5.3 Vortec Build Advise.
Jan 19, 2019 | 02:49 PM
#1
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From: South Carolina/Georgia
5.3 Vortec Build Advise.
Hi guys I’m new here and new to building motors as well. I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3. I am wanting to get as much power as possible out of my truck without a cam and still run on 91/93 Pump Gas. I heard about the 4.8 piston swap and consider doing that. The truck is my daily so I need it to be driver friendly for my girl also and reliable. Any advice will help thanks in advance.
Jan 19, 2019 | 02:56 PM
#3
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From: South Carolina/Georgia
This may sound stupid but I want the motor to sound stock I don’t want it to sound like a race truck I’m not looking to build a race motor just a little more power out of the motor.
Jan 19, 2019 | 04:48 PM
#4
A small camshaft upgrade with the correct lobe separation angle will sound exactly like stock. Seems foolish to go through all the work you'd have to do otherwise and not do this upgrade.
I see your only other options as piston swap to flat head style, milling the cylinder heads to raise compression and doing long tube headers. Even with all that I bet it's under a 40hp return. Doing the camshaft swap with the other stuff will be an easy 70-90hp on a good tune.
If you do choose the cam swap route I do suggest 1 size larger injectors.
Or just dump the 5.3 and put a 6.0 in the truck for more power and it'll sound exactly the same.
I see your only other options as piston swap to flat head style, milling the cylinder heads to raise compression and doing long tube headers. Even with all that I bet it's under a 40hp return. Doing the camshaft swap with the other stuff will be an easy 70-90hp on a good tune.
If you do choose the cam swap route I do suggest 1 size larger injectors.
Or just dump the 5.3 and put a 6.0 in the truck for more power and it'll sound exactly the same.
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Jan 21, 2019 | 12:14 PM
#8
As FFDP originally suggested, a cam with an LSA of 114 or higher will not give you the race truck loping sound and will also provide a significant boost in power across the rpm range. They're often referred to as "cheater" or "sleeper" cams. Plenty of examples on Youtube. Keep the lift under .600" and it should be reliable.
Feb 2, 2019 | 07:13 PM
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Melv-B-Skatin; I'm working on an 08 Sierra rebuild. There are some good write-ups on the "WWW" about LS camshaft applications and how to select a good cam. I have currently selected the following samples for my likely considerations; 12561721 & 12623064 - both have about 0.480 in. lift with 1.7 rocker ratio - I want street/durable application - not "performance." Although, I am using 1.82 ratio rocker arms (~0.513 in. lift) and 0.080 in. min. wall pushrods to insure that I get very stable/durable operation. I am also utilizing the 12499224 spring kit & 12596508 spring retainers for long-life mechanical operation ... OBTW - high lift cams are "hard" on valvetrain components - such stress will limit component part-life durability - you can read about this as well - OR - for high lift (>0.525-to-0.550 in.), select premium hardware/parts all the way around the valvetrain