods and aftermarket parts to do it as opposed to a truck 6.0.

 

These guys made 460hp out of a 5.3 with heads/cam, althought the motor was carbed it should be close to the same with fuel injection.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ine/index.html