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How much power does a stock 5.3L make in an E30 swap?

Stock 5.3 ratings depend on the version:

Engine Size Years Power Torque Compression Block AFM
LM7 5.3 L 1999–2007 270–295 hp 315–335 lb-ft 9.49:1 iron No
L59 5.3 L 2002–2007 285–295 hp 320–335 lb-ft 9.50:1 iron No
L33 5.3 L 2005–2007 310 hp 335 lb-ft 10.00:1 aluminum No
LY5 5.3 L 2007–2009 315–320 hp 335–340 lb-ft 9.95:1 iron Yes
LMG 5.3 L 2007–2014 315–320 hp 335–340 lb-ft 9.60:1 iron Yes
LH6 5.3 L 2005–2009 300–315 hp 330–338 lb-ft 9.95:1 aluminum Yes
LC9 5.3 L 2007–2014 315–320 hp 335 lb-ft 9.60:1 or 9.95:1 aluminum Yes

Speedway's rule of thumb: Stock 5.3 is rated around 320 hp / 340 lb-ft; stock 6.0 around 300 hp / 360 lb-ft, depending on version and year (Speedway generalization). These are GM's crank ratings, not wheel horsepower. The AFM engines (LY5, LMG, LH6, LC9) need an AFM delete if you plan an aftermarket cam: Gen IV AFM engines need an AFM delete to run aftermarket cams; many also delete VVT, which requires a Gen 3-style timing cover in place of the VVT cover with integrated phaser.

Confidence: medium — sources disagree or are limited; check the sources below.

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