Speed Secrets: Why Build a 5.3 Stroker?

Are you looking to get some major power out of your junkyard 5.3-liter engine? It’s time to turn it into a 383 stroker engine! On this episode of Speed Secrets, we’ll tell you the winning combination to reach the 600-horsepower range.
Have questions about cams, valvetrain, or EFI for your vehicle? Give us a call at 800-999-0853 and we can help you choose the perfect cam/valvetrain for your setup or goals! Don't want to talk to someone? Check out the Cam Recommendation form on our website! www.compcams.com/Company/CC/Ca...

[@Compcams1976]

A couple notes on this: Yes, you CAN make more power with a turbo setup, or going with a 6.0, or whatever else. However, this test was done in the interest of proving that there are many ways to gain power. Hot Rodders have been building 383's for decades and making great power from small block Chevy's. If you're interested to see what doing a turbo setup would gain you, check out our LST Turbo Camshaft test video from a couple months back!

[@banefarooqbey7809]

COMP Cams my I have the build sheet with all part numbers please ?

[@Monsta2592]

Yeah and a 6.0 will be alot more then a 5.3 to start so good video

[@David57979]

Thanks Man. Never everybody wants to be like everybody else with a 6.0 and or Nos. I like being different or rare. So thanks for the video truly. 🤝🙏🏽

[@rogerharrington2584]

Comp cams is there a build sheet with all parts listed with part numbers, and everything else used to build this engine ?

[@carlolovoi4109]

What cc pistons?

[@ArmyStrong98]

The secret to horsepower is BIG HAND GESTURES!

[@timothywalker2273]

Nope only Richard has that power

[@richardclary6267]

But you have to shave your head for better Aero

[@bloodyscare9]

Never thought I'd see a video of Johnny Sins talking about an engine while doing Karate chops. Good video though

[@jtome84-91]

Jordan Arias hahhahahaha

[@MrChristianbowman82]

😂

[@JKZ103]

Seems like the way to go for the money. You have more displacement than the 6.2 and half the money. Plus you can gap the rings and set it up how you want... good stuff!

[@ChoatesCoatsandCustoms]

That's a hell of a gain. Stroked 5.3 making 600hp. This is a rowdy little engine..

[@jordbjor1]

Think it’s just theoretical power they didn’t show shit. Only proof I can believe is they used his forehead as a cam profile

[@SuperFuzzyman123]

First Richard always does testing, that Dyno sheet doesn't come from nowhere dipshit, the same engine is featured on his channel

[@carltonegarage8624]

I ran this cam in a stock long block lq4 once, and it made way more power than it probably should have with that little bit of compression. LOL

[@timothywalker2273]

I built a 5.3/383 stock heads a comp cam valve springs it made right at 500 HP almost same torque

[@dwaynemiller68]

Very professional I love your videos or learning lessons

[@jonathanpalahitski9596]

You need to do a 363 5.3 LC9 stroker build

[@LiLSoprano]

correct me if im weong but a 5.3 bored .20 or .30 over and a 4" crank is what it takes to do that right ? i have a built suburban i didnt build and thats what is claimed to be done !

[@nathanbaker4253]

Richard, How about building a stock 4.8/5.3 4inch stroker with stock cam and then add stage 1,2 & 3 truck cams. This would be a good towing motor and should be equivalent to a 6.0 block that you tested before.

[@7REDDRACO7]

my 5.3 into a 383 is a great idea thanks

[@ryanward5056]

You should provide links to all the parts used for the build

[@alexanderdrywall3043]

If you don’t know then you probably shouldn’t be doing it. It’s find an lm7 at a junkyard that rotates. And trust a good machine shop.

[@elvynortiz3456]

Pls show us the engine on the dyno and also do a gt45 turbo kit on that 383

[@randydarcey2947]

Speed secrets is the stroker of you tube videos

[@idriwzrd]

Really, great explanation. But with my illiteracy, all those indecipherable words got in the way of the story. The pictures did help, though.

[@curlynigero6417]

To get the 4.00 stroke did you use the ls7 crank, and if I decided to go with bigger pistons could I use this same cam or would I need another , and would it give me more hp ,and would a turbo make even more hp with either application?

[@banette36]

Hey Johnny! I'am now in the beginning process of rebuilding my 04 5.3 LM7 . Having to bore .0030 over , also going with BTR stage2 cam , have SS hedders but shorty's installed a year ago , will be using those till then Wany directed suggestions from you is always appreciated ! Also rebuilding trans and rear end . My baby has never have me trouble in the past until now.. started chasing a ghost. So with 200.000+ od . Better do it now than be sorry later..

[@WelshKennelzCombine_DMV]

Doing the same

[@clipjunkie]

Contemplating an LS swap for my car so it's interesting to see different combos and setups. While turbos produce impressive numbers and seem the more popular choice these days I'm not sure that would work for me as I would like to try my hand at autocross. Thanks for the info.

