5.3 build cheap! N/a cheap!

[91CoupeMike]

Title says it all.

Picking up a 5.3 tomorrow, needs 2 pistons and rods. Hopefully nothing else. I'm sure the block is fine. It's a lm7.

What can I expect out of a 5.3 with 4.8 flat top pistons, ls6 intake, ls6 cam and milled heads, say 58-59cc? I'm new to ls but get the idea.

That should be good to almost 400? Or just shy of?

Nothing crazy.

Transmission options, The 4l60e would be the cheapest but not the best. What about stick shift? Gto t56 would be choice but those are pricey. Tko? Any way I can make a t5 work? Lol!

Ill take any advice you can give me. I have a lot to learn.

Thanks.

[Sleeper]

By the time you get everything you might as well get a dart block 331. As much as I like the 5.3 its what I'm doing to my mont but I'm starting from scratch. If I already had a aluminum headed 302 I'd invest in a good shortblock and go from there.

[46Tbird]

Uh oh... we're gonna have to add you to the list.

[Lason]

Not me, I have a cam/intake 302 and would (and will) still start over with an LS platform. Factory block strength is enough of a reason IMO, although a good 351w block may be right there with a iron LS block. Not to mention potential to make decent power with cheap factory heads.

Ditch the LS6 cam and get a real cam and I think 400hp is right there.

As for the tranny, get you a th350 or th400 for cheap and go that route unless you really want overdrive and then I would step up to a 4L80E although its heavy.

[91CoupeMike]

By the time you get everything you might as well get a dart block 331. As much as I like the 5.3 its what I'm doing to my mont but I'm starting from scratch. If I already had a aluminum headed 302 I'd invest in a good shortblock and go from there.

True I've thought about that. I have a incomplete probe 347 kit. More of a pita then what it's worth. IMO.

I could do a dart short block 331,347,363 and be fine. But my heads and cam will be far obsolete to make Good power. So I'd have to invest in afr 205s or more and a custom cam, which isn't a big deal. But heads that are worth a damn would cost almost as much as the short block. Fuck!

[racrguy]

True I've thought about that. I have a incomplete probe 347 kit. More of a pita then what it's worth. IMO.

I could do a dart short block 331,347,363 and be fine. But my heads and cam will be far obsolete to make Good power. So I'd have to invest in afr 205s or more and a custom cam, which isn't a big deal. But heads that are worth a damn would cost almost as much as the short block. Fuck!

Uhhhh, a Dart block costs as much as a set of heads do...

[91CoupeMike]

I still plan to let my 302 run its course. Ill be spraying it once the suspension is set up.

I MAY build this 5.3 and toss it in my 72 to cruise on.

[91CoupeMike]

Uhhhh, a Dart block costs as much as a set of heads do...

Dart shp = 1200

Afr heads 2k.

No need for the iron eagle unless you want over 1200

[dville_gt]

We are just finishing up another coupe, 5.3 w/ 4l80e budget build. If you want to call me shoot me a PM and I can give you pointers.

[racrguy]

Dart shp = 1200

Afr heads 2k.

No need for the iron eagle unless you want over 1200

Is that Dart block complete and ready to go? Cam bearings, final hone, everything?

[91CoupeMike]

Is that Dart block complete and ready to go? Cam bearings, final hone, everything?

They can for a extra 450 I think, it's been awhile.

It comes close to 7-10k to make it run/

[War Machine]

I've got a 5.7 long block out of a gto with 243 heads Ill sell for 1000.00


Needs a cam, but bearings and rings are good

[Slow Five-O]

Spray that little 302 and have some fun!

[91CoupeMike]

Spray that little 302 and have some fun!

Oh I'll will!

[11sec4eyes]

Where's a good place to buy a good ls motor and tranny and not spend an arm and a leg...lol