Okay, so after many hours of looking online and coming up short, i have narrowed it down to this. Everything i have read states that my connecting rod length center to center is 6.098".

The only rods i can find in this size are in the upwards of $700-$1000 and i can only find a few manufacturer's that make this length. However rod's that are 6.125" long are offered by many manufacturer's and are half the cost.
I'm not looking to build the fastest 5.3l out there, i just need new rods that will work with the OEM replacement pistons that i already have so i can finish my rebuild.


My question is this. Can i get away with running OEM size pistons (part # Enginetech P30798, off of rock auto, 1.327" CH) with the slightly longer rod, and not smack the pistons into the valves.

Truck is a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L V8, flex vin (Z), with 706 heads and long tubes.

this is a link to the rebuild kit, and the crankshaft i am using. If this combination will not work, any suggestions on what piston and rod combination to run is greatly appreciated


More Information for ENGINETECH RCC325BP
More Information for ENGINETECH 129000

 

Welcome to the forum.

Is the crank non-stock stroke?

 

No. It is a factory stroke, i believe it is just turned and balanced. the journals are cut to the next oversize, and it comes with matching main, and rod bearings.

 

another idea I had was to use 4.8l rods and pistons, but I do not know the rod length or piston size for the 4.8L. in my head the 4.8 rods and pistons will work with the 5.3 crank and factory 706 heads? just trying to rule out everything because I can't find a thread where someone has had this problem before. on hold with Summit right now to see if they can tell me what pistons will work with 6.125 rods, and not smack my valves.

 

SO. I just got off the phone with a representative at summit racing. I was directed to a set of 6.1 C-C rods (Factory is 6.098) and a set of flat top pistons, which should provide the clearance I need on the heads, and at the same time boost my compression ratio
(The long tube headers I have should help as well?) here are links to them. it was explained to me in jibberish, but he re-assured me a couple times that this will work with a factory crank and heads. Thoughts?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/esp-6100m3d
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/slp-h1132cpa

 

Not familiar enough with the 5.3. Not sure why the stock rods won't work unless you're using non-stock pistons.

 

Stock length rods are made by 1 company and are $800. Bump up the length 2/1000" and get forged flat tops and it comes out $100 cheaper.