Well guys and girls winter is now behind us and santa has come and gone. I figured what better time to start tearing into my christmas present from the wife a used LM7 long block. After seeing the motor I thought what a great opportunity for a budget swap, always wanted to do one with a 5.3 base. As I thought about it this motor is like the mystery meat they served me for chow in Iraq and Afghanistan. I had no idea what it was, where it came from, or how long it was there. So with that said looks like this is going to hopefully turn into a nice build, with some guidance from the peanut gallery (you), some friends and my drive to learn. This by the way will be the first attempt at assembling a short block.

Here's some pics





Notice the left outside bolt on the #1 main cap.

 

Good Luck on the build man. I see you are from Pensacola FL, I live near you.

 

That's awesome man, you know of any machine shops in our area familiar with these ls style motors and heads?

 

Finally got a chance to tear into the christmas present so I wanted to give yall a look inside.

These were the rod bearings that looked to have the most wear.

 

Main bearings looked pretty good.


#3 main bearing


Not sure what that is, didn't want to touch it while taking pics.

 

For no more than what new bearings all around cost, I'd put all new bearings in it since you don't know the history of the motor.

 

Thanks for the advise man will do then. I was thinking about main studs cause I can't find bolts any advise as far as that goes? As great as ARP studs are and look I really need to budget.

 

Shopping around for bearings (rod, cam, & main) and i'm a little confused guys. There so many brands and sizes out there its got me thinking. Honestly I get a warm and fuzzy for Clevite bearings, Its what I chose to put in my LS1. I just really don't get why theres so many sizes out there. Do I stick with stock replacement sizes or is this something that comes after clearances are measured. I hope i'm making sense with this question. This is a learning experience.

 

No one? All the 5.3 build on this forum and no input?

 

I'd but the stock size first. After installing them, check the clearance. If it's too tight or too loose then you'll need to buy a size bigger or smaller. I had to buy a smaller bearing as my clearances were too tight on my mains.