As it sits, it's just the block and rotating assembly. I'm not cracking that apart since then it'd turn into an all-out rebuild. My objective was strictly to delete the AFM parts and reseal it. I wanted to spend the least amount of money and effort on a 200K-mile 5.3 since a 6.0 or 6.2 is my goal.
Of course, I couldn't leave well enough alone. I'm having the heads cleaned, valve stems and valve springs replaced with stock LS6 springs and a cleaning shave done on the mating surface. Since they'll be getting shaved, it won't cost any more to take off a little more to at least get the chambers to the advertised spec of 64cc since they're commonly around 66cc actual volume. For a few more dollars, the guy will clean up/mildly port the runners to improve a few minor factory shortcomings and blend in the bowls, do a valve job, hone the guides and set up the springs. I had this service done on some Z06 243s and they gained 32cfm. Since the heads can be used elsewhere or sold separately from the 5.3, I'm allowing their re-working into the budget. For the resulting mildly raised compression, and many other factors, I've already budgeted for a Black Bear tune and I have an AutoCal already (craigslist score).
Buuuuuuut, last week, a buddy offered me a virtually new TSP Stage 2 Low Lift cam for $100. Since I'm already getting a tune, a cam would be covered, so of course I jumped on it. Cams like this work better with compression around 10.5 or higher, and I was already raising it some with the shaved heads. Rather than shave more, I decided it'd be better to get thinner head gaskets. This part kinda sucks since they're $80 EACH when the stock MLS gaskets are $50 for the pair and I already have them. But, considering that I'm saving $300 on the cam, the $110 extra cost is still a bargain. Between the cam, higher compression, better head flow and tune, I'm (conservatively?) expecting around 400HP/400TQ at the crank with no sacrifices anywhere in the rev range. That's 80HP and 60TQ for $210. Since mine's FlexFuel, I may have it tuned on E85. I don't see why I shouldn't- it's "free" power that I'm leaving on the table otherwise. When E85 isn't available, I'll run 93 just as I've always done. I have some questions for Black Bear...
