What are your power goals? I have a 7lb spring in my 5.3l daily driver but wouldn’t hesitate cranking the boost controller up to 10lbs on a good tune. But you might as well do some upgrades since you already have it apart...

 

05-07 block with the good rods, ls9 gaskets and arp head studs is my my new combo. Gonna boost the hell out of it.

 

There's alot of different options . And everybody will tell you different. I've had good luck with eagle rotating assemblys on turbo stuff . I've had good luck here lately with stock stuff all the way to 700 rwhp . Just get the compression low and use quality stuff alot of time it's the driver and tuner that destroy motors not the motor itself.

 

A good fuel system with good fuel is the most important.. but a good forged rod/piston setup should take some abuse.

 

I've noticed this also. I believe a part of that is the feeling it's indestructible, so it's tuned and driven a little more careless, but I think another part is simply incorrect assembly. Improper ring gaps, incorrect bearing clearances partly from not knowing how to check them properly, or not checking them at all, and possibly from a dirty work environment. The factory has a good, proven method of assembly. But at the same time, even a cheap ish built bottom end like mine ($300 rods, $489 piston set) will only add to the durability if you take the time to triple check and do it right! Also, ALWAYS check your machinists work, don't just take their word for it!