[@JoeIsCrazyWillman]

For autocross, you want instant, linear power dispersement, so a supercharger is the smarter route for that.

[@alexzamora6700]

Or a high compression , high reving , all aluminum would be good .

[@freddienz68]

NOW THAT IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT 🔧👍

[@ghostlycondom8295]

383

[@rifleman7313]

As the adage goes there's no replacement for displacement. Although turbos and forced injection are starting to change this.

[@robertthomas3907]

Hi Richard, question what do you know about boring out aluminum gen4 5.3 to 5.7? seeing videos about the gen 4 being able to support the 5.7

[@emmanuelestrada5914]

Those hands 🙌

[@overnovacated6481]

So do we need to run a fast intake or can we run the TBSS intake and gain similar results!

[@james10739]

Have yall done a test on what the accessories use and is it more of a flat rate or a percentage

[@BadAssEngineering]

Can you please start a series on Gen V LT motors ??

[@sogood4u489]

Why is cam quest 6 gone from the website to download I loved to run tests with cid, custom head cfm numbers, intake combos with different cfm and camshaft options. Food for thought.

[@steelofcrom]

OK what did you do to the crank ? Throw it out and get a new one or have it machined for the bigger stroke ? And what are the connecting rod sizes, rod and main bearing sizes? Do you have to have $2000 fast xfi management system ?

[@gz28]

is there a parts list, or kit or anything? what would we need to do this turn key?

[@paytonmac5665]

Im doing eagle 366 rotating assembly 799 heads .ELGIN E1257P cam low boost twin 177275 bw turbos. Top 7.5 pound BOOST pump gas .Build to last pull car trailer etc. Turbos should last long time. And piss off my brother with his ford 460 lol. Man i really like your vids.I watch some vids two maybe 3 times.

[@Fast85CamaroLSX]

So does the 347ci displacement from the 5.3 have a stroker crankshaft or stock crankshaft

[@tyjaebowie933]

5.3 heads can supply way more airflow than a 5.3 can even use in a street usable rpm range I wonder what the stock 5.3 heads could do with just a stroker kit and cam with stock cylinder heads

[@donnybier7516]

I love speed secrets

[@malachimalone1820]

could you safely run boost on this stroker set up if the block gets sonic tested and running on e85

[@refresher1000]

Will a 383 made out of a 5.3 be reliable long term as a daily driver also will there be cooling issues with the motor bore being enlarged that much. Also say I just wanted to punch out my 5.3 to a 5.7 ls1 and I already did a cam and head swap on my 5.3 to a BTR truck Norris cam and 243 heads I know the heads will work good but what about that cam? Will I need to change it after making it a 5.7?

[@ethanslape8889]

is there a good place to get the bottom end components to build a 383 out of a lm7? as well as a parts list?

[@RadDadisRad]

Nice

[@bigblock406ta]

Can you boost a 5.3 with a Bore that big and what if it’s a aluminum block. I acutely just aquiard a 4” crank and trying to finger out if I’m going to use the aluminum 5.3 block and save a bunch of wight or go put it in a iron 6.0 block. I have both it’s a race car 3275lb it’s been 9.88 with a 4.8 with cam and turbo but I want to get the car to it’s new chassis stickers limit. Lol.

[@jamesramp]

I like the idea of a 383 stroker 5.3, but I live in California. Can I build a 383 stroker with a mild cam and still pass smog? It's for an '06 sierra with an L59 (flex fuel LM7). Thank you for any insight.

[@thewheelman1993]

Why do 383? I've heard people will stroke the lm7 to 347ci max and make the same power with just a bore difference or buy lm7 stock size forged internals and build a boost 325. Plus isn't going for 325 ci to 383 ci dangerous for the skirts in the cylinders? Or am i wrong?

[@davidvonanderseck8649]

What kind of pistons. I just found out summit has a cheap kit for 5.3 It’s a 363. 4 inch crank and 5 over pistons. But the guy didnt mention valve relief. I really like the idea because a monster 4 inch crank. Bigger then the 400 sbc and good heads. I believe you said 706 heads.

[@soopashaggy]

Where do I get the stroker kit for a 5.3

[@wildta4302]

Guy like a freakin Ninja.

[@joshtheking1772]

Be very careful. People have been known to do this and end up pulling the skirt out of the bore and snapping rods. Look up the video by Tom Nelson Racing engines "Why is the LS so good" and you'll find out why. Unless you are running an RHS block I dont suggest this. You rock that piston in that cylinder just once and your motor is history. Just something to consider when picking out which piston you are going to run.

