Tell me about the 5.3 for a 68 Camaro.

[Rileys68Camaro]

I'm researching this pretty hard as I really want a FI engine, but can't do an LSx, and I want something newer and better than an LT1. I have a GMPP 300hp crate but I need a carb and all the fuel system and such, minus tank.

If I can get a good pull out with transmission and wiring I think I'll be money ahead. However, I don't see much about the 5.3 as it's usually a truck engine and not a high power one at that, compared to an LS.

[Bsinclair]

gm performance part number 19165628 is rated at 327hp and 347ft lbs and can be purchased brand new for around $3300. this is a cast iron block.

finding a pull out shouldn't be that hard as there is a ton of them out there. be careful as the blocks are stamped 4.8/5.3 so make sure you can verify its a 5.3

[Rileys68Camaro]

I've looked at those, and for the price of the engine, I can have my SBC all set up with a new transmission ready to go.

So, I need to be about $1500-1800 complete with transmission to make the switch at this point.

[mustangracer11]

You should be able to find a used 5.3 cheap. My buddy bought one with 60k miles for $350. You can put some 243 heads on a good cam and intake and it will make decent power.

[Rileys68Camaro]

$350 complete? Good deal anyway.

Where I'm at now, is I have a brand new GMPP 300hp 350, but it's been sitting for 10 years in the car. Only ran for a few minutes. However, I need all the brackets and such to mount the A/C and P/S especially as well as a new carb and a transmission.

So, a good take out 5.3 and transmission seems like a better deal at this point, depending of how much work it would take to get the front drive stuff to fit and wire it in. I have a flat hood and stock sub-frame set up with a custom cross member for a 700R4 or 4l60 transmission.

[mustangracer11]

It was complete minus the drive accorries I'm sure it will cost more to do the 5.3 swap than it would to just buy a fuel injection set up for what you already have.