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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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Sources
- General Motors LS-based small-block engine — Engine table — Wikipedia
- 5.3 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 400-700+ HP — Speedway Motors