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Keep 383 or go 5.3 ls

84k5oleyeller

84k5oleyeller

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I'm really debating on doing the 5.3 ls swap into my 84 k5. I took my 383 out for a tare down and would need to spend approx $2500 to get it where it needs to be. I'm thinking of just taking that money and put into the ls swap.

What are the best headers and motor mounts for our squarebodys.

Should I change my Th400 np205 set up now for a 4l60/4l80 or could it wait.
 
100% do an LS swap. Totally worth the money in driveability alone.
Your TH400 will bolt right up, all you need is the correct flex plate depending on the year LS you go with. I'd just run it with that transmission while you recoup and save up some money for a 4L80 later on.
 
What's the specs on the 383 (also, is it carb'd or FI)? And what are you doing requiring $2500 more to a 383? What is the use of your truck? Do you drive on the street a lot?
 
This is tricky.

What are you wanting? Converting to EFI? Unhappy with the 383?

Rebuilding your 383 would probably be the easier way to go, and a LS swap can be done for $2500. Guess you need to consider what your wanting out of the motor in the end.
 
If the 383 is fuel injected, I think you'll miss the 60 cubic inches. Now an LQ4 is only down 17 cubic inches, so with the better technology it's a clear winner over the old stroker. Unless MPG is a high priority.
 
My 383 is bored 60 over with forged flat top pistons eagle crank and 6 inch rods. I was running double hump 1.94 heads. In order to get the 383 like I want it I was wanting to go with aluminum 2.02 heads, fitech or holly sniper fuel injection, with an upgraded msd ignition.
 
84k5oleyeller said:
My 383 is bored 60 over with forged flat top pistons eagle crank and 6 inch rods. I was running double hump 1.94 heads. In order to get the 383 like I want it I was wanting to go with aluminum 2.02 heads, fitech or holly sniper fuel injection, with an upgraded msd ignition.
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Bottom end ok?
 
I have a 5.3 out of an 04 pickup with 90k miles. My plans with the vehicle is drive on the road on the weekends with a trail/off-roading when I want to. I have 1 tons with 5.13s and plan on down sizing from 44s to a 39-42...it was a mud racing bog truck but feel I would enjoy the truck more driving it more offton
 
I dd an L33 5.3 daily. With 3.42s, and 265's it's a turd until about 2200+ RPM. My dad's old 351 bronco pulled a small fishing boat better than my 5.3 does. If I ever have the slightest internal engine issue, a 6.0 will be taking it's place. This is also tuned, with a cat back.

I know part of my issue is poor gearing, but IMO a 5.3 isn't everything it's made out to be. Don't get me wrong, the driveability, and reliability are incredible. The off idle torque is borderline pathetic IMO.
 
Is it just me or are a lot of the people complaining about low end torque just afraid to step into the throttle? Sorry you can't pull up hill towing a boat at 15% throttle.
 
76zimmer said:
I would only keep the 383 if its a stroker....otherwise 6.0/7.4/8.1 it!
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ummm I'm no youngin and Ive never used a 383... but I thought.. "STROKE-HER" was in the name... and thought it was a 350 with a 400 crank and some other things.. so ummm am I missing something?

fyi - just go 8.1L... I'm planning on it...

may as well enjoy it now cuz in 15 years a law will be passed where only battery operated, computer controlled, non driver vehicles will be allowed on the road and then they will have it where you will have to be a passenger in your own offroad vehicle... thank goodness ill be dead b4 then...
 
I don't mean to bash the little 5.3 as they are a great running engine but I've driven some of them in pickups and it seems like the only way to get them really going is lots of RPMs. They run good at 5k. After having a couple fuel injected 454s in my K5 it would be hard to go back to an engine with no bottom end torque. Now the 6.0 is kinda inviting. It seems better on low end torque. There is the fuel burn issues. I get about 12 with my current 454. That's with 4.10s, 35s and a 4L60. And if you're really worried about gas mileage anyways, you need a Honda. The fuel savings would pay for it.
 
The 5.3/six speed trucks may be better, but IMO the 5.3/4L60 trucks should've had at least a 3.73/3.90 gear, if not just straight to 4.10s.
 
79rustyk10 said:
The 5.3/six speed trucks may be better, but IMO the 5.3/4L60 trucks should've had at least a 3.73/3.90 gear, if not just straight to 4.10s.
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My brother owns a 2001 half ton pickup with 4.10's from the factory (was an option upgrade ordered on the truck). I always did notice a difference with his as compared to my half ton Tahoe with stock gears (everything else on the vehicles was identical, down to tire size)
 
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