[@masta51]

The 3.9 has a lot better options and 580-590 hp so leaving a little more on the table for a conventional ring pack. The 4.0 slugs now on the market move the rings tighter up high and removes the skirt so it's less likely to rock in the bore. They should have just went to a 6.0 or bbc 8.1 if they want to make some real power.

[@jubjub905]

Topper Harley thats not real power?

[@masta51]

By today's standards that's v6 and 4 cylinder power. Cats out of the bag with power and big league parts for cheap.

[@jubjub905]

Topper Harley ....yeah that kind of horsepower in any engine isnt common.

[@masta51]

A 2008 dodge caliber srt4 was 330ish hp. These are engine dyno numbers so they seem great til you start getting into drivetrain loss it's really not much.

[@billbraski2175]

i ain't buying what your tryna sell. I'm just gona put a 250 shot on my bone stock 5.3 if it blow up I got 3 more sitting behind the shed.

[@Dauntless.steadfast.fortitude]

Nos = Viagra for limp dicks only good when your on it ( drag racing ) N/A = Ready to go every time all the time. Turbo / supercharger = like N/A but better.

[@benharrell6168]

Cool story bro but you missed the point

[@davidl5121]

The Combos, is it for a truck application or car?

[@outfitsgarage88]

That sounds great. But what was the cost?. Some guys are looking to build hp on a budget. But it would be nice to see cost aswell.

[@jpalm500]

Is there a cheaper option for the 5.3 that uses a stroker crank but still uses the gen 4 factory rods?

[@trentonnapa518]

what I really would like to know is what was compression ratio

[@bobbytables658]

this.

[@Not_Built_For_This_World]

Idk exactly, but it would still run pump gas. If that's why you're asking.

[@davidvonanderseck8649]

Can you do this to a 5.7 and just have a bigger bore. I would say 6.0 for a 4 inch bore but there hard to find

[@MrIgor1955]

I wish this would have just been a stock vs stroker comparison with everything else being the same. When you toss in a cam, ported heads and an intake to the stroker, it's no longer a legitimate or fair comparison.

[@JoeIsCrazyWillman]

Absolutely. That, or put heads, intake, and cam on the 5.3 and test it that way first before doing the stroker kit part

[@darrellsteele2377]

For the 5.3 Stroker build, what Piston/rod/crank was used? Also I want to go with Holley Sniper instead of the FAST intake - can I still get close to 600hp? Lastly I want a daily driving beast; hidden in my patina 67 C10, what combination do you recommend for 5.3 GenIII?

[@trentlandrum3682]

Did you have to use the 383 stroker rotating assembly?

[@Willdabeest27]

Do you think you can make more hp with a turbo set up with a 5.3 ls stroked out to a 383

[@craigberggren7250]

What was the compression on this set up?

[@opeopeope]

Anybody know what the max bore on a L83 5.3 would be?

[@michaelcunningham5023]

Did you make that power with a stock bottom end?

[@grand3lyfecuhh798]

Where do I find a stroke kit? Which one did you use here?

[@BackyardSwapShop]

What stroker kit did you use

[@mikekaine2698]

Will it run on pump gas and what was the compression

[@nathanandrick8634]

Where did you get the pistions with the 3.905 bore and who would you recommend getting them through.

[@michaelsantosuosso7284]

It's just an LS1 piston .010 over roughly. Not an issue, the issue is getting pistons with shorter skirts not to rock at bottom of stroke out of the cylinder. Wisco will make them for you, but I think already making them.

[@aldavis8266]

Kale to the finish line! Lets race! 🏁🏳️‍🌈

[@chriswilson3327]

What stroker kit did you use?

[@219streetcars4]

Hi Richard what was the mdl# on this cam?

[@dominiquewilliams2559]

Hey, I'm Dom. I am building a 2005 6.0. I will be putting this engine I'm a 65 impala. I have been looking at all the videos and doing a lot of research and i still need help choosing a cam. Can you please help me. After talking to a few guys a had a few in mind. Can you help decide the best for me ???

[@dynamicdopamine]

What's the best 383 stroker kit name brand to buy?

[@AnDrEw122100]

Stout little street strip engine send er my way

[@asiasurgeont7842]

Can u do this w/ a ford 5.4 also? 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@minibikemadman]

Wow all NA.. crazy. Im shootin for 650 wheel boosted on a L33 lol

[@alexanderdrywall3043]

The cam used is the comp 54-454-11????

[@beaudavid6335]

I have a 5.3 gen 4 block, am I able to bor it out to a 5.7 and put a 383 internals ( summit racing, sells a kit for this, but it says beginning year 1997, end year 2002 ) the kit is $1100 plus and I don’t want to waste my money. PLEASE HELP

[@davidmarlowe6300]

Isn't the piston unstable at BDC with 4 inches of stroke in a stock sleeve block ? Wouldn't it be better to do a 3.750 stroke with a 4 inch bore on stock blocks?

