LS1 vs 5.3 aluminum....

i have searched..... i am in the process of building an LS swapped Porsche 944 turbo. i have been looking for an LS1 but have come across a good deal on a 5.3L aluminum long block.
my questions:
-whats the weight difference in the 5.3L vs Ls1?
-can i use all LS1 parts on the 5.3?
-how much power loss will i have using the 5.3 rather than 5.7?
-i am planning on adding a turbo, is one stronger than the other?
-the 5.3 is basically an LS1 block with a diff. bore?
-in the long sceam of things, prices and available parts, which engine would be cheaper/easier to get parts for?


i will NOT go with an iron block due to weight. all aluminum is key.

Take a look around ls1tech.com one of the best sources for info on these engines. Good luck with your swap!

i posted there too... i searched there and found some info for my goals but no info on what i asked about.

just copy & paste the following line...

weight difference in the 5.3L vs Ls1 site:ls1tech.com

...into Google and hit return (search)

or any other question and add site:ls1tech.com

(or whatever site you want to search in)

-Tom

an L33 is basically an LS6 with a smaller bore. The power difference with the same cam and heads is roughly 15-20hp less. It is really a great buy. Bruce (95ONE) did a pretty good writeup on the L33 on Rennlist

Where are you planning on putting the turbo? Twin turbo? Where's the intercooler and all the piping going to go?

Remember you need all the accessories and bracketry from an F body...

They're a perfectly fine engine, the question is how much work you want to put into it. You can get an LS1 from an F-body for however much $$ and have everything ready to go, or you can pick up an L33 and scavenge the brackets and nuts and bolts. You'll just be trading time for money--the end result will pretty much be the same.

true the L33 lacks the F body accessories that make it a lesser choice to start a swap, but as a replacement motor it is a great economical choice. I think almost every extended cab 4WD pickup in 2004,2005 was equipped with a L33, so there is a relatively abundant supply

I did the L33 as well. Yes, the upfront cost will be about the same as an LS1 when it comes down to it if you buy the LS1 complete. The replacement after that should be cheaper if needed.

Parts you need to consider when doing the L33:
Intake needs to be changed: LS1 $100 or LS6: $350
Throttle body $100-150
Fuel rail and injectors: Used $60-100
Fbody Alternator AND mounts/bolts: Mounts/bolts ran about $35 or so. Alternator I bought new as I don't see the point in buying used alternators.
Waterpump: New $100-150 IIRC
Fbody crank pulley: $60-70
I run manual steering so you probably have a PS cost as well.
Starter? Mine did not come with a starter, but I would imagine they are different as pretty much all. New $125 or so IIRC 5.3's would be automatics, so I assume they are likely different.
Flywheel (manual): $150
Clutch Kit
Oil fill tube needs to be changed to the shorter version: $25 IIRC
I changed to the longer LS1 spark plug wires for coil pack mounting. The truck ones are short: $50
Serpentine tensioner assembly. $50 IIRC

I'm sure there were a few other issues here and there, but those are the bigger ones I can think of.


I picked up my L33 for $600, but usually I see them in the 1200-1500 range, so not much savings over a LS1 if you have to buy at that price.

And that's the point to consider, the all in cost isn't that different than an LS1 if you're starting off fresh. It makes more sense to grab an LS1 from an F body to start with.

Now if you blow the LS1 later on, plugging in an L33 is much cheaper...

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, an iron block AL headed 5.7l is only 60 odd pounds heavier than a turbo 944 engine. Since that 60 pounds is mostly at or behind the front axle center-line it has very little effect on the weight bias. IIRC an LT1 944 has a weight bias of 49/51.
Obviously an iron block is better suited to boost, and can be bored out without concern.