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5.3L Alum VS. 5.3L Iron

GLOCKM22

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GLOCKM22 Enthusiast

GLOCKM22

Posted
Posted

This is a topic in which I have found next to no information. I was wanting to know if anyone had any first hand experiences or knowledge on the issue. Here is my experience with the two. My 2004 had the 295 hp Iron with 3.42's. My 2005 has the 310 Hp Alum. Block with 4.10's. I can tell you that my 2005 alum. block is stronger than the 2004 iron. I am just not sure if it is more because of the gears rather than the motor. However, I did test drive an Aluminum Block 2005 truck with 3.42's. It also did feel stronger than my 2004 iron. I desperately wanted 4.10 gears though. Has anyone seen dyno #'s or seen any 1/4 mile times with the two different motors and seen any difference. I did not get to the dyno before my 2004 burned up so I wouldn't know how much if any power difference there would be when I dyno my 2005. I can tell you from experience factory hp ratings are worthless. I have personally seen stock Ls1's dyno anywhere between 287-326 rwhp on the dyno; so that tells you how much difference there can be between cars straight from the factory. All comments and knowledge on this topic are greatly appreciated. thanks.

sledr Enthusiast

sledr

Posted
Posted

I didn't think you could a 3.42 gear in an '04 Z71. When I optioned mine up it was either 3.73 or 4.10. The 3.42 rear end in a 4X4 was introduced for the 2005 model year.

My .02 cents

MrQuadrasteer Senior Enthusiast

MrQuadrasteer

Posted
Posted

An aluminum block by itself doesn't make a bit of difference in output.

 

What it does do is reduce weight, allowing for better cooling, and *maybe* allow a little more compression (although that's really more with alum heads vs iron heads).

 

I think you're forgetting that the 310 is an HO, so the power-curve may be different, making it feel like more than just the 15hp.

 

And the 4.10 vs the 4.42 makes a HUGE difference !!!

 

But that with a 50lb difference in block weight also helps...

SteveCZ Enthusiast

SteveCZ

Posted
Posted
An aluminum block by itself doesn't make a bit of difference in output.

 

What it does do is reduce weight, allowing for better cooling, and *maybe* allow a little more compression (although that's really more with alum heads vs iron heads).

 

I think you're forgetting that the 310 is an HO, so the power-curve may be different, making it feel like more than just the 15hp.

 

And the 4.10 vs the 4.42 makes a HUGE difference !!!

 

But that with a 50lb difference in block weight also helps...

 

 

 

 

What He said ^

  • 2 weeks later...
GLOCKM22 Enthusiast

GLOCKM22

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Mr Quad- You are definately correct about the cooling. My 05' Aluminum motor runs about 15 degrees cooler than my 2004 truck. I have noticed that the 05' Aluminum motor does not keep as much oil pressure as did my 2004 iron. The compression from what I have read is 9.8:1 on the 05 rather than the 9:1 on the 04 iron block.

MrQuadrasteer Senior Enthusiast

MrQuadrasteer

Posted
Posted

Aluminum heads tolerate compression better than iron heads, so everything else identical, AL heads can run more compression.

 

I'd assume an AL block would help even more ?? Don't really know that....

 

The oil pressure thing is just a co-ink-a-dink. I can't see where there'd be any difference there. Just looser tolerances or something...

 

One thing I do know is with AL heads, you want to make sure you get a decent amount of temp in the heads before you start hammering on it. They'll warp much easier than iron heads.

 

This is especially true on iron block/AL head engines, but apllies to AL block/ AL head engines too.

 

And it just a good idea in general to warm an engine before hammering on it. Warm oil works better than cold oil :confused:

 

 

One final note- I am be no means any kind of authority on this subject. This is just what I've picked up reading and talking with those that know.... I'm sure there are plenty of MUCH more knowledgable guys here on the subject...

 

I'm no expert... I just play one on the internet :cheers:

  • 5 months later...
MS3DALE Senior Enthusiast

MS3DALE

Posted
Posted
Did they make the aluminum block in 2004?

 

 

 

 

Yes, they have been making them sine 1999. :flag:

 

 

 

 

 

 

No,Actually they didn't until this year ('05) for the trucks (And only the 5.3)

Now the 5.7 in the Vette has been an alum. block since '97 and in the Camaro since '98.

ProSport Tim Enthusiast

ProSport Tim

Posted
Posted

I have the 05' HO alum. 5.3. I do notice that my oil pressure is lower than alot of my buddies with older models. At a warmed up idle my truck sits around 35psi. Anyone else's similar? I switched to Mobil 1 fully synthetic at around 650 miles via many reccomendations here. Might that be why the pressure is lower than normal?

MS3DALE Senior Enthusiast

MS3DALE

Posted
Posted

Yep,Either look at the eighth digit of your VIN or your RPO label in the glove box.

The eight digit of your VIN will be a "B" and you should have option code "L33" on your label if you have the "H.O." 5300-Alum.Block Engine.

MS3DALE Senior Enthusiast

MS3DALE

Posted
Posted
Just read that the aluminum block was available in the extra cab but not the crew in '05 is that correct?

 

 

 

 

 

Yep,Thats correct,Its only available on the 1/2 ton ext.cab short-bed trucks.

Chad H Enthusiast

Chad H

Posted
Posted

Hey MS3DALE,

I thought they introduced the 5.3L in 1999 and it was aluminum block and heads?? I knew the LS1 was introduced in 1997 to the vette and 1998 to the camaro and transam.

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