Budget 5.3 Rebuild, Twin Turbo LS Engine Rebuild

[@bobbyrowlett4518]

Man, I haven’t seen this guy in years and I’m instantly flooded with memories of Saturday mornings with my Dad.

[@BigTireGarage]

Awesome to here!!!

[@SmokedBlack16v]

same thing i thought when i saw him in a wheeling youtubers video. I was like "HEY I REMEMBER THAT DUDE!" haha Saturday morning car show memories

[@thecman26]

Many many Sunday mornings!

[@bigblockford3059]

Me too! bad ass! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🫡🇺🇸

[@wyttmillermytgmlllmil9193]

@@BigTireGaragewyatt

[@chrisblaylock3922]

Memories of Ian and Jesse Combs building 4x4s. Man that takes me back a ways.

[@thecman26]

They had the best chemistry!

[@mikestencillhahn1694]

Sure he missing his good friend

[@BigTireGarage]

@@mikestencillhahn1694 Jessi was a class act

[@JimPenix-u1v]

The Saturday morning shows were great...so glad all of these guys are making their own videos now. I'd much rather watch these.

[@michael-michaelmotorcycle]

Been wanting someone to to an ‘LS rebuild for dummies’ style of video for awhile now. Thanks Ian.

[@tonyb7748]

Love the Wayne Static haircut!

[@holeshot1721]

I hope this turns out reallly good cause you did this for the low and got the haters talking!!! Love the re ring rebuild and hilbilly hone !! My type of guy

[@Factory928AC]

I think most of us think this way but are scared to say it openly due to the backlash we get … if it ain’t broke why fix it 👌🏽 I’d rather atleast tryyyy to rebuild a motor myself like this then to pay someone 3k+ to build me one

[@vvvv-lu8zi]

hilbilly hone ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnnyholland8765]

I have followed you for years. You built a Hummer called the 'Urban Gorilla" many years ago and the body you used came from a small shop I worked at in Eastman Georgia. I did some of the work on it. That was between 2000 and 2005 I think maybe 2003ish. Been a long time so don't really remember the exact year. It was a good series and build. I wonder what ever happened to it. I like anything you do from a bicycle build to a honkin trail buggy. You the man Ian...

[@BigTireGarage]

I did a video explaining that build and what happened to it...ypu can find it on here

[@____MC____]

This is a straight up next level science experiment.

[@johnbehneman1546]

A TOTALLY AWSOME LS BUILD VIDEO!!!!! YOU COVERED EVERYTHING IN GREAT DETAIL!!!!! ONE OF TEH BEST LS VIDEOS!!!!! NO JOKE!!!! SIMPLE AND BASIC AND RIGHT TO THE POINT. ANYBODY CAN DO IT. IF THEY TAKE THEIR TIME. AND BUY THE RIGHT HIGH-QUALITY BRANDS AND PRODUCTS!!!! I LEARNED SO MUCH.

[@BigTireGarage]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Mr.Mitch1111]

Truly excellent story telling. The editing was exceptional.

[@BigTireGarage]

Much appreciated!

[@jacobhoke581]

Every cam is a turbo cam 🎉

[@alloutspeedsmashed]

Right on if it’s a good cam it’s a good turbo cam

[@mattbrisolara6462]

Watching Justified while working on an engine. Sounds like a good day.

[@DeanShirley818]

It's videos you've done like this that gave me the courage to LS swap my 2004 LJ. Please keep doing these longer formate deep dive type videos.

[@AFKgarage7296]

I remember back in the day working as a tech for BMW/MINI a bunch of us would bring our rides out to a random buddys shop on the weekends. his show on and watch while we were messing with our own rigs. glad hes still at it.

[@BigTireGarage]

That's awesome!!

[@briancastle2687]

Been building my 5.3 for over a year. Ready to pull it out a 4th time. Feels amazing to watch a guy keep it simple, not overkill every part. Last time I thought I’d throw in short travel hydraulic lifters. They were supposed to be factory spec, but no compression. lol 4th time is the charm.

