Saab 97x
 

I have a 5.3 lh6 in a Saab 97x that im rebuilding. It spun a couple rod bearings. Heres my plan for a mild build that I can still haul my kids around everyday. Im looking for opinions. The main reason for rebuilding instead of buying a different engine is because its an lh6. 24x crank in a gen 4 block. This vehicle doesnt haul anything so loosing low end torque isnt a huge worry. Only thing im on the fence about is cam ls6, ls2 or custom grind. I like the idea of using gm cam.

Stock rotating assembly
Stock 243 heads mild port and polish
Removing dod
Ls6 intake manifold
Trailblazer I6 converter
Ls6 springs
Hardened pushrods
Ls6 cam
Tune
Efan kit
Transgo kit
Upgraded servos
Trans cooler
Any help is appreciated.

Sounds like you're on the money. I would probably throw a cheap set of headers on it also. Would also do a rebuild on the front diff and convert the front side carrier bearing from grease to oil. (bolted to the passenger side of the oil pan)

Cam wise a LS6 will do fine if you want to spend the money and have a cam built to your build I always will suggest that, since you're talking about a heavy SUV compared to a car that the LS6 cam would be typically going in to. Also remember if you decide to go the LS6 cam route, there is two different LS6 cams so watch out for that too. (Both will work but they have different specs)

Dont bother swapping to the LS6 manifold... its a can of worms with the truck accessory drive.

As far as the cam... its gonna be doggy down low. I may go a different route.

Also think about grabing a 6.0 to put in. It may be cheaper. I did literally this same exact project last winter for my daily driver. The 5.3 threw a rod bearing. I got an Iron block 6.0 from a van and tossed an LS6 cam in that purely to delete the VVT.

I always forget about the accessory drive issue... I do know the SS intake will give you a little more power and will clear.

My only problem with dropping a 6.0 in is I would need a newer gen 4 block and convert it to a 24x crank. Im gonna have too look up the front diff conversion from grease to oil. No matter what im gonna have to buy a cam to remove the dod. The 6.0 intake was going In to compliment the cam and clean up the engine bay.