5.3 VS. 5.7 Bowtie?

[Boze]

Hey all,

I've come to the realization that my YJ will never be what I really want in a Jeep untill I do a V8 swap. With that said, I'm leaning heavily towards a 2000 something small block Chevy as they are a dime a dozen with the largest (and more importantly, cheapest) aftermarket support. What I'm wondering is: which engine would be better for a daily driven Jeep, the 5.3 or 5.7? I know the 5.3 is supposed to get better gas mileage, but how much better? and is the gain in torque of the 5.7 really necisary for something as light as a '93 YJ? I'm planning on getting a junk yard motor out of a half ton pickup. Also, is there a Chevy manual trans that would work well in a Jeep, (not a big fan of autos). Thanks guys.

[Boze]

Ok, so I've been doing a little research and I'm finding that either way you go, it's going to cost WAY more than I thought. I didn't think about all the adapters, wiring, ECU, so on and so forth. Not to mention the fact that the D35 would never stand up against a V8...geez. What's the cheapest way to squeeze a V8 into a YJ?

[SteelHeadz]

I think this one will be the best for the YJ. Whatch'a think?

[Boze]

No...I think this is the one!

[SteelHeadz]

Your gonn'a have to stretch that engine compartment to get that beast in there.. You also probbably want to pull it off a SRT 10 Ram instead of the Viper.

[Boze]

good thing I got a couple of those laying around out back...right under the shady branches of my money tree.

[Bounty__Hunter]

Adapters? Forget them and go with the entire drivetrain from a donor truck. Then you only have to pick up a motor mount setup from AA or Novak.

[jps4jeep]

double edged sword..

5.7 because it is a tried and true platform that was pretty much unchanged since the 50's up until 02 in the lt and ls series being desirable. parts are cheap and readily available, used in a number of different platforms.

5.3 because it is a more modern engine, the aftermarket has really embraced the 5.3 engines with plug and play harnesses that are just as cheap as a vortec5.7 harness. generally will have lower miles. Better fuel injection design but... harder to find than the 5.7, used in only the gmt800 platform from 99-06, you will pay way more for the motor, especially if it is a gmt900 vehicle.

Both has the same basic tranny either a 4l60E or a 700R4 in the older models I would not use the t case, I would go atlas or stak

[SteelHeadz]

5.3 Engine spec. Based on a 2005 model
Engine Mechanical Specifications (L59 VIN Z)
Application
Specification
Metric
English

General

• Engine Type

V8

• Displacement

5.3L

325 CID

• RPO

L59

• VIN

Z

• Bore

96.0-96.018 mm

3.779-3.78 in

• Stroke

92.0 mm

3.622 in

• Compression Ratio

9.5:1

• Firing Order

1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3

• Spark Plug Gap

1.02 mm
0.04 in

Block

• Camshaft Bearing Bore 1 and 5 Diameter

59.62-59.67 mm

2.347-2.349 in

• Camshaft Bearing Bore 2 and 4 Diameter

59.12-59.17 mm

2.327-2.329 in

• Camshaft Bearing Bore 3 Diameter

58.62-58.67 mm

2.307-2.309 in

• Crankshaft Main Bearing Bore Diameter

69.871-69.889 mm

2.75-2.751 in

• Crankshaft Main Bearing Bore Out-of-Round

0.006 mm

0.0002 in

• Cylinder Bore Diameter

96.0-96.018 mm

3.779-3.78 in

• Cylinder Head Deck Height - Measuring from the Centerline of Crankshaft to the Deck Face

234.57-234.82 mm

9.235-9.245 in

• Cylinder Head Deck Surface Flatness - Measured Within a 152.4 mm (6.0 in) Area

0.11 mm

0.004 in

• Cylinder Head Deck Surface Flatness - Measuring the Overall Length of the Block Deck

