I have a 2000 Sonoma 5.3/t56 swap with 243s, ls6 intake, underdrive pulley, ported tb, longtube headers, 218/226 .595 .598 112+3, trunion upgrade. Bottom end is stock with arp2000 rodbolts. Just got it dynoed today and we set the rev limiter at 6500 and made 370 rwhp. Raised it to 6800 and made 369, lol. What is the rpm limit of the a 5.3 with rod bolts?

 

Looks like it dies off before 6800rpm then, I would put it at 6600-6700rpm.

 

I would shift it at 6500 ish if it was me. JMO.

 

I wouldn't be scared of scattering the bottom end because of rpms. I turn 7000 daily on a 5.3 without rod bolts. Shift at where it makes the best e.t.

 

We try to keep RPMs beneath 7000 on stock short blocks just to be safe. Seems like you have found where the cam peak so shift shortly after that in my opinion.