So I am just wondering if an LT5 long block could be made to work in my truck. I realize the crate engine for 17k+ has 16 injectors and would be a blast with an aftermarket fuel system that last time I checked is another 5k and totally worth it. However...wondering if the long block available for 10k + tax would be tunable with my Whipple and Whip manifold and 8 injectors? I'd still need hp and low side fuel but would it work on a '14? Still agonizing do I go earlier model to mod or stay D.I. and keep my almost paid for truck and mod what I already have? Really want to go 6's and have a cool DD not just a fast pita DD.

 

Build your 5.3...

 

Thought about it forged with turbo but it would be a lot more work and not that unique and just as expensive. The LT5 is forged and just looked good at 10k including core. Wish mine was earlier model. If you have a blonde you want a brunette though...

 

Why turbo? Your whipple should make gobs of power. Just do heads and spin it on up to the moon...

 

True I'm just not sure if the 5.3 would get me high 6's though. Based on what some others have done I'm thinking I'd need maybe ~ 750 whp to get there with the extra weight of 4wd. And since it's my daily I don't want it to be on the ragged edge either so I'm just not sure about 5.3

 

looking back on the last 10yrs, yeah i enjoy the blower build i have...
but had i put that same amount into a turbo setup, i'd be a lot faster & have 200-300 more hp

 

just food for thought, since you're chasing speed... granted 1/8mi is a different ballgame, too, so take my experience with a grain of salt.
mid-600s tq on street tires does me nothing for an 1/8mi in a 3200lb car.

 

Yeah no question a turbo is way faster just thought it would be a nice thing to have for no more money. Not just another 5.3 truck with a turbo. I see so many people taking theirs off to even be able to sell their truck. Don't think it would be hard to sell with an LT5. Not that I'd want to lol. I could sure see doing an earlier model though with an LS

 

oh, it'd be something to see & own for sure! had a friend back in college with an LT1 swap silverado. complete with GenII reverse-flow cooling setup & everything to make it work right. just a lot of work/money for more cool points than speed/power return. that's all.
just like there ain't many LS1s making >600hp with a TVS because it takes a lot to get it there versus doing a bigger motor swap or using a different FI system altogether for more power.
i say figure out what's the most important part to you & have a nut! sounds like a fun build either way.

 

Man I've agonized for a long time on the route I wanted to go. An earlier model nbs with the tried and true 6.0/4l80 turbo would be by far the easiest. When I figure the cost of another truck and the whole swap though I realized it may be cheaper to keep 'er and have a later model with all the creature comforts. My rig will probably be paid off by the end of the Summer if the AC business continues like it has been lately. Just looking at doing an upgrade of some sort. Why do we do this **** lol?