0.22 mm

0.008 in

• Valve Lifter Bore Diameter

21.417-21.443 mm
0.843-0.844 in

Camshaft

• Camshaft End Play

0.025-0.305 mm

0.001-0.012 in

• Camshaft Journal Diameter

54.99-55.04 mm

2.164-2.166 in

• Camshaft Bearing Diameter

55.063-55.088 mm

2.1678-2.1688 in

• Camshaft Journal-to-Bearing Clearance

0.023-0.098 mm

0.0009-0.0038 in

• Camshaft Journal Out-of-Round

0.025 mm

0.001 in

• Camshaft Lobe Lift - Exhaust

6.96 mm

0.274 in

• Camshaft Lobe Lift - Intake

6.82 mm

0.268 in

• Camshaft Runout - Measured at the Intermediate Journals

0.05 mm
0.002 in

Connecting Rod

• Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance - Production

0.023-0.065 mm

0.0009-0.0025 in

• Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance - Service

0.023-0.076 mm

0.0009-0.003 in

• Connecting Rod Bore Diameter - Bearing End

56.505-56.525 mm

2.224-2.225 in

• Connecting Rod Bore Out-of-Round - Bearing End - Production

0.004-0.008 mm

0.00015-0.0003 in

• Connecting Rod Bore Out-of-Round - Bearing End - Service

0.004-0.008 mm

0.00015-0.0003 in

• Connecting Rod Side Clearance

0.11-0.51 mm
0.00433-0.02 in

Crankshaft

• Connecting Rod Journal Diameter - Production

53.318-53.338 mm

2.0991-2.0999 in

• Connecting Rod Journal Diameter - Service

53.308 mm

2.0987 in

• Connecting Rod Journal Out-of-Round - Production

0.005 mm

0.0002 in

• Connecting Rod Journal Out-of-Round - Service

0.01 mm

0.0004 in

• Connecting Rod Journal Taper - Maximum for 1/2 of Journal Length - Production

0.005 mm

0.0002 in

• Connecting Rod Journal Taper - Maximum for 1/2 of Journal Length - Service

0.02 mm

0.00078 in

• Crankshaft End Play

0.04-0.2 mm

0.0015-0.0078 in

• Crankshaft Main Bearing Clearance - Production

0.02-0.052 mm

0.0008-0.0021 in

• Crankshaft Main Bearing Clearance - Service

0.02-0.065 mm

0.0008-0.0025 in

• Crankshaft Main Journal Diameter - Production

64.992-65.008 mm

2.558-2.559 in

• Crankshaft Main Journal Diameter - Service

64.992 mm

2.558 in

• Crankshaft Main Journal Out-of-Round - Production

0.003 mm

0.000118 in

• Crankshaft Main Journal Out-of-Round - Service

0.008 mm

0.0003 in

• Crankshaft Main Journal Taper - Production

0.01 mm

0.0004 in

• Crankshaft Main Journal Taper - Service

0.02 mm

0.00078 in

• Crankshaft Rear Flange Runout

0.05 mm

0.002 in

• Crankshaft Reluctor Ring Runout - Measured 1.0 mm (0.04 in) Below Tooth Diameter

0.7 mm

0.028 in

• Crankshaft Thrust Surface - Production

26.14-26.22 mm

1.029-1.0315 in

• Crankshaft Thrust Surface - Service

26.22 mm

1.0315 in

• Crankshaft Thrust Surface Runout

0.025 mm
0.001 in

Cylinder Head

• Cylinder Head Height/Thickness - Measured from the Cylinder Head Deck to the Valve Rocker Arm Cover Seal Surface

120.2 mm

4.732 in

• Surface Flatness - Block Deck - Measured Within a 152.4 mm (6.0 in) Area

0.08 mm

0.003 in

• Surface Flatness - Block Deck - Measuring the Overall Length of the Cylinder Head

0.1 mm

0.004 in

• Surface Flatness - Exhaust Manifold Deck

0.13 mm

0.005 in

• Surface Flatness - Intake Manifold Deck

0.08 mm

0.0031 in

• Valve Guide Installed Height - Measured from the Spring Seat Surface to the Top of the Guide

17.32 mm
0.682 in

Intake Manifold

• Surface Flatness - Measured at Gasket Sealing Surfaces and Measured Within a 200 mm (7.87 in) Area that Includes 2 Runner Port Openings

0.3 mm
0.118 in

Lubrication System

• Oil Capacity - with Filter

5.68 liters

6.0 quarts

• Oil Capacity - without Filter

4.73 liters

5.0 quarts

• Oil Pressure - Minimum - Hot

41 kPa at 1,000 engine RPM
124 kPa at 2,000 engine RPM
165 kPa at 4,000 engine RPM
6 psig at 1,000 engine RPM
18 psig at 2,000 engine RPM
24 psig at 4,000 engine RPM