[@mathewshackelford8037]

they're using the longer rods that keep the piston in the sleeve

[@scrub_lord]

Shouldn't you get the block sonic tested before boring past 3.800?

[@WhiteKnightMoto]

Got a build sheet for how to build this?

[@briankinzer4175]

Would this be a daily-able setup

[@gageandgunnar4042]

How would you make 600hp on a l83 no power adders?

[@Tyler_5521]

What fuel are you using

[@jason6175]

Is boring the block to 3.905 inches necessary? Is clearance an issue on a stock block with a 4 inch stroke?

[@mathewshackelford8037]

boring is necessary to increase the displacement

[@michaellinkous7449]

I have a 5.3 stock other then long tubes any suggestions on head cam and intake combo looking for closer to 450 best bang for my buck!

[@foxyepoxy602]

BTR Torque Cam Send stock heads to Texas Speed for port+polish Texas speed 1-7/8" long tube headers

[@michaellinkous7449]

@@foxyepoxy602 how much you think that that will produce in to numbers?

[@foxyepoxy602]

@@michaellinkous7449 my estimate would be between 50-90HP and 40-70 torque.

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

would something like this be good for a truck that is sluggish at low rpm and making it up the hills?

[@rrwe22]

Slowness up a bill would probably need a converter

[@isrramingonzalez5660]

How much whp does it make?

[@rogerharrington2584]

Is there a complete parts list for this build ?

[@tonypellerin2443]

When you get the points bill for this list please let me know

[@jamieschinkai1267]

Other than LS Jesus, Mott hooples, Richard holdener is the realest in the game rn.

[@therrinchisley508]

Question i have a 5.3 when i bore and stroke it do i use 5.3 pistons still or i go up to 6.0 pistons

[@zakspop]

Ughhhh.... You use new pistons that are the size of your bore. 5.3 are 3.779. But when you bore it they will be different. a 383 with a 4 in stroke will have 3.905 like he said in the video.

[@therrinchisley508]

@@zakspop thank u so much sir

[@Darkeiser.7]

Ya know what. This will be the engine I build. And I'll probably put it in my BMW.

[@sbckev2287]

323 cubes

[@albertgaspar627]

The problem is going to be piston rock when that increased stroke pulls the piston out further at BDC. Those who run these strokers long enough on the street are reporting these issues at refresh time.

[@alexzamora6700]

Yup..

[@dirtymike4053]

How do i figure out if i have a l33 or l77 how do i interpet this

[@jacksonreich5148]

L77 was a 6.0 only offered in the Caprice PPV. The L76 was the 6.0 in the G8 and trucks which I think you’re talking about. Look at the head casting number, the L76 has 823 heads and the L33 has something else

[@fatpat4807]

How much would that setup cost????

[@BIGTYMER-kc1mt]

Is it 3 gen or 4 gen

[@oldmanmtb1443]

Where can i find the 383 stroker for the LS

[@Twinyo100]

Get a 5.3 take it to machine shop

[@zacharymorris9917]

It's true that LM7 doesn't have valve reliefs BUT it does have DISHED PISTONS....same difference.

[@james10739]

Why not install a cam and turbo

[@alshotrodgarage4779]

KA POW !!!

[@masternickall1]

Ive got a similar build. Using a BTR stage 3, TBSS intake, and 92 mm tb. Going in customers chevelle. still just 9.5:1.

[@bananaman2184]

Can these things handle boost as well or better than the stock 5.3?

[@matthewvarnam4302]

@@bananaman2184 Sure they can especially when having proper ring Gap.

[@mcm95403]

So, starting with a 5.7 would get you the same thing, just stroke it and do a good cam, go out and have a ball!

[@Mr86cutlassboi]

I have a 2004 5.3 engine with 706 heads and I also have a set of 243 heads. What the best heads to put on a 5.3

[@Compcams1976]

243 Heads are generally considered to be the best stock casting Cathedral Port heads there are.

[@Mr86cutlassboi]

COMP Cams Does 243 heads work best with flat or disc pistons. Would I lower my compression if I put them on my engine

[@carado1984]

It would lower the compression but just have the heads milled or run a thinner head gasket. 243 is a better head.

[@abutler0311]

How has the Speed Channel or Discovery network not wrote Richard the right check yet for his own show? .. Things that make ya wonder

[@michaelsantosuosso7284]

Compression Ratio???

[@jacobx8206]

How much does the 5.3 to 383 stroker kit cost?

[@codywilliams3602]

I seen some going for 2500 on eBay.

[@bigfootgarage2201]

Why not just start with a 6.2? They make aluminum 6.2 put the same heads intake and cam on it and it makes the same power 6.2 liters is like 383 ci