[@btakin8737]

Dude! What a refreshing build! Kinda tired of watching the channels with all their sponsored machinery and parts. This is how we grew up in the shop doing a rebuild with buddies over a weekend!! Hats off . Live your OnX content also.

[@BigTireGarage]

I appreciate that!

[@johnbehneman1546]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE YOUR TRUTH.

[@StormbornJKU]

Another helpful video for when I possibly rebuild a 5.3 LS to drop into my Jeep JK.

[@gillesd.2277]

As always, I'm very impressed with the work you do. I admire your professionalism and attention to detail. Thank you very much!

[@BigTireGarage]

Thank you

[@Smokeroux]

Great Video and Details!! Wish it was around when we did our 6.0ls Scrambler Swap. Now you are pushing me for “TWINS”. THANKS AGAIN for the Inspiration! 👍🏼🏁🏁

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@henrysmith8012]

Friend of mine just finished a 4.8 twin turbo and it's a beast.

[@Codethe_Road]

The dedication this guy has to his hairdo is more dedication than most people have for anything in their entire lives; haha! Blast from the past-- didn't know he was still doing this kind of stuff.

[@kimbokrieg4939]

This is my new best friend wow you actuallly give EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF INFO YOU NEED

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bmw328igearhead]

Educated me on the art of welding and pipe bending in the early 2k's, SFDCI. Learned a crap load from you on all things automotive. Thank you Ian... Mr Johnson ;) Peace be upon you, in all facets of life.

[@BigTireGarage]

That is awesome!

[@karnageoffroad]

Great video. It covered all the essential stuff. Excited to see what that truck can do :)

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks! 👍

[@25Ezekiel17]

Great video! But FYI, the plastic cone on the cam bearing tool, is for centering the tool against the nearest journal so the bearings go in straight 🤟🏼

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for that info....It seemed to work fine by centering on the outside journal

[@somewhatofaprofessional7940]

Subbed because of the old Wheelin videos back in the day. Thought you looked familiar and then went straight to comments. Turned out i was right!! Absolutely loved that little lineup of cool shit!

[@flexmerc]

Ian, thanks for being you and thanks for providing awesome content. I've been watching you since PowerNation. It's pretty cool seeing you come this far thanks again.

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Wow, this is prefect timing! I just started pulling a 6.0 LS and I want to do twin turbo on it as well! Awesome Video 👊

[@Smokeroux]

👍🏼🏁

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU, SUMMIT RACING!!!!

[@Daniel-Johnson]

Ian, long time Ls based nut job here... I couldn't help but notice you said "5.3" and I see it's a gen 3 engine however seeing your pistons verifys it is a 4.8 the 5.3 came from the factory with a dished piston, the 4.8 came with a flat top, they use the same block but a different stroke The 4.8 has a stroke of 3.267 inches, the 5.3 has a stroke of 3.622 inches just thought i would share... being you're going twin turbo I don't think you're going to notice the difference but the 5.3 is good for a little more low-end grunt great video nonetheless always love watching what you do

[@ronaldrey8474]

He was busy doing his hair. Come on man...

[@Daniel-Johnson]

@@ronaldrey8474 His hair is Legendary!

[@ronaldrey8474]

@Daniel-Johnson I'm not knocking the character.

[@Daniel-Johnson]

@@ronaldrey8474 I know haha I was just stating facts

[@ronaldrey8474]

@Daniel-Johnson no worries, I use to watch him & Jesse on Sat mornings & again on Sun. I was kinda truthful trolling Lol wondering if he will iron and spray his hair at 50, 60 or even 70yrs and when it becomes desperately funny

[@ssswdon]

Tech tip for the bank you're working on. Put it 90° to the crankshaft that way when you slide it in it'll just go down and settle on the crank. You don't have to worry about looking here looking there

[@gmcnelly2468]

Ian can work on anything I own!

[@walterday8933]

As soon as I saw Ian and that this was a YT Channel I hit the "Subscibe" button! I miss the old PowerBlock TV's Xtreme 4x4 show! With all of you skills and knowledge you make wrenching look easy and obtainable; which most of this is with time and dedication... and a pile o' cash!!!