Oil Pan

• Front Cover Alignment - at Oil Pan Surface

0.0-0.5 mm

0.0-0.02 in

• Rear Housing Alignment - at Oil Pan Surface

0.0-0.5 mm

0.0-0.02 in

• Oil Pan Alignment - to Rear of Engine Block at Transmission Bell Housing Mounting Surface

0.0-0.1 mm
0.0-0.004 in

Piston Rings

• Piston Ring End Gap - First Compression Ring - Measured in Cylinder Bore - Production

0.23-0.44 mm

0.009-0.017 in

• Piston Ring End Gap - First Compression Ring - Measured in Cylinder Bore - Service

0.23-0.5 mm

0.009-0.0196 in

• Piston Ring End Gap - Second Compression Ring - Measured in Cylinder Bore - Production

0.44-0.7 mm

0.017-0.027 in

• Piston Ring End Gap - Second Compression Ring - Measured in Cylinder Bore - Service

0.44-0.76 mm

0.0173-0.03 in

• Piston Ring End Gap - Oil Control Ring - Measured in Cylinder Bore - Production

0.18-0.75 mm

0.007-0.029 in

• Piston Ring End Gap - Oil Control Ring - Measured in Cylinder Bore - Service

0.18-0.81 mm

0.007-0.032 in

• Piston Ring to Groove Clearance - First Compression Ring - Production

0.04-0.085 mm

0.00157-0.00335 in

• Piston Ring to Groove Clearance - First Compression Ring - Service

0.04-0.085 mm

0.00157-0.00335 in

• Piston Ring to Groove Clearance - Second Compression Ring - Production

0.04-0.078 mm

0.00157-0.0031 in

• Piston Ring to Groove Clearance - Second Compression Ring - Service

0.04-0.078 mm

0.00157-0.0031 in

• Piston Ring to Groove Clearance - Oil Control Ring - Production

0.012-0.2 mm

0.0005-0.0078 in

• Piston Ring to Groove Clearance - Oil Control Ring - Service

0.012-0.2 mm
0.0005-0.0078 in

Pistons and Pins

• Pin - Piston Pin Clearance to Piston Pin Bore - Production

0.002-0.01 mm

0.00008-0.0004 in

• Pin - Piston Pin Clearance to Piston Pin Bore - Service

0.002-0.015 mm

0.00008-0.0006 in

• Pin - Piston Pin Diameter

23.952-23.955 mm

0.943-0.943 in

• Pin - Piston Pin Fit in Connecting Rod Bore - Production

0.007-0.02 mm

0.00027-0.00078 in

• Pin - Piston Pin Fit in Connecting Rod Bore - Service

0.007-0.022 mm

0.00027-0.00086 in

• Piston - Piston Diameter - Measured Over Skirt Coating

96.002-96.036 mm

3.779-3.78 in

• Piston - Piston to Bore Clearance - Production

-0.036 to +0.016 mm

-0.0014 to +0.0006 in

• Piston - Piston to Bore Clearance - Service Limit with Skirt Coating Worn Off

0.071 mm
0.0028 in

Valve System

• Valves - Valve Face Angle

45 degrees

• Valves - Valve Face Width

1.25 mm

0.05 in

• Valves - Valve Lash

Net Lash - No Adjustment

• Valves - Valve Lift - Intake

11.58 mm

0.456 in

• Valves - Valve Lift - Exhaust

11.82 mm

0.465 in

• Valves - Valve Seat Angle

46 degrees

• Valves - Valve Seat Runout

0.05 mm

0.002 in

• Valves - Valve Seat Width - Exhaust

1.78 mm

0.07 in

• Valves - Seat Width - Intake

1.02 mm

0.04 in

• Valves - Valve Stem Diameter - Production

7.955-7.976 mm

0.313-0.314 in

• Valves - Valve Stem Diameter - Service

7.95 mm

0.313 in

• Valves - Valve Stem-to-Guide Clearance - Production - Intake

0.025-0.066 mm

0.001-0.0026 in

• Valves - Valve Stem-to-Guide Clearance - Service - Intake

0.093 mm

0.0037 in

• Valves - Valve Stem-to-Guide Clearance - Production - Exhaust

