Im starting a budget build for a standard bore 5.3. My goal is to have no more than $1,000 in the engine (long block) but produce 350+ @4000 capable of a dependable daily driver and i would like to build the motor using factory parts but not mandantory. I picked up a full engine with intake for $300 that was running but i tore it down and started this build. This is what i have so far... 2002 5.3 iron block $300, set of used 4.8 pistons $60, 862 heads and did my own work at a friends machine shop did some pocket porting, 2 angle valve job and milled to 58cc $75. I have yellow valve springs from previous build and thinking about the ls6 cam. Anything else yall would add?

 

I've done a similar build on the engine for my wifes suburban, LS1 cam instead of a LS6. 291rwhp was the final result. I think your 58cc cylinder heads are going to be a lil high for a daily, mine ended up with 10.5:1 and it needs 93 Oct. If you have a lighter truck then you will be fine.

 

Are you talking 350 at the wheels or at the crank? I think you may get 350 at the crank with what you listed but you will need a bigger cam and better flowing heads to get 350 at the wheels IMO.

 

At the crank. And i figured it would be a 93 octane motor

 

@4000rpms ?, mhm seems a little hard with 1000$

 

If you can pick up a better cam used it might be possible. Look for a 212/218 or similar low lift cam you will get an extra 15-20hp over the ls6 cam. Those yellow springs will work with a low lift cam. Port the throttle body and do anything else free you can think of. I think you can get there at the crank. 350@the wheels would require more work I think.

 

350 is not a requirement it just a personal goal for a little fun project... i figured i could pick up a ls6 cam fairly cheap... i have a cam from my first build which was in the 230/240 range but i was shooting for factory build, also picked up a set of ls7 lifters for $82.50

 

Update: 2002 5.3 iron block starting from the bottom with factory 3.622 crank but had it lightened up a pretty good bit and interally ballanced with factory 5.3 rods and 4.8 pistons. Picked up a used cam and springs off craigslist the had 7,500 miles on it (@0.050 210/221 with lift .550/.565 on a 115.5 LSA) which is an odd grind to me. I also had the block decked 0.010 and im also using 862 heads that i fully ported out the intake side put in 2.02 int. valves and pocket ported the exhaust side right on top of the valve that is now 1.64 and shaved the 862s 0.035 with 0.051 head gasket. I put in a set of ls7 lifters and comp pushrods factory rockers and i also found a NNBS intake injectors and rails. So here is where i am at:

2002 5.3 long block w/48,000 ......$300.00
4.8 flat top pistons ......$60.00
NNBS intake, rails and injectors ......$70.00
block machine work ......$50.00 and a favor
Rotating assembly work ......$250.00
Head machine work ......$150.00 plus parts
Full gasket set ......$175.00
Head studs .......$60.00
Rod bolts .......$45.00
Cam, springs, ret., pushrods .......$100.00
Rod and main bearings + rings .......$200.00

ALL in all except shop supplies and odds and ends i made it out with a TOTAL: $1,460.00

Now im just anxious to drop it in something to see how it runs!!!

 

In for results

 

Thinking about putting it in mine and my dads 1992 gmc sierra 5 speed or my 96 ranger 5 speed if i get a wild hair