Boosting aluminum 5.3...

[s10xtremist]

Hi S10V8 and former mys10 family! This is my first post since "the change", but it just so happens to be s10v8-related.

Well, to get to the point:

Since most of the setbacks resulting from Gustav have finally been resolved I'm now back into planning my LSx swap. So far, an aluminum 6 liter is out of my budget, but I've found a few affordable aluminum 5.3s. To make up the difference in power, and then some, I plan to use my Wynjammer left over from my 4.3, with a few modifications to it of course. How much boost can the aluminum engines handle on a daily basis with little or no affect on it's durability? Where can I find a chart of the weights of all the LS engines?

[Rinkrat456]

Welcome over,

To my knowledge, there is no public reference to show the weight differences between the blocks in the LSx family. It is my own back yard understanding using a heifer scale up to 650lbs, that the L33 assembled motor is 92lbs lighter than the 4.3L assembled motor as I took it out of my Sonoma.

To answer your question about the durability and longevity of the aluminum LSx block, I'll answer your question with a question of my own. How many LS1's do you think are out there on the road being sprayed, turbocharged or supercharged or perhaps all of the above?

Edit: Something to consider. That Wynjammer is designed to provide about 6psi above 14.7 atmo on a 4.3L engine. Keep in mind that a 5.3L consumes more air, thus 6psi on a 4.3L is going to be more like 4psi on a 5.3L.

[stroker1]

If that's all you are going to boost it, you would probably get more of a bang just changing the cam and some head mods and leave the jammer off. If you want to boost it allot, I'd use an iron block. But the aluminum block will be fine for 6 or 7 lbs of boost. And like he said, you will probably not see as much of a change going to more cubic inches. How big is the jammer in mm?

[s10xtremist]

Welcome over,

To my knowledge, there is no public reference to show the weight differences between the blocks in the LSx family. It is my own back yard understanding using a heifer scale up to 650lbs, that the L33 assembled motor is 92lbs lighter than the 4.3L assembled motor as I took it out of my Sonoma.

To answer your question about the durability and longevity of the aluminum LSx block, I'll answer your question with a question of my own. How many LS1's do you think are out there on the road being sprayed, turbocharged or supercharged or perhaps all of the above?

Edit: Something to consider. That Wynjammer is designed to provide about 6psi above 14.7 atmo on a 4.3L engine. Keep in mind that a 5.3L consumes more air, thus 6psi on a 4.3L is going to be more like 4psi on a 5.3L.

I have yet to memorize all the RPO codes for GM engines. That's why I just refer to each by what it is ("aluminum 5.3", "iron 6.0", etc). One day, I'll be as cool as you with stuff like that ;). Something tells me the L33 is the aluminum 5.3, and 92 lbs lighter is awesome! I imagine the aluminum 6.0 (LS2, right?) would be in the same ballpark. I thought about how many 'Vettes and F-bodies I've seen on Streetfire with some form of forced induction soon after I posted. So, yeah, I guess I shouldn't have anything to worry about. As far as the 'Jammer, that's why I wrote "...I plan to use my Wynjammer left over from my 4.3, with a few modifications to it of course." I'll be speaking with Al about getting the compressor checked out/updated and getting the proper bracketry, pully(ies) etc. Thanks for your reply!

BTW, is/was there ever a thread started on here about the members from mys10, somewhat of a "roll call" to see who all is remaining an active member? I've seen a few of the more familiar members but I'm looking for some of my other buddies- mreed, Tricky, and a bunch of others I can't recall at the moment.

[Rinkrat456]

Just off the top of my head,

-LS1 AL 5.7
-LS2 AL 6.0L
-LS3 AL 6.2L
-LS4 AL high output 5.3L car engine (front wheel drive mostly I believe)
-LS6 AL high output 5.7L
-LS7 AL 7.0L
-LS9 AL 6.2L supercharged
-L92 it's late and I forget what this is

-LR4 iron 4.8L
-LY2 iron 4.8L after '07
-LM7 iron 5.3L
-LC9 AL 5.3L with active fuel management and flex fuel
-LY5 iron 5.3L with active fuel management
-LMG iron 5.3L with active fuel management and flex fuel
-L59 iron flex fuel 5.3L
-L33 AL flex fuel 5.3L
-(99-00) LQ4 iron block and iron heads 6.0L
-(00.5-present) LQ4 iron block 6.0L
-L76 AL 6.0L with active fuel management and flex fuel
-LY6 iron 6.0L after '07

Can't remember any others and all I know for trannies are M30 for the 4L60E. I'm not much of a transmission connoisseur. lol I pick up V8's on a monthly basis to either part out or rebuild, so while in the junkyard it's nice to have that incomplete list memorized. I'm sure I'm forgetting some motors.

[s10xtremist]

^^^ "Off the top of your head"?

You're a freak, and I'm not worthy! :P

What do you find aluminum 5.3s and LS2s for in the 'yards? (I don't think Flex Fuel or AFM would matter in my case, does it?) I've seen low mileage 5.3s from Raniers, Trailblazers, and Envoys for $1000-$1500 on car-part.

