Here goes nothing!

[JCutlass 88]

Just to give you guys a full background on my current set up. I have a sbc 383 backed by a turbo 350 and stock rear end. Last year I scored a complete 5.3 with wiring harness an ecu. Today I decided to drop the block off to the machine shop to start a single turbo set up by next spring. If anyone has any suggestions as far as what bottom end I should go with, any input is welcome. I wouldn’t mind going e85. Just don’t want to have to use race fuel. But would like to get as much power naturally aspirated before turbo.

 

[Tony1968]

I am about a month ahead of you with a similar situation although mine is a 6 liter
My suggestion is if your machine shop is anything like mine they should be able to spec out what you need and substantially beat any pricing for rotating assembly that you would buy on your own.

 

[87National]

What year is your 5.3? All you really need is a good running 05-06 4.8/5.3/6.0 for up to 800 rwhp. No need to buy rods, pistons, crank, etc. The factory gen 4 rods have really proven themselves in high HP boosted applications.

If you are satisfied with 500-550rwhp, then the gen 3 rods (99-04) would be just fine.

 

[motorheadmike]

Looks like a Gen III... and it'll take plenty of boost, more if worn in "a bit".

 

[Streetbu]

Ditto, newer than 05 and don't bother with spending $ on the lower end. Pull the Pistons, file the rings to open up the gaps a little and through the boost at it. Elgin 1840p cam (aka sloppy stage 2) an intercooler, and a big Chinese turbo will get you 1100 wheel hp when you have the supporting fuel system for it running E85...

 

[Tony1968]

I mean no offense to above posters about using stock parts because I know they are capable of handling abuse, however, I feel if you want to do it right and not have to worry about scattering your block at 130mph on the big end, then going forged and proper machining is cheap insurance (somewhat)
Just my opinion. Stock hypereutectic pistons can only handle so much. Ask me how I know.

 

[JCutlass 88]

I am about a month ahead of you with a similar situation although mine is a 6 liter
My suggestion is if your machine shop is anything like mine they should be able to spec out what you need and substantially beat any pricing for rotating assembly that you would buy on your own.

We spoke over different scenarios for a brief moment. I kinda didn’t want to do just a typical build maybe a step right above your average junk yard build. Thanks for the advice

 

[JCutlass 88]

What year is your 5.3? All you really need is a good running 05-06 4.8/5.3/6.0 for up to 800 rwhp. No need to buy rods, pistons, crank, etc. The factory gen 4 rods have really proven themselves in high HP boosted applications.

If you are satisfied with 500-550rwhp, then the gen 3 rods (99-04) would be just fine.

I believe it’s a 99’ if I remember correctly. Got it from a guy last year complete for 150. So I figured I’d spend the money saved on new parts just to insure longevity

 

[JCutlass 88]

I mean no offense to above posters about using stock parts because I know they are capable of handling abuse, however, I feel if you want to do it right and not have to worry about scattering your block at 130mph on the big end, then going forged and proper machining is cheap insurance (somewhat)
Just my opinion. Stock hypereutectic pistons can only handle so much. Ask me how I know.

Yeah I definitely don’t want to go through the hassle of building it twice. I had the issue when I had my first motor out together. Well that was kindve user error though lol

 

[JCutlass 88]

Also got on lt1swap.com to figure out the harness for stand-alone. Super intimidating at first, but with vigorous reading the instructions made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing... any advice where to send the computer for flashing?