redmen031

iTrader: (1)

I will be taking a 5.3 iron block and throwing some LS1 parts at it. I'm planning to install a somewhat aggressive cam and a few other goodies. I don't think I will do heads right away, I may eventually port the aluminum truck heads or upgrade to ls6 heads. I am trying to do somewhat of a budget build and still maintain driveability and reliability. This engine will be going into my 1984 Z51 Corvette with a 700R4 slightly built up transmission with 3.73 gears out back.


I hope to have the engine assembled and ready to drop in by September / October.


Specs on the engine as it sits now:
2003 Vortec 5300 (5.3 L) V8 285 hp & 325 lb·ft. Purchased for $400 and the engine has 67K on the clock.


Well then, lets get to the pictures!



The Victim








Truck intake manifold off










Stripping off the truck accessories to swap with LS1 accessories






Only 1 exhaust manifold bolt snapped off in the block



More to come!

redmen031

iTrader: (1)

Cleaned up!











Cleaned up and ready for primer






Time for paint... The timing cover will either get painted or powder coated




LS1 intake





LS6 injectors


Pretty fuel rails
















Comp cams camshaft - 220/224, .530/.534, 112 LSA. For a 5.3 liter this cam should be aggressive enough but still maintain good streetability. The power range for this cam is 1600-6000rpms. Should work well with my 3.73 gears.

redmen031

iTrader: (1)

Got the new camshaft installed. You can see in the pictures below I used wooden dowels from home depot to hold the lifters up while I removed the camshaft. Worked great and everything went very smooth.

jvr43kgt2

What did you or are you gonna do about the broken bolt in the head?? cuz i did the same thing..

redmen031

iTrader: (1)

Should just be able to drill it out with the correct sized bit. Just need to be careful so you dont strip the threads in the head

sako

whats the plan for the harness?
I have the same engine going in my 69 camaro.
You have any clips of that cam and engine combo?
Why are some of the pictures cut off? or is it just me.
Anyways, nice build and cant wait for more pics.

Jimbo1367

Looking good. Keep the progress updated.

blklime02

iTrader: (4)

wow.. nice score on the motor...looks like its gona be a bad *** build..good luck cant wait to see more progress..

68 TT

Hit it with PB Blaster or Aerokroil and let it soak for a day first.

Start with a 1/4" left hand drill bit. Most times the broken bolt will work its way free and spin out with the left hand bit.

If it doesn't come out when you are through the threaded section of the bolt try an easy out but be gentle, you don't want to snap it off in the head.

If no luck with the easy out then drill the bolt out the rest of the way and pick the remaining threads out of the head. With an accurate drilling job you won't mess up the threads in the head.

Worst thing you end up with is a heli coil in the head.

redmen031

iTrader: (1)

No plans for the harness yet. I did pick up a harness from a 2002 LS1 Firebird, I just need to figure out how to make it work with my 700R4.

Unfortunately I don't have any clips of the cam and engine combo... I will when I'm done though

None of the pics are cut off, maybe it looks weird because I zoomed in?

redmen031

iTrader: (1)

Thanks


Thanks for the tips, I'll give that a shot

Nashty

iTrader: (7)

I'm doing a 1958 Volvo that used A LOT of straight blade screw heads. Most were rusty, a few broke off. Here's the method for 99% effectiveness if you can reach it.

If you have a welder, weld a glob on the end of the broken bolt, enough to make it stand proud of the head. Weld on a 1/4 or 5/16 bolt to the glob. Let the bolt weld cool till it's not red, then slowly un-screw. About half the time, the first weld glob will come off but keep at it. I have never had this method fail as long as I could get to it.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

That engines looks pretty nasty for 67k. Id run a carfax on the VIN if possible

Dont forget to drill the hole in the block for the alt bracket. Id recommend a new oil pump too for GP

white84z

iTrader: (1)

It also looks like it was out in the weather for some time, if you dont run a carfax id suggest pulling the heads and giving her a good cleaning. Looks like someone never changed the oil. My 120k lm7 looks fantastic inside compared to that one.

Eric Fischer

iTrader: (8)

Yeah, I hate to be a downer, but I agree that motor has seen a rough life. OP'er, please check that motor over thoroughly.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

I too agree with pulling the heads. There is another thread on here a guy bought a used engine and pulled the heads off for some reason and found one piston broke.

Do you know the history of the engine or hear it run? Nobody is trying to be negative we are just trying to save you some work later on in case something is wrong.

Nashty

iTrader: (7)

Doesn't look any worse than my 80K motor that came out of a work truck. If you're worried about it, do a compression test.

I'm really interested in this idea because you can pick up one of those vette's for cheap. I'd be interested in doing one with a centrifugal blower. I've thought about doint a kit car (factory 5 GTM) or an FD RX7 or getting a Viper but I actually prefer the C4 looks with the ZR1 rear end. (The 80's RULED !!!)

GMCtrk

iTrader: (23)

That's not an 03 motor.

At best it's an 02 given the cable TB, however, with that old style head coolant pipe, I'd bet it's a 99 motor.

99MUSTANG5.3L

Did you get this running yet? Anxious to see how that cam works for you.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

Its got MLS head gaskets (look at the tabs on the corners) so its atleast an 01. Cable TB was still available in 03, Im rolling with an 03 cable TB LM7 right now. Even had the red/blue PCM which should have been gone by 02