[s10xtremist]

If that's all you are going to boost it, you would probably get more of a bang just changing the cam and some head mods and leave the jammer off. If you want to boost it allot, I'd use an iron block. But the aluminum block will be fine for 6 or 7 lbs of boost. And like he said, you will probably not see as much of a change going to more cubic inches. How big is the jammer in mm?

I completely missed your post last night. I was thinking somewhere around 6-8psi if the 'Jammer is capable without spinning it to oblivion. I figure with a good tune I should easily gain around 120 hp. But that's my educated guess. I really want to stick with the aluminum block for the weight savings and better heat control. I don't know the specs of the 'Jammer and it's tightly bundled and packed away right now. My ultimate choice is a rear-mount turbo, but I already have the sc and it's basically the compressor side of a turbo, so it has that intoxicating whine. :D

[Rinkrat456]

What do you find aluminum 5.3s and LS2s for in the 'yards?
I've been finding them for between $400 for high mileage (100K+) L33's, and for sub-100k miles between $650-750. All motors are nicely priced around here, actually, all drivetrain parts are now that I think about it. It's the body panels that cost you your first born. (MN salt & rusty winters)

All LS2's are over $5000. Yards around here really know what car V8's they have, thus the price hike. Truck and SUV engines even it out though, and on F-body local forum classifieds I can find AL 5.7's for $800-1000 every month or so.

BTW, don't buy an AL block for cooling. I have noticed no difference in cooling from an aluminum block 4.8L compared to my Sonoma's iron block/AL headed 5.7L. More has to do with your cooling system (radiator, fan mostly). I'm sure it could make a difference, but don't rely on the aluminum block to make or break your cooling system. Just set it up the right way the first time.

[s10xtremist]

BTW, don't buy an AL block for cooling. I have noticed no difference in cooling from an aluminum block 4.8L compared to my Sonoma's iron block/AL headed 5.7L. More has to do with your cooling system (radiator, fan mostly). I'm sure it could make a difference, but don't rely on the aluminum block to make or break your cooling system. Just set it up the right way the first time.


Last I read the stock 4.3 radiator is sufficient. I also have a Taurus e-fan if it'll fit with the conversion. It's the "big" fan from the 3.8 that is supposed to be a pain to fit with the 4.3. I thought the aluminum helped with underhood temps by lessening heat soak.

[ZR1BLAZER]

you can always try your luck at a local Pull-A-Part i think there is one in B.R. i go to the one on the westbank (N.O.) i might start looking. their prices are based on part not what year or size. i got an exellent NV3500 and all needed to install for under $100. even on ebay a good used NV3500 will run you $400-$500. so you never know what motor you might come across? you can also request a car/truck and they will contact you as soon as they get it.

[Rinkrat456]

I've read a few things about those Taurus/Sable 3.8L V6 fans, never saw one in person to know what they're about though. Is the "big" fan the 18" diameter fan? Or is there a high output 16" fan, because I do not foresee any car-like V6 needing the same 18" Lincoln Mark VIII fan I have cooling my Sonoma.

At any rate, you will be hard pressed for space between the crank pulley snout off the front accessories and the fan motor. I had to push the motor Waaaaaay back and still trimmed 3/4" off the fan's shroud with my dual core radiator pushed into the core support. To make more room, you can surely find any of the LSx motors which have the accessories mounted closer to the block than all the trucks do. F-body cars have 3/4" closer accessories, Corvettes 1-1/2" closer if memory serves. F-body accessories are cheap and relatively easy to come by if you wanted to swap to those for an extra 3/4" of room, and that would allow you to use the car intake manifold style without water pump clearance issues.

Many things to ponder you have.
http://www.zeek.net/i/yoda.jpg

[s10xtremist]

It's an 18" fan. There's a guy south of me (in Houma) that sells wiring kits for the S10/Taurus fan conversion on eBay, and he mentioned there was a larger fan that doesn't fit as easily. I checked my fan I got from the Taurus and it's blade has an 18" diameter. Glad to know it'll be suffficient.

Pondering, indeed. My bank account is doing the mind tricks on me since my current situation doesn't allow me to personally perform the V8 conversion. All I have is a very unlevel dirt driveway, no shelter of any kind, and no time. Other than materials, I have to factor in labor costs.

[s10xtremist]

you can always try your luck at a local Pull-A-Part i think there is one in B.R. i go to the one on the westbank (N.O.) i might start looking. their prices are based on part not what year or size. i got an exellent NV3500 and all needed to install for under $100. even on ebay a good used NV3500 will run you $400-$500. so you never know what motor you might come across? you can also request a car/truck and they will contact you as soon as they get it.


Most of the yards I've pilfered around here barely have anything newer than '04, and those are usually burnt or the drivetrains claimed. What I do find of the LS-equipped vehicles I don't want because of the 100k+ mileage. Looks like I need to expand my search horizons.