20 SUPER CHEVY SEPTEMBER^2019
TECH
things started we chose a new 5.3L
block from Summit Racing. We know
from experience just how stout the
iron truck blocks are, having pushed
them to stratospheric levels many
times in the past. Since this buildup
was destined for street use, we made
sure to add something we knew
would improve power: displacement.
Rather than go with the standard-
bore 5.3L block, we opted for the one
bored out to 5.7L (LS1) dimensions of
3.898. This was a significant step up
from the 3.78-inch bore employed on
the stock 4.8/5.3L. Right off the bat,
this improved the displacement and
power potential of our combination,
but we didn’t stop there. The increaseW
hen it comes to performance, the easiest route is to
combine more of everything. What do we mean by
everything? Well, if a little compression is good, or a little
camshaft is good, or a little displacement is good, then more must be
better, right? There is definitely a method to this madness, but so, too,
are their limitations. Big power certainly comes from things like high
compression and wild cam timing, but what happens if a track-only
monster isn’t your goal? What happens if you are looking to build power
for a street car (like most of us)? Things like high compression and wild
cam timing can certainly build power, but they also tend to create
problems. I mean, who has the money to pop for the high-octane race
fuel required to run those elevated compression ratios on the street?
When it comes to street performance, compromise is usually the name
of the game, but there are steps that can be taken to improve perfor-
mance without resorting to the expense of race gas. Enter the complete
street stroker.
The first weapon in any arsenal is to choose the right engine, and,
of course, the easiest way to make power today is with an LS. To getPUMP GAS PUSH
A BLOWN STREET STROKER THAT PLAYS WELL WITH PUMP GAS
Story Richard Holdener (^) + Photos Steven Rupp