I have been a member of ls1tech for awhile now, and have recently got my hands on a 02 suburban. It is a 5.3L. I am pretty sure it is a LM7 but im not positive, is there any way to check? Secondly i plan on going with a SC or a small turbo later but would like to know what kind of internal mods i will need to insure her longevity. Pretty much everything from forged internals to H/C/I. If anyone could give me advice on there setups or anything i would appreciate it. I am not looking for anything to wild. Maybe 12-15 lbs boost.

 

According to this article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Vortec_engine#5300 (which is accurate to the best of my knowledge) The 5.3 L engine in the 2002 trucks was an LM7. I think that 12-15 pounds of boost is pretty wild if you want any longevity.

What are your goals for this vehicle? How do you plan to use it?

Steve

 

12-15 psi is pretty wild on a 5.3 especially on a Daily driver. I would use the search button because there are a load of people who have similar set-ups already going and have started threads on it. However you cannot go forged with a 5.3L as they do not make forged pistons unless you get a custom set done. If you want to go forged you should bore it out to a 5.7. Decide what you want to go with first, s/c or turbo...what are your needs?

 

Mine took 9psi for a few months. Then broke a ringland, most likely from detonation at WOT. If your tune is good you don't need to upgrade the internals from 10psi or less. Maybe a cam/spring swap for more power

And you will need to look very carefully at your fuel setup. May need bigger injectors and an aux fuel pump or voltage booster.
DO IT!!

 

It's so damn heavy that you'll puke time and money all over it trying to build that 5.3. Just buy a 402 crate motor and be done w/it.
.02

 

402 or at least a 6.0