How much boost can a stock '05 5.3 take? I am buying a 2005 Chevy stepside and want to put a STS kit on it since it is just sitting in the garage. What is the weak point in these engines ie. pistons, rods, crank, etc.?

BTW, I will also be running an i/c and meth.

 

I tend to stay a little more conservative than most, but I would stop around 10psi with the right supporting mods. You need more fuel, intercooler or meth, and a great tune. There are people who do more, but I dont like to break 'em.
Weak point IMO is the pistons/rings. Seems like the most common issue is broken ring lands.

 

Who makes pistons that can handle more boost and also I heard that you can bore the 5.7 to use 5.7 pistons?

 

12 psi max wit stock bottom end!!

 

My guage says I'm doing 13.8 at wot. Katech rod bolts on stock crank/rods.

 

once again man id love to see some numbers outta that truck!

 

Most 5.7L's will already take a 5.7L's piston...

 

Burned piston at 12+psi, probably due to the tune

 

I'm running 10psi with no issues. After the pistons, I'd be concerned with the transmission.

 

I agree 10 PSI seems to be the safest