0.025-0.066 mm

0.001-0.0026 in

• Valves - Valve Stem-to-Guide Clearance - Service - Exhaust

0.093 mm

0.0037 in

• Rocker Arms - Valve Rocker Arm Ratio

1.70:1

• Valve Springs - Valve Spring Free Length

52.9 mm

2.08 in

• Valve Springs - Valve Spring Installed Height

45.75 mm

1.8 in

• Valve Springs - Valve Spring Load - Closed

340 N at 45.75 mm

76 lb at 1.8 in

• Valve Springs - Valve Spring Load - Open

980 N at 33.55 mm
220 lb at 1.32 in

[SteelHeadz]

Engine Mechanical Specifications (5.7 L) Based on a 1996 Suburban 4WD.
Application
Specification
Metric
English

General Data

• Engine Type

V8

• Displacement

5.7 L

350 CID

• RPO (VIN Code)

L31 (R)

• Bore

101.63 mm

4.0012 in

• Stroke

88.39 mm

3.480 in

• Compression Ratio

9.4:1

• Firing Order

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

• Spark Plug Gap

1.52 mm

0.060 in

• Oil Pressure (Minimum at Normal Operating Temperature)

42 kPa at 1,000 RPM
125 kPa at 2,000 RPM
166 kPa at 4,000 RPM
6 psig at 1,000 RPM
18 psig at 2,000 RPM
24 psig at 4,000 RPM

Camshaft

• End Play

0.05-0.30 mm

0.002-0.012 in

• Journal Diameter

47.440-47.490 mm

1.8677-1.8697 in

• Journal Diameter Out-of-Round

0.025 mm (Maximum)

0.0010 in (Maximum)

• Lobe Lift (Exhaust)

7.20-7.30 mm

0.283-0.287 in

• Lobe Lift (Intake)

6.97-7.07 mm

0.274-0.278 in

• Runout

0.065 mm (Maximum)
0.0026 in (Maximum)

Connecting Rod

• Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance (Production)

0.033-0.078 mm

0.0013-0.0031 in

• Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance (Service)

0.025-0.063 mm

0.0010-0.0025 in

• Connecting Rod Journal Diameter

53.304-53.334 mm

2.0986-2.0998 in

• Connecting Rod Journal Out-of-Round (Production)

0.007 mm (Maximum)

0.0003 in (Maximum)

• Connecting Rod Journal Out-of-Round (Service)

0.025 mm (Maximum)

0.0010 in (Maximum)

• Connecting Rod Journal Taper (Production)

0.007 mm (Maximum)

0.0003 in (Maximum)

• Connecting Rod Journal Taper (Service)

0.025 mm (Maximum)

0.0010 in (Maximum)

• Connecting Rod Side Clearance

0.15-0.68 mm
0.006-0.027 in

Crankshaft

• Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (Journal #1--Production)

0.018-0.053 mm

0.0007-0.0021 in

• Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (Journal #2, #3, and #4--Production)

0.030-0.068 mm

0.0012-0.0027 in

• Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (Journal #5--Production)

0.020-0.060 mm

0.0008-0.0024 in

• Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (Journal #1--Service)

0.025-0.051 mm

0.0010-0.0020 in

• Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (Journal #2, #3, and #4--Service)

0.025-0.064 mm

0.0010-0.0025 in

• Crankshaft Bearing Clearance Service (Journal #5--Service)

0.038-0.063 mm

0.0015-0.0025 in

• Crankshaft End Play

0.05-0.20 mm

0.002-0.008 in

• Crankshaft Journal Diameter (Journal #1)

62.189-62.212 mm

2.4484-2.4493 in

• Crankshaft Journal Diameter (Journal #2, #3, and #4)

62.181-62.207 mm

2.4481-2.4491 in

• Crankshaft Journal Diameter (Journal #5)

62.185-62.207 mm

2.4482-2.4491 in

• Crankshaft Journal Out-of-Round (Production)

0.005 mm (Maximum)

0.0002 in (Maximum)

