r/LSSwapTheWorld • u/Swervoo4x • 4d ago

Hypothetical Build Questions Build help

I’ve recently picked up an iron block 5.3 (lm7 I believe) and would like to use it for a dedicated race car build. I plan on adding turbos for it. I would love some recommendations and suggestions as to what’s needed to build it as it is my first build. Anything would be appreciated.

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u/ProStockJohnX 4d ago

I've been running a stock bottom end gen 3 LM7, been 5.6@127 so far in the 1/8th. Opened up a few ring gaps, swapped in Melling oil pump, Baker/Capizzi turbo cam, and BTR 660 springs. As for the other stuff, depends on your plans. I am running a Holley hi ram, mid frame s485 turbo, a/a, TH400, E85 and Holley Dominator.

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u/Dr_Snake169 4d ago

Finally someone that gets it! Do everything this person is doing and you’ll have a great car!

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u/lordstrider0 4d ago

So do when you open ring gaps do you reuse your rod bearings and pistons without checking any tolerances or do you check with the plasti gauge and get new rod bearings? Im doing a turbo build but was thinking I wanted to check the ring gaps or put new rings but dont wanna deal with micing the bore and cam lobes.

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u/ProStockJohnX 3d ago

We reused all the rings and bearings, they looked great. That said I will be swapping in an all forged LC9 next year, I've run the SBE for a few years.

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u/Swervoo4x 4d ago

Thank your for the reply! I’ve seen many people say a good ring gap is needed and all the other options you’ve listed are seem very light on a sbe which is perfect though which was ultimately the priciest thing?

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u/ProStockJohnX 3d ago

My ecu setup (Holley Dominator) was the most costly, then the intercooler. Costs crept up as I upgraded, I switched out my front control arms and shocks from UMI and Vikings to SRC and AFCO coilovers. A lot of the expense will really depend on what car you start with and whether you have to redo everything like I did.

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u/v8packard 4d ago

Do you know anything about the condition of the engine?