Anyone know the years/vehicles that have aluminum 5.3s?
I have a 72 SS ElCamino that I am going to upgrade. Thinking about either an aluminum 5.3 or steel 6.0 with an automatic.
Not really looking for the baddest, just something drivable and kool.
Any comments/suggestions?

 

i think the 5.3 powered ssr's had aluminum not sure but it's a start

 

'05 Z71 Sierra's have the L33 Alum blocks.

 

trever's right but chevy's had em too it was an option on z71s for only 1 or 2 years

its a pretty rare option/motor

an iron block 5.3 would be easier to find and more than likely cheaper

 

i think if anyone got to choose between a all aluminum 5.3, and a iron 6.0, they would get the 6 liter, LQ9 if your lucky. they respond better to anything you put on it.

and the 6L would look perfect in a elco. a 5.3 would look small, just a 327(325).

 

4.8, 5.3, 6.0's and even strokers are all the same external dimensions... how could a 5.3 look smaller than a 6.0???

 

Thanks for the comments/suggestions.
I'm leaning toward the 6.0. There's no substitute for cubic inches, just concerned I'll get carried away and not make it driveable!

 

AGREEEEEEDDDDDD!!!!! all ls motors 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 are all teh same size externally.

so if the 5.3 looks small then maybe you should get a smaller car or a bigger motor..... or get your eyes checked....

 

so cubic inch doesnt mean anything on these motors? thats just internal? so you could bore a 5.3 to a 6.0?

 

No. All LSx engines share external dims and most parts are interchageable but internal dims are different.