• Crankshaft Journal Out-of-Round (Service)

0.025 mm (Maximum)

0.0010 in (Maximum)

• Crankshaft Journal Taper (Production)

0.005 mm (Maximum)

0.0002 in (Maximum)

• Crankshaft Journal Taper (Service)

0.025 mm (Maximum)

0.0010 in (Maximum)

• Crankshaft Runout at Rear Flange

0.038 mm
0.0015 in

Cylinder Bore

• Diameter

101.618-101.643 mm

4.0007-4.0017 in

• Out-of-Round (Production)

0.025 mm

0.0010 in

• Out-of-Round (Service)

0.05 mm

0.002 in

• Taper (Production--Relief Side)

0.025 mm

0.0010 in

• Taper (Production--Thrust Side)

0.012 mm

0.0005 in

• Taper (Service Limit)

0.025 mm
0.0010 in

Cylinder Head

• Surface Flatness (Engine Block Deck)

0.10 mm

0.004 in

• Surface Flatness (Exhaust Manifold Deck)

0.05 mm

0.002 in

• Surface Flatness (Intake Manifold Deck)

0.10 mm
0.004 in

Exhaust Manifold

• Surface Flatness (Flange to Flange)

0.25 mm

0.010 in

• Surface Flatness (Individual Flange)

0.05 mm
0.002 in

Piston

• Piston Bore Clearance (Production)

0.018-0.061 mm

0.0007-0.002 in

• Piston Bore Clearance (Service)

0.018-0.068 mm
0.0007-0.0026 in

Piston Pin

• Clearance in Piston (Production)

0.013-0.023 mm

0.0005-0.0009 in

• Clearance in Piston (Service)

0.013-0.025 mm

0.0005-0.0010 in

• Diameter

23.545-23.548 mm

0.9270-0.9271 in

• Interference Fit in Connecting Rod

0.012-0.050 mm
0.0005-0.0019 in

Piston Rings (End Gap Measured in Cylinder Bore)

• Piston Compression Ring Gap (Production--Top Groove)

0.25-0.40 mm

0.098-0.015 in

• Piston Compression Ring Gap (Production--2nd Groove)

0.038-0.058 mm

0.0014-0.0022 in

• Piston Compression Ring Gap (Service--Top Groove)

0.25-0.50 mm

0.009-0.019 in

• Piston Compression Ring Gap (Service--2nd Groove)

0.038-0.058 mm

0.0014-0.0022 in

• Piston Compression Ring Groove Clearance (Production--Top Groove)

0.030-0.070 mm

0.0012-0.0027 in

• Piston Compression Ring Groove Clearance (Production--2nd Groove)

0.040-0.080 mm

0.0015-0.003 in

• Piston Compression Ring Groove Clearance (Service Limit--Top Groove)

0.030-0.090 mm

0.0012-0.0035 in

• Piston Compression Ring Groove Clearance (Service Limit--2nd Groove)

0.040-0.100 mm

0.0015-0.0040 in

• Piston Oil Ring Gap (Production)

0.25-0.76 mm

0.009-0.029 in

• Piston Oil Ring Gap (Service)

0.25-0.90 mm

0.009-0.035 in

• Piston Oil Ring Groove Clearance (Production)

0.046-0.196 mm

0.0018-0.0077 in

• Piston Oil Ring Groove Clearance (Service)

0.046-0.200 mm
0.0018-0.0078 in

Valve System

• Valve Face Angle

45 degrees

• Valve Head Edge Margin

0.79 mm (Minimum)

0.031 in (Minimum)

• Valve Lash

Rotate the Valve Rocker Arm Nut Clockwise 360 degrees (1 Turn) from Zero Lash

• Valve Lifter

Hydraulic Roller

• Valve Rocker Arm Ratio

1.5:1

• Valve Seat Angle

46 degrees

• Valve Seat Runout

0.05 mm (Maximum)

0.002 in (Maximum)

• Valve Seat Width (Exhaust--Heavy Duty)

1.50-2.56 mm

0.059-0.101 in

• Valve Seat Width (Exhaust--Light Duty)

1.65-2.49 mm

0.065-0.098 in

• Valve Seat Width (Intake)

