so, been looking into doing a 5.3 LS swap into my 94 LT1.
I will be keeping my turbo setup with whichever route i go, but the 5.3 seems to have about the same potential of a LS1 without the cost (can get the motor, computer, and trans for 1500).

Just wondering what you guys think, and what would all need done?

I know it'd need a new k-member, thinking maybe a BMR tubular, and then i would need a new trans, got that covered with a TH400

 

whats the compression on the 5.3L??

i know by swapping 5.3L heads onto a 5.7L ls1 you boost compression. would be something to look at. unless you intend to rebuild with blower pistons or new heads anyway.

 

plan on rebuilding it anyways with new heads, cam, forged internals, everything.

 

Get the UMI K-member. Seriously, check out the difference in the two. The UMI is much stronger.

As for the engine?? No reason not to do it. Assuming you're grabbing a 5.3 from a truck? The only big difference I can think of off hand is it's an iron block vs. the LS1's aluminum block. But that's ok, esp. considering you're boosting the engine . And obviously if you're building up the rotating assembly, you'll put lower comp. pistons in, to go with the turbo?

Sounds like a good plan to me ..... you're only sacrificing ~20 cu.in. ..... the 5.3's are great motors to begin with .

 

yeah, Jim Parish put a 5.3L in a fairmont into the low 7's in the 1/8 on a completely stock longblock, and then was having problems with the turbo, and that was with a smaller turbo than i will be using.

So, it has good potential, especially if i throw on some L92 heads, zo6 cam, LS6 intake manifold, i'll be good to go

 

You can't use L92 heads with less than a 4'' bore and you can't use an LS6 intake with L92 heads.

 

ahhhh, okay.

I know nothing about anything LS lol.
Anyways, i found a 5.3 locally that i will be picking up.

He also has 317? heads with it.