[@BigTireGarage]

Welcome aboard!

[@chadrichardson411]

This guy is legendary

[@shanewright6958]

Glad to see a new video. It’s been a while 👍👍

[@BigTireGarage]

More to come!

[@bwallace936]

Dear Mr. Johnson, I hope and pray that you have been blessed. It is good to see you again after all these years from Extreme 4x4. I have been busy what with terminating my degree and thankfully getting a doctorate, but I digress, I was going to make a professional suggestion, what with all my new education, absolutely please update that coffee maker. Sunny beaches. Respectfully, Benjamin Wallace DNP, APRN, FNP-C, LMT PS please forgive me for not offering to send one for the school bill is now due...

[@Scrildo1]

Loving your eyeball torque angle meter!

[@BigTireGarage]

It works for me

[@williamolson4337]

8% thank u again for posting. I've always been curious on how these would compare.

[@carbocycle]

Who is cooler than Ian? Thanks for doing this video.

[@blwnvtwn]

Thank You so much for saying "Oil Gallery" 🎯 and not causing my OCD to force me to stop the video at that point....

[@BigTireGarage]

Ha ha...I do the same thing when people say "pipe" when holding Tube

[@CompToyZ]

I didn't know you did a KZbin of course I added you!!!!!!

[@davidlefranc6240]

Its funny how this engine reminds me of a modern version of the Windsor based engine and nice video!

[@Nanan00]

The LS is fairly easy to rebuild, during covid I rebuilt a dozen engines from the junk yard and sold them with a trimmed down wire harness and flashed ecu for LS swaps.

[@BigTireGarage]

Nice, love the Hussle!!

[@bobbobby1846]

​@@BigTireGarageare you using the new hp tuners computer for ls?

[@BigTireGarage]

Yes

[@mikestencillhahn1694]

Glad i stumbled across your channel Ian

[@BigTireGarage]

Welcome aboard!

[@farncoisbisson7737]

Please make another mid engine awd Honda flipped built with a welded diff like you did before. That was so nice of a built.

[@khass110]

Great TT setup for the go part of the truck. Don't forget to put some stop on it as well. That single pot master cylinder is kind of scary.

[@BigTireGarage]

Oh it won't be staying

[@TBarsCarsNParts]

Hey, it's the guy from Xtreme 4x4 that i always enjoyed seeing and watching alongside Jessi. May she rip. Good to see you doing your own thing now

[@monogamousbonobo3923]

Loved extreme 4x4 w/jessi!

[@johnh4634]

I'm so happy I randomly came across this video! I currently am building an LM7 5.3 engine(dished pistons) using the same SUM-LS210CATH64 heads you picked with trunion upgraded rockers, LS7 lifters and a SUM-8713R1 camshaft(less lift spec than your cam). I was at first worried with piston to valve clearance, but seeing your build run with flat top pistons without failure is very promising!. I however do question why you didn't measure/check your pushrod lengths due to going with such a high lift cam over stock. Sounds like it worked out well though, hopefully not too much preload on those lifters. Excited to see dyno numbers and see that thing rip! Thanks for the great content!

[@BigTireGarage]

I plan on doing a full dyno run once the truck is done.

[@DeweyBlanton-c7s]

New sub Ian but watched you on my Saturday morning off on the power Nation with the land speed girl that was in the accident. I always wondered what happened to her on the show when she got her back hurt. Anyway enjoy your videos and going back watching all them.👍👍

[@vinny2195]

My early 80's one liter Suzuki SJ 4x4 blew a head gasket between cylinders (this was on Guam, the early SJ was not DOT legal in the U.S.). Used a 2x4 and sand paper to remove all of the high spots on the block & cylinder head.

[@johnclarke8180]

Love this episode, as always, thanks for sharing!!

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@051570orion]

Awesome build as always Ian 👍 love em or hate em the LS is a great platform and has a lot of affordable options and can fit in just about anything , im not ready to swap my 72 Nova sticking with the old school Small Block Chevy , it has the original 350 in it but i am building a destroakwd 350 for it it is a 331 , always wanted a little screaming small block . Lol i do plan on adding boost though not looking to make butt tons of power but i like to have some fun with it .

