A Low Dime

iTrader: (13)

Im thinking about freshening up the 5.3 I bought recently with new bearings(main, rod, cam). Im going to send the block out to have vatted, honed and have cam bearings pressed in.

I have knowledge of internal engine and will also be researching procedures of installing the bearings. As long as the crank is fine(which I will have polished) buying stock size bearings should be fine? I will also be ordering some plastigauge for the install.



Should I attempt to assemble the bottom end myself?

I want your opinions and definitely want your knowledge of bottom end assembly. Specifically torquing bolts and what not.

PappyDan

iTrader: (4)

well sure, go for it if you have the right tools.
but since your going that far just go a little futher and make it a 5.7 with some
LS1 pistons.

JoeGibbSilverado

iTrader: (9)

go for it! thats the only way to learn, by a book for it, and go to town, good luck

A Low Dime

iTrader: (13)

That was definitely in my mind, BUT the machining would add about $400 to my bill. One of the reasons I even decided to start the swap was because I picked up the motor cheap.

BUT nothing is set in stone yet. If I come across LS1 rotating assembly in the next few weeks, I may make an Iron 5.7


Any particular tools you had in mind that I would need?

JoeGibbSilverado

iTrader: (9)

rubber mallet, lol, plenty of sockets, good ratchets, torque qrench...... just to name a few, u want a clean workplace, dirt and dust to a minimum, especially when working with rotating assemblies, and most of all, read up, and take your time

A Low Dime

iTrader: (13)

Oh, definitely got that.

JoeGibbSilverado

iTrader: (9)

also, standard bearings would be fine if all u are doing is polishing, and not having it turned, the machine shop will let you know

GMCtrk

iTrader: (27)

For what you have in it, I wouldn't touch it. A gain of .4 liters isn't worth the time, especially in that light truck. From what I've seen a proper engine rebuilding kit (the brand name escapes me now) is around $500. Add on top of that the machining costs and I really don't see it being worth it. I've seen low mile 5.3s going on ebay for cheaper than that.

A Low Dime

iTrader: (13)

I talked with TSP earlier and for all three sets of bearings (main, rod, cam) its $170 shipped for all of them.

ChevyTruck

iTrader: (39)

I say do it, make it a learning curve for your self. I would make it a 5.7 also just to add that much more pride into it.