5.3 horsepower help???

RFREYNOLDS · Jan 18, 2014

Hey guys I am new to the ls style motors I have a 2002 5.3 to put in my jeep and I hear ppl say you can get 500+ hp just from a cam and tune
My question is. Is this true and if so what do I need to get it done as in cam specs and who to put the tune in it I have a Howell harness and computer

Thanks In advance for any help y'all can give

bushhog750 · Jan 18, 2014

I don't think 500 is possible with just cam and tune. I've heard close to 400 horse. I'm running a 2002 5.3 with cam, valve springs, custom tuning, and custom headers. I don't think mine is near 500 hp. With the cam I'm running it's bark is a lot worse than its bite though. It sounds awesome and I get a lot of compliments on it. It doesn't lack the power at all but I'm pretty sure it's not even close to 500. Hell it may not even be 400.

RFREYNOLDS · Jan 18, 2014

Thanks man I don't need a lot but I would like more than stock what size cam did you put in your motor

Draco · Jan 19, 2014

gdf on here just "built" a 5.3...Shoot him a PM and see what all he done. He should be close to 400 I think. :dblthumb:

machen4x4 · Jan 19, 2014

my son in law has a shop in hazel green alabama RCI PERFORMANCE
he is a LS certified mechanic has a chassis dyno also 256-929-4051
https://www.facebook.com/rciperformance

robpate · Jan 19, 2014

I would say upper 300's. I have a 408 with Stage 2 TSP heads, FAST 102 intake bigger fuel rails and injectors, Cam, high compression (have to run 110 racing fuel), and dyno tuned at Delk performance and it made 380 rwhp which he estimated about 615hp to 630hp at the motor. So I definitely don't believe 400 to 500 with just a cam and tune. Now with high flow heads, cam, and a tune sure you'll be over 400hp easy.

crawlin85cj · Jan 19, 2014

Turnkey Engine Supply has a nice package for the 5.3 that includes cam, valve springs, ECM and wiring. It's simple, easy to install and does a very good job at waking the 5.3 up.

muddinmetal · Jan 19, 2014

A 6.0 will make 495 hp with a gm hot cam, headers, and a cam.... you'd be LUCKY to see 425 with that same set up in fuel injected form. It is easily possible to see 385 with a set up like you are talking, but that is about it without more work

matth_85 · Jan 19, 2014

Low 400's is pretty easy. 500 is going to require heads.

RFREYNOLDS · Jan 19, 2014

Thanks for the info guys if I could get 400 hp that would be great and I looked up that turnkey engine supply I couldn't find that 5.3 kit

gdf · Jan 19, 2014

Draco said:
gdf on here just "built" a 5.3...Shoot him a PM and see what all he done. He should be close to 400 I think.

I did some talking and ened up trading for a 03 6.0 ....but from all the research i did......cam springs push rods rockers tune and ls6 intake with a 90mm throttle body was a solid and reliable 400-425...but thats what i was told

ALLJ · Jan 19, 2014

What one does at the crank and what it puts to the ground is a lot different everbodys drive train setup is different and will have a lot of effect on the numbers

gdf · Jan 19, 2014

I assumed we was talking fly wheel horsepower not rear wheel

RFREYNOLDS · Jan 19, 2014

Yes I was talkin at the crank

Jhouser · Jan 20, 2014

Put a turbo on it .. 594hp

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/hrdp_1104_594hp_53l_gen_iii_small_block_for_3252/

mchampion · Jan 20, 2014

muddinmetal said:
A 6.0 will make 495 hp with a gm hot cam, headers, and a cam.... you'd be LUCKY to see 425 with that same set up in fuel injected form. It is easily possible to see 385 with a set up like you are talking, but that is about it without more work

i think the 495 hp out of a 6.0 with a cam, headers, and tune is a little high. unless you mean an LS2.