1.02-1.65 mm

0.040-0.065 in

• Valve Spring Free Length

51.3 mm

2.02 in

• Valve Spring Installed Height (Exhaust)

42.92-43.43 mm

1.67-1.70 in

• Valve Spring Installed Height (Intake)

42.92-43.43 mm

1.67-1.70 in

• Valve Spring Pressure (Closed)

338-374 N at 43.2

76-84 lb at 1.70

• Valve Spring Pressure (Open)

832-903 N at 32.3

187-203 lb at 1.27

• Valve Stem Clearance (Exhaust--Production)

0.025-0.069 mm

0.0010-0.0027 in

• Valve Stem Clearance (Intake--Production)

0.025-0.069 mm

0.0010-0.0027 in

• Valve Stem Clearance (Exhaust--Service)

0.025-0.094 mm

0.0010-0.0037 in

• Valve Stem Clearance (Intake--Service)

0.025-0.094 mm

0.0010-0.0037 in

• Valve Stem Diameter

8.661-8.679 mm

0.3410-0.3416 in

• Valve Stem Oil Seal Installed Height (Measured from the Top of the Large Valve Guide Bevel to the Bottom of the Valve Stem Oil Seal)

1-2 mm
0.03937-0.07874 in

[jps4jeep]

I was just going to say that, damn you beat me.

Did you get that frm Alldata?

[SteelHeadz]

Originally Posted by jps4jeep

I was just going to say that, damn you beat me.

Did you get that frm Alldata?

Nooooo.

[Boze]

Ummm....yah... So I was going to go with the 5.3 becasue of the

• Cylinder Head Height/Thickness - Measured from the Cylinder Head Deck to the Valve Rocker Arm Cover Seal Surface

120.2 mm

4.732 in

But then I saw the 5.7's

• Interference Fit in Connecting Rod

0.012-0.050 mm
0.0005-0.0019 in

and that just settled it! Thanks SteelHeadz!

P.S. I actually do know what MOST of this is talking about, but I really menat more along the lines of, power to weight ratio, best for the price, gas mileage, ease of install...you know, laymen (a.k.a. dumby) stuff.

[Boze]

Originally Posted by Bounty__Hunter

Adapters? Forget them and go with the entire drivetrain from a donor truck. Then you only have to pick up a motor mount setup from AA or Novak.

What about computer stuff, wiring, etc? are there alot of issues when it comes to things like, my Jeep not having abs, but the donor ecu came out of something that did? Or, say...airbags? Or are all those type of things controlled by other systems, not associated with the engine's computer?

[SteelHeadz]

You can use a generic pcm to fit your needs from the performance section of the manufacturer. For that matter, since it's a GM, There are a lot of outfits out there that caters to GM Performance from a Street Rod to an Alcohol Burning beast. Likewise on the Mopar side. They also offer a generic PCM for different applications. The only thing that i would advise you to stay away with when it comes to a transplant donor of a Powertrain is an MDS and Skim equipped 5.7 Hemi. Commonly found on the Durango's. It was a Temptation that i backed out of for $800.00 with 27,000 miles and it was a 4X4. After making a few phone calls, there was more issues with the MDS system than what it's worth.

[mrmopar02]

Boze, just turbo it.

[volaredon]

Screw the Generic motors BS; What's wrong with a 318 (my preference) or a 360 Magnum??????? They put em in Grand Cherokees so it oughtta be easier to find swap parts; mounts and all; after all the same GCs were available with the same 4.0 as a Wrangler was, right?? yeah I know; 4.0 and 318 take a different trans; but so what; other than swapping sides on the starter for whatever reason, between the Dodge and Jeep versions of the same trannys, there are plenty of Rams and Dakotas ripe for a swap!!

[Keith__C]

For more power and less cost than either the 6.1 or the Viper motors you could stuff this one under your hood

PLUS It uses a Carburetor so there is NO stupid ECM crap to deal with.

[Collin the Hen]

Originally Posted by Keith__C

For more power and less cost than either the 6.1 or the Viper motors you could stuff this one under your hood

PLUS It uses a Carburetor so there is NO stupid ECM crap to deal with.

Holy Short! What kind of engine is that?!

[volaredon]

If I had to guess, I'd say its a Ford 427.