This has been quite the difficult search. With fbodys its pretty easy. There doesnt seem to be so many variances in configurations. With trucks you have 4.8/5.3/6.0-4X4 and different size trucks and transmissions. So deciphering peoples dyno numbers and track times are quite difficult when comparing them to how they will possibly act in my vehicle. So if you guys dont mind giving me a little help that would be great.

This 5.3 is going in my 1976 corvette with a t56,4.11 gears, 1 3/4long tubes, and 3300curb weight. I had to swap out the truck manifold for the ls6 because of hood clearance so take that into consideration. My goal is 370+ rwhp cam only. I was gonna do roller rockers while I was at it and thought about doing either katech or arp rod bolts for added security. Give me little help in making a selection.
Anyone running the comp cams thumpr as seen here http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...o_results.html

 

I think the general consensus around here on rod bolts is that it's not a good idea to change them out on a used engine.

Regarding the cam, 370rwhp from just a cam I've never heard of from a 5.3. Given that you're vehicle is so light weight though you can afford to go bigger on the cam. If i recall correctly blue cajun got 340 rwhp from his 5.3 with a tr220, but he's got every bolt on known to man. So maybe if you with a tsp torquer or 233/239 you could get it.

 

I dont want to get too crazy and kill my driveability shooting for some hp number. Ive seen several guys and their trap speeds/sigs along with that carcraft article and it seems semi attainable. I know the carcraft article with the thumpr cam is flywheel hp but if you took 50-60hp off of the 433fwhp they made, you still have 370-380rwhp. I would think 350rwhp is in my reach. I just need some cam choices that can put me close. By all means correct me if Im wrong.

 

I forgot you're using a T56. That alone should read 20rwhp or so higher on the dyno.

 

Call Richard @ WCCH ---->
He's done plenty of work with that motor using different heads and cam packages, both FI and NA. I spoke at length with him last week about the 5.3 and what to do to it. Not really any advantage to forging the motor unless u plan to use NoS IMO. I think PARISH ran some good #'s as well with his. The internals on these things OEM are quite strong. R/
PS...I think Kenny Dulcich (?) has some good info as well.

 

Yeah Ive never really considered doing the internals. Ive just heard about the rod bolts being a weak link. Thought about picking up a set of katech rod bolts for added security, but im not sure. Iv been kinda looking at the tsp 228R and the V.2 . Seems like two good proven cams

 

As far as the stock rod bolts go, There safely rated to like 450Hp. some say you can go to 500 Hp. They have also been buzzed upwards of 7000rpm. There have been a few issues as far as people running ARP bolts, So unless your gonna take the rods out and have them checked, I would not disturb them. If you want the extra insurance of better bolts, The Katec rod bolts are a direct bolt in and I personally have not heard of one issue with them...
Of course you Pay $$$ for them... Richard will set you straight On a set of heads. I Just got mine done for my 5.3L I also spoke with him about possibly puting together a motor with the Edelbrock small bore package he has... Looks real promising for a turbo set up I have planed... Esspecially with that new manifold they released...

 

Thanks for all the responses. I got patrick G to spec out a cam for me. Im not gonna worry with the rod bolts. Heck the rod bolts are almost half of the price of a whole used motor! ha. Worst case I have to get a whole new block Ill keep you guys updated on the power I end up making.

 

I would worry more about rod bolts failing at high rpm levels then any specific horsepower rating. If your not gonna spin it over about 6500, I wouldn't worry about rod bolts.