[@ste1872]

That sounds great wow what a noise it's going be a beast for sure 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@mrrustygray]

We still miss Jessie. Definitely wanted to build a TT 5.3 or 5.7 for power, and reliability.

[@bretta3]

Pro tip, by yourself a 5 gallon pale of carburetor cleaner. Drop those pistons and rods or anything that’s got varnish on it and in a few days they’ll come out like new.

[@BigTireGarage]

Love that idea!!

[@danielduncan8345]

Exactly what I needed too watch too make it just do it all my self lol. Very good explainer. Thanks sir. New subscriber

[@JimPenix-u1v]

Great video!

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chadwells777]

Bro use the ZEP industrial degreaser for cleaning the block and everything else. I gets all the yucky out. Try it! Best stuff ever!

[@BigTireGarage]

I will give it a try next time

[@TheTruthseeker707]

Excellent video. Very educational.

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you think so!

[@S.A.Gonzalez]

Please do a sheet metal show on this episode! Would love to see your solution for fitting big tires on this truck!

[@edciasiii3308]

Great info in this video, Ian!

[@jessecorson8116]

😂good gouge in the top of that piston, 5:32

[@johndowling6131]

Surprised you didnt mention the needed Gap increase for the future addition of the Hair Drier...Super important if you hope for these slugs to live very long!! 7-8 thousandths per inch of bore is a minimal I work with.. for top ring, and I've always used a gapless 2nd.. To each his own!

[@BigTireGarage]

This engine was pretty "loose" in the cyl...and I don't plan to run more than 5psi of boost...the twins are.really just for show...more than building power. I do have a new shortblock cooking though

[@RetroAnachronist]

That ECU alone is more than the Holley or Haltech offerings, toss in the THOUSAND DOLLAR harness and it’s double the price of the more name brand competitors.

[@Adjust-Fire-jy3dy]

I would love to put an old carbureted 350 small block in my 2023 Silverado.

[@rogerj412]

Story of every gear head's life "I've gone this far, why stop now".

[@holeshot1721]

& since where in here ………mine as well replace……

[@robertfarmer6316]

lol it’s a disease… we are sick

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@JamesSmythie]

memories with Ian. that engine refresh might be cheap low buck build but the HP CORE ECU is more then twice the price of that engine core

[@BigTireGarage]

True, and that was my choice, but someone could use a factory computer...

[@DaveyD71]

Ancient Ian's That hair bro! 😂😂😂😂

[@helios10261999]

Oh! He must be a Something about Mary fan.

[@JMB676]

Just found your channel , loved you on power block back in the day. Glad you’re over here making your moneys and builds.

[@BigTireGarage]

Appreciate it!

[@Gearsandoil]

Big hair garage, I’m with you on this. I’m wanting to build the same but im thinking use a JY 5.3 like Richard Holdener did in project big bang. Check out his video. He shows running a JY 5.3 with turbos to see what it can do on the dyno before it pops.

[@chrispartaka9164]

Super interested in this build! As always, I appreciate the education on what you're doing Ian. What ring gap do you use for this application?

[@allenflud]

I am looking forward to onx offroad challenge.

[@BigTireGarage]

It should be a good on this year

[@arturodiaz4106]

I need this same type of video for a gmc 6.0

[@Halfwheelhell]

I spotted the amazon fuel regulator I bought... a bit surprised it's not a brand name. I hope they work well.

[@iddddaduncan]

You're the man, nice job!

[@markseidl5326]

I want to thank you so much for showing us how to do this. It's a great refresher course. Also, what's next?

[@BigTireGarage]

Full video on plumbing the hot and cold side of the turbos

[@ahlers1977]

I just rebuilt my first LS engine last year & didn't seat the thrust bearings...just great! The motor is in my Nova & runs but I haven't drove it other then in & out of the garage. Now I'm worried what's going to happen.

[@DJTruth_1970]

Really surprised you didn’t rewash the engine block after the roloc pads, sandpaper treatment. Both add grit to the bare block.

[@tomnaaf]

Twins and you didn't check and adjust the ring gap???

