5.3 vs 6.0 ???

BigCountry · Nov 26, 2012

I have been beating on a stock 5.3 for a couple of years. I bought the rig with it in it and I am sure it was abused before I got it. She is now starting to smoke a little at WOT. I just want to start doing some homework on what I should replace her with.

I want 400+ hp as economical as I can get it. Should I just rebuild mine? Buy Another 5.3 install a cam and a few other goodies? or just get a 6.0?

Will my Howell Harness, Moroso Pan and Remote Oil Filter work on a 6.0? Will a 5.3 take more abuse than a 6.0? What are the pros and cons to either? Opinions and facts will be greatly appreciated.

My specs:
Back Halfed CJ7
5.3 Howell Harness, Tune, Moroso Oil Pan, Remote Oil Filter
SM465, 205
D60/70 6.17 Gears
44 TSL's

wizzo · Nov 26, 2012

why not just rebuild what you have and throw the "cam and goodies" at it?

TBItoy · Nov 26, 2012

If it has good compression (do a compression check), then it is probably just valve seals/guides.

I'd freshen up the heads, swap in a bigger cam/valve spring/rockers)package and get it dyno tuned.

You should be knocking on 400 (crank hp) door then.

BigCountry · Nov 26, 2012

Didnt think of that. I will check the compression, I was thinking the smoke could be from a bad ring. But valve guides are a possibility.

Re-Ring Kit $469. OverHaul $725. Master Rebuild $1015. I was thinking I could get another low milage 5.3 motor for around $600-800

So if compression is good, just do the top end? Should I shave the heads too?

Jwhit55 · Nov 26, 2012

Can't fix a neutered dog Wes!! :****:

TBItoy · Nov 26, 2012

BigCountry said:
Didnt think of that. I will check the compression, I was thinking the smoke could be from a bad ring. But valve guides are a possibility.

Re-Ring Kit $469. OverHaul $725. Master Rebuild $1015. I was thinking I could get another low milage 5.3 motor for around $600-800

So if compression is good, just do the top end? Should I shave the heads too?

Sure, you could get the heads shaved for more compression, tune to run on premium gas > One more piece of the puzzle to getting to 400hp.

If the engine doesn't need to be bored (ie new pistons) then I'd rather re-ring/hone the current motor than getting another used motor.

Basically re-build it before it needs to be bored/crank turned/expensive machine work...

Elliott · Nov 26, 2012

Most of the time valve guides will just make it smoke when you let off of the throttle, and seals mostly when you start it. If you really want to find the problem do a leak down test, then you will see what's leaking you will be able to hear the air going either past the rings or by the valves.

wizzo · Nov 26, 2012

if all it needs is a basic rebuild i would go that route. if you buy another engine, you may end up in the same place.

BigCountry · Nov 26, 2012

Jwhit55 said:
Can't fix a neutered dog Wes!! :****:

Yeah but Neutered Dogs still try to hump. :woody:

..come on!

I gotta get back in the game some how.

ridered3 · Nov 26, 2012

wizzo said:
if all it needs is a basic rebuild i would go that route. if you buy another engine, you may end up in the same place.

He speaks the truth! After doing the tests mentioned in this thread, you'll know what the issues are in your current engine. If you go the route of buying a different engine then who knows what can of worms you could be opening.

BigCountry · Nov 26, 2012

wizzo said:
if all it needs is a basic rebuild i would go that route. if you buy another engine, you may end up in the same place.

Thats true fo sho. My motor hasnt lost any noticable power...Yet. I just know with it smoking a little I am gonna have to do somthing with it soon.

Anyone have any experiance with an oil accumulator. I lose oil pressure dropping off steep long inclines, (which im sure has somthing to do with it smoking now). Pan does not have a baffle, just a gate type thing. I want to do somthing to keep it from happening on a new engine.

wizzo · Nov 26, 2012

kevko or the pacific fab looks nice too, i personally run a kevko, it was the best available at the time and lots have used it with great results.

if your gonna run an accumulator definitely check out the pacific fab pan and WOD's accumulator adapter setup. kevko does not offer a location for the sump adapter like pac fab.

http://www.kevkoracing.com/wetsump_chevy.htm

707333d1352847834-lsx-stamped-steel-oil-pan-imag1792.jpg

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/motor-tranny-t-case-performance/1103004-lsx-stamped-steel-oil-pan.html

http://www.wideopendesign.com/Product/42/LS-Engine-Accumulator-Adapter.aspx

BigCountry · Nov 26, 2012

Wizzo
So are you running an accumulator now? I am running a Moroso pan (with a remote oil filter) that is simular to the kevko. Mine does not have anything in the bottom of the pan where the sump is located. It just has a hinge gate type thing between the shallow and deep part of the pan. I am hoping to weld in a baffle instead of buying a new one.

BTW. We rode with you a little at Wish Bone when Crawl was there. Good times!

rek · Nov 26, 2012

I don't know why he wants more power Jamie he about ran over me Saturday coming around the gravel :dblthumb:

he

BigCountry · Nov 26, 2012

rek said:
I don't know why he wants more power Jamie he about ran over me Saturday coming around the gravel he

YEAH BAJA 1000!! :****:
Power is still ok, I want rid of the smoke! But might as well try to make a lil more while I'm in it! Ahhhts Right!

Jwhit55 · Nov 26, 2012

hahaha..you know im just given you a hard time!! That ol motor is pretty stout the way it is now..I would just throw a set of heads, mild cam, and a custom tune and she might be able to run with the ford motors!!

rek · Nov 26, 2012

That's cold hearted

wizzo · Nov 26, 2012

BigCountry said:
Wizzo
So are you running an accumulator now? I am running a Moroso pan (with a remote oil filter) that is simular to the kevko. Mine does not have anything in the bottom of the pan where the sump is located. It just has a hinge gate type thing between the shallow and deep part of the pan. I am hoping to weld in a baffle instead of buying a new one.

BTW. We rode with you a little at Wish Bone when Crawl was there. Good times!

no sir, i'm still rock'n the kevko. you mentioned about a possible accumulator and the pac fab pan would work for that setup. hope yall liked wishbone it's a pretty good place to wheel. i need to hit you up about our group ride'n at windrock we need a guide

BigCountry · Nov 27, 2012

Come on wit it! We would be happy to show yall around. Just let us know when you want to head this way. I'll pm you my cell number.

Jamie! I'll take care of you later! :gtfo:

robpate · Nov 27, 2012

Wes, I was riding with the Bacons and Doug Edgemond at Windrock for the toy drive in the Jims Garage Buggy with the boggers. I use to run a 5.3 before I built the 408 I currently have (still not tuned right). And unless you just want a lot more power then I'd just rebuild, cam and maybe some aftermarket heads and you should have plenty of giddy up. The heads I am running on my 408 I bought used for $800.00 and they are cnc machined to 225cfm so you can get a lot of power out of the 5.3 for less money than buying another 6.0. I also am running a 3qt. accumulator with a Mast oil pan. I really like the quality of the mast pan, the sump area is smaller than stock so the oil stays where its suppose to and its baffled and you also use factory filter location. Its not cheap though. If you have any questions let me know.