Gen I 350 versus Gen III 5.3 weight

[smokinstang70]

Anyone out there know the weight difference between a stock Gen I 350 and turbo 350 trans.... versus a Gen III 5.3 with a 4L60E? I am concerned that their might be a weight difference and the 2 inch lowering springs that I loved with the GEN I installed will not be enough when i throw in the LS1.

Any thoughts?

Thanks as always guys

[mrhino]

Im not sure what a sbc weighs but I was going to ship a 5.3 once and i think it was right 500# complete. but not positive

[68Stepbed]

There is a weight difference, but I don't think it will make a major difference in the drop. It won't raise it enough that you would really notice the difference. I would imagine the difference of weight in the engine would be offset by the tranny's weight. A TH350 doesn't weigh a whole lot. Most 5.3 engines are iron anyway. The only major weight change would be if you had an aluminum block.

[smokinstang70]

Thanks... it is a iron block 5.3... I just wanted to ask the question to the community and make sure I wasn't making a mistake before I started.

Thanks guys

[Ole Greenie]

FWIW, while I was looking for a spring set for my 70 BB LS6, there was no distinguishing between the SB versus the BB. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. I guess the factory deemed the difference in weight negligeable for weight, warranty, etc. I would think the same for the 5.3...that the weight diff between the SB and the newer LS motors is not enough to be concerned about. Just my take on it.

[68Stepbed]

It depends on who sells them. Alot of companies don't offer different springs for BB & SB. ECE has them listed seperately though.

[Ole Greenie]

Yep...Though I would be interested to discover whether there is a difference in the spring rates or if it is a marketing thing. As well, I would like to see if the springs were different form the factory. I can tell you that I have not seen a build sheet with one or the other annotated but it would make for an interesting discovery. If there is a difference, GM may have included in the 396/400 engine upgrade. I'll call the GM dealer tomorrow to find out if there is a difference.