[@ianrace4066]

I was going to say the same thing. 😊

[@jettob]

No gap = higher compression…..duh… 😂

[@tomnaaf]

​@@jettob 😆 🤣 😂

[@ianrace4066]

@jettob ya and ring compression that cracks the piston and your toast.

[@jettob]

@@ianrace4066 I know brotha, was just kidding around. Having fun on a budget, if ya know what I mean

[@dkw7703]

Been a huge fan of you since Extreme 4X4. Did you see the reaction video Stacey David posted to your favorite build of his? Great content, as always.

[@BigTireGarage]

I did..Stacey was always fun to work with

[@dkw7703]

@@BigTireGarage Would have liked to have met either of you, when I still lived in TN. Would be awesome to see you two collaborate on a build.

[@kevinhiltz1163]

What Happened To Your Fourwheeler Show?

[@BigTireGarage]

Replaced with Build For OffRoad

[@charlieglenn8081]

Hell ya brother!!!

[@shanewright6958]

Sounds great 👍👍

[@garychaiken808]

Great job. Thank you 😊

[@jeppenordfosskristensen7319]

Cool Project 👌🏻😎🏁

[@johnnykirkland611]

This is going to be good 👍

[@Franklinseptic]

Can u put a complete list me and my son going to do this for his truck thanks

[@edwinthomas618]

Wow. Great stuff. What has caused the higher prices? I hope.my LM7 prices are too much for my LS swap

[@BigTireGarage]

Good question!

[@BillMulholland1]

Can’t get any easier 🍻👍

[@rtprecisionmachine6210]

If the cam bearing came out seized on the camshaft then that means it spun in the block and wiped out that bearing bore. It will end up spinning the new bearing very quickly and leave you with a junk engine again. LS blocks are notorious for this problem. The block needs the cam tunnel align bored for oversized cam bearings.

[@gregHames-u6n]

I've had three engines rebuilt. All three broke. On my Chevy 350 it developed a noise. I let anyone listen to it. Most said "rod bearing". After thinking about it and praying 🙏 I decided to do it with some help. We pulled it out and started taking it apart. I removed the timing cover and the chain was loose I was able to take it off. Took the cover to the parts washer and found where the chain was hitting it. Decision time. I could have just put a new timing chain on it and put it back in the truck. No. We went on and tore it down. Took the head's and crank to the machine shop. They gave me a valve job and polish the crank. I took a drill and a ball hone and learned how to hone a cylinder and another. Bought a 88$ re-ringed kit with bearings and gaskets. Put it back together. 115000 miles later I drove it 225miiles and gave it to a friend of mines half brother. My friend took his own life. So I gave it to his brother. He said he wanted to keep it. Less than a year later he sold it. No good deed goes unpunished. That's what true but, I didn't break it. I pulled heavy travel trailers with it. I ran the dog out of it. I had to do a similar thing to an Oldsmobile 350. Same thing only, the oil pick up was clogged up with plastic from the TIMING CHAIN. Did the same thing. Had to get one new piston. The aftermarket piston was lighter and the one from the dealer was 95.00. I got the dealer piston so I wouldn't have to balance the thing. It ran so good. I wish I had kept it. I ran it for 5 years. It ran so good. I guess what I learned was "you don't have to board all engines"regardless of what they say and, if they look at you like a cow looking at a new gate when you ask about torque plates, run away from him. He knows absolutely shit about nothing.

[@FredieFarmer60]

👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽 great video Ian. Just wondered what ring gap did you use for boost?

[@BigTireGarage]

I didn't worry about ring gap.

[@dugangant]

Did he just install the rings without even measuring end gap. he was just pulling them out the package and installing them straight on the pistons. Crazy!! Also i believe you got a 4.8 not a 5.3!

[@1320Jason]

Good info. Great content!!

[@BigTireGarage]

Appreciate it!

[@whitefreeman5798]

the term budget build has changed by several thousand dollars over the years

[@johngrant1337]

great video thanks

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

I've also got a 4.8 that needs a crank. Might be worth a 5.3 conversion for a little extra $.