ILuvJDM

iTrader: (4)

So I have a trick turbo kit on order for my '06 LM7 5.3 but not knowing the history of the engine, I'm considering doing a low mileage "build" on an engine stand. I wanted some advice from you guys about my plan.

I was hoping to find a complete takeout that's never been opened. I was going to take it down to a short block and do new headgaskets and studs. While I'm that far, shouldn't I do new lifters like LS7?
I may as well do a good turbo cam as well at this point. I didn't want to touch anything with the oil system based on what I've read about people screwing it up.
I would pull the oil pan for the drain plug and go ahead and do new gaskets there. Should I also do the rear main seal?

What other kind of things would you guys do to a stock block 5.3 to make it a reliable boosted daily driver? I'm looking for a project to tinker with and not be pressured to get it done since this is my DD. Once it's done and ready I will swap engines and be back on the road.

Fast355

Upgrade the rod bolts while you are in there.

While the heads are off I would fo lifters and lifter trays as well.

ILuvJDM

iTrader: (4)

That's as simple as just removing the windage tray and spinning the crank to gain access? Do you do them one at a time? I swear I read that somewhere


also, should I be looking for an 05-06 engine with the stronger rods? LM7s are all over Craigslist, but most are from 01, 02, 03, 04 trucks and SUVs. Would an older engine block work in my truck or do I need 05-06-07c engines?

FFDP

iTrader: (2)

Have proof that stock bolts don't hold up?

Only a gajillion stock bottom end motors out there pushing 700-800+ without ever touching them.

You do want to find a 2004ish+ motor for the stronger GEN 4 style rods. Any of the 00-04 blocks would fit just fine, but they would need different connection rods if you planned to push over 500-550hp.

ILuvJDM

iTrader: (4)

That's what I thought I read, so I'll leave my searches to the later model gmt800, thanks for the info

Choda

iTrader: (1)

my budget build 5.3 turned expensive quick. it'll nickel and dime you to hell.

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...-build-543118/

ILuvJDM

iTrader: (4)

your thread was the one that made me want to do this actually. The way you cleaned everything up and painted it is what I like to do. I always end up going overboard, but if I set my mind small it stays reasonable. Also I don't plan to touch the rotating assembly. I know the factory engine is stout and I don't want to tamper with that. I also didn't plan to do head work, unless it was just swapping better OEM heads on. Getting them ported with new stems, seals, etc will get pricey and for a simple turbo DD I didn't want that cost.

I originally bought this extra axle to just do a 4.11/trutrac swap and it turned into a full build with all brand new parts

settlemoore

iTrader: (1)

I don't see any point in not running what you have. Yours is an 06 so it has the better rod/piston setup. Rod bolts are a waste. You can do ls9 head gaskets and your choice of head studs, or just stock bolts in the truck and let her eat for a while and build a motor on the side. I guess it all depends on your goals.

ILuvJDM

iTrader: (4)

My engine has 150k miles, which is the reason it crossed my mind. It's possible to find 80-90k mile engines on Craigslist which entices me. I also don't know the history of the truck since I bought it last year. I still plan to compression test the truck before making a decision, but the thought of cleaning up and doing a small "build" sounds fun.

BUT it might be cheaper to just buy a temporary DD to drive to work and mess with the one that's in my truck already.

settlemoore

iTrader: (1)

Could buy my truck as a temp DD, then you'd be killing it!

But if it's your primary vehicle then a second vehicle might not be a bad idea. Although if planned out and done correctly it could probably be pretty reliable. If I recall correctly you had a pretty hefy evo build a few years ago right? I can't imagine this being much worse than that