5.3 Rebuild

[wcodyp]

I have a 2000 5.3 that was pulled from a truck. It had some overheating issues. When i took the heads off all the coolant ports were clogged up with a rust looking crust. The number three piston had a small hole in it but it wasnt all the way through.
I would like to build a motor the would be in the 350-400 hp range and would be super reliable. I would like to get your opinions on what you would do and maybe even why. I dont know much but I am willing to learn and i would appreciate the advice.

wcodyp

[WARLOCK]

Do a P&P and valve job on the stock heads. toss in a tr220, some Long Tubes, and a nelson tune to start

[wcodyp]

Another question is since it overheated would i have to bore the block out or can i do with just get it honed out. I can see shiny spots but i was told that was normal with a high mileage engine. Also i would have to replace that one piston for sure shouldnt i replace all of them at the same time? I know its olf the wall but could i use 4.8 pistons since they are flat topped to up the compression?

[WARLOCK]

If you plan on doing F/I or nitrous I would put 4.8 flat tops in it. They are stronger and better for thing such as that. As for your other questions. I have no idea.

[wcodyp]

I want to run N/A but i also want to leave myself open where if i do want to upgrade i can without redoing everything, but that would be way down the road. i just want some thing soild to start with. And thanks for the help so far.

[WARLOCK]

No problem. If your looking for information, this is the site to be on.

[408.Luke]

bore and stroke to a 5.7 all u need is ls1 rotating assy and machine work

[wcodyp]

Alright and thanks for all the help from both of you.

[phantom405]

You can't use 4.8 pistons on 5.3/5.7 rods

[TurboMic]

nope, diff pistons, rod length, and stroke.