5.3 vs lq9 for boost??
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
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From: Kingwood Texas
5.3 vs lq9 for boost??
I'm considering doing an engine swap for boost In my c5z. I've heard great things about both the 5.3 and lq9s but I can't make up my mind on which would be the best to go with and which would be the most cost effective for 7-800hp. Any tips from people with experience with them would be great.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 62
From: Chicago IL
I'm considering doing an engine swap for boost In my c5z. I've heard great things about both the 5.3 and lq9s but I can't make up my mind on which would be the best to go with and which would be the most cost effective for 7-800hp. Any tips from people with experience with them would be great.
I went with an iron 6.0 based combo.
Last edited by junk c5; Jul 31, 2017 at 08:50 PM.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 369
From: Forney TX
I'm considering doing an engine swap for boost In my c5z. I've heard great things about both the 5.3 and lq9s but I can't make up my mind on which would be the best to go with and which would be the most cost effective for 7-800hp. Any tips from people with experience with them would be great.
Bret
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 84
From: St. Joseph MO
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
My turbo 01 gmc i use an 04 tahoe 5.3 with a pt88. When i first went twins with my vette i used an 06 lq4, made awesome power with it until i spun 2 cam bearings. Either way is a solid option, just inspect, clean, and have fun
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Kingwood Texas
Turns out a good friend of mine has a 5.3 for sale so I'll most likely be going with that. My vette is pretty quick with cam and full bolt ons but i need to feel boost again lol can't beat it
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
Likes: 885
From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
I prefer iron due to the lack of movement. I ran a LQ9 for a couple of years making 1kwhp on pump gas and eventually broke a valve. It didn't cost much to repair it and get it going again but I sold it and went with a LSX build after that. I can help you with all of your parts selection and offer one-on-one consulting to help you get what YOU want out of your build. I can even help with the machining and assembly if you need. I'd be surprised if you were able to find someone with more experience and willing to spend the time that I do helping you get everything dialed in for your specific build. PM me if I can help.
Bret
Bret
I've got some lunati rods and a forged lunati 4.0 crank
I'm kinda conflicted on using the crank as the large stroke and small bore isn't that great, and stepping up to a 6 bolt block is kinda cool as I have some 6 bolt bare heads (would take lots of prep)
I also have a nice set of afr 225 cathedral heads, and I'm not really certain if the ls6 size valves can work in the smaller bore
overall the car is a ttix twin turbo looking to make around 1k hp so the stock block stuff is right at "the upper limit"
seems like stock block stuff is holding "more and more" so my wallet tells me to use the cheap 3.8 bore (with .020 clean up) on the l33 block
those small bore blocks seem to be pretty tough
I haven't bought the pistons yet and this summer has sailed by so it's a winter project now!! time to make some decision!
