5.3L Ls boosted Short Block
Reid’s Speed Shop’s 5.3L LS boosted Short Block
Built for Boost. Built to Take the Pressure.
The Reid's Speed Shop 5.3L Boosted Performance Short Block takes the proven strength of the GM iron-block 5.3L and transforms it into a professionally machined, purpose-built foundation designed specifically for turbocharged, supercharged, and nitrous-assisted performance.
Beginning with a seasoned GM LM7 iron block, each foundation undergoes complete professional machine work and is bored .030" over to 3.810", producing approximately 330 cubic inches from the proven 3.622" stroke LS platform. Every block is thoroughly prepared and precision assembled with critical dimensions and clearances verified for the demands of a performance application.
Inside, the proven GM 24X crankshaft and OEM powdered-metal connecting rods are paired with Summit Racing Pro LS forged pistons, featuring dual valve reliefs and coated skirts. Premium file-fit MAHLE plasma-moly piston rings and King XP coated race main and rod bearings complete a rotating assembly designed with increased cylinder pressure and demanding performance use in mind.
Supporting upgrades continue throughout the foundation with Clevite camshaft bearings, an upgraded billet oil-galley barbell, and properly installed and sealed block hardware. Rather than simply assembling stronger components into a used LS block, every part of the combination is selected and prepared around creating a dependable foundation capable of supporting serious power.
Available as a complete Short Block Foundation, with your choice of four Stage 1–4 turbo camshaft packages, or as a complete Sealed-Up Kit, the 5.3L Boosted Performance Short Block allows you to choose the level of completion that best fits your project while maintaining the same professionally machined foundation underneath it all.
Whether you're building a responsive street turbo combination, a supercharged LS swap, or a more aggressive power-adder application, this package provides the strength, component selection, and preparation needed to build serious power with confidence.
BUILT FOR BOOST. NITROUS. ANYTHING.
Starting out at $4,000
Typical investment varies based on component options, and customer-selected upgrades.CHOOSE YOUR 5.3L Boosted SHORT BLOCK PACKAGE
Boosted Short Block — Starting at $4,000
A professionally machined and precision-assembled foundation built specifically for power-adder applications. Featuring a seasoned GM iron block, proven GM crankshaft and connecting rods, forged Pro LS pistons, file-fit MAHLE plasma-moly rings, and King XP race bearings, this package provides the core foundation for your turbocharged, supercharged, or nitrous-assisted combination.
Cam Kit Short Block — Starting at $5,000
Take the same professionally machined and assembled forged-piston foundation and add a complete boost-oriented valvetrain package selected around your vehicle, power adder, intended boost level, and performance goals.
Choose from four carefully selected Stage 1–4 turbo hydraulic roller camshaft packages, ranging from responsive street-oriented combinations to aggressive high-horsepower applications. Each camshaft package is matched with the appropriate supporting valvetrain and timing components to ensure the combination works together as intended.
Sealed-Up Short Block — Starting at $5,600
Our most complete boosted short block package takes the forged-piston foundation and selected camshaft package one step further, completing the oiling, timing, and sealing systems before the engine leaves Reid's Speed Shop.
Includes everything from the Boosted Cam Kit Short Block Package, along with the remaining supporting components required to deliver a professionally assembled and sealed boosted foundation ready for your cylinder heads, induction system, and power adder.
Quick Look
Power Potential
Approximately 330 Cubic Inches
Built for Turbocharged, Supercharged & Nitrous Applications
600+ HP Capable with Proper Supporting Components
Four Boost-Specific Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Packages Available
Camshaft Selection Tailored to Your Power Adder & Performance Goals
Compression Ratio Options
Approximately 9.85:1 with 61cc Cylinder Heads
Approximately 9.5:1 with 64cc Cylinder Heads
Approximately 9.1:1 with 68cc Cylinder Heads
Compression Ratio Selected Around Your Cylinder Heads, Power Adder & Intended Boost Level
Engine Block
Seasoned GM LM7 5.3L Iron Engine Block
Professionally Cleaned, Inspected & Machined
Bored .030" Over to 3.810"
3.810" Bore × 3.622" Stroke
Approximately 330 Cubic Inches
Deck Surfaces Professionally Machined
Cylinder Bores Finish-Honed for MAHLE Performance Rings
OE Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Design
6-Bolt Cross-Bolted Main Cap Design
Billet Oil Galley Barbell Upgrade
All Critical Block Dimensions Verified
Rotating Assembly
GM 24X 3.622" Stroke Crankshaft
OEM GM Powdered-Metal Forged Connecting Rods
Summit Racing Pro LS Forged Performance Pistons
Dual Valve Reliefs
Coated Piston Skirts
Premium File-Fit MAHLE Plasma-Moly Piston Rings
King XP Coated Race Main Bearings
King XP Coated Race Rod Bearings
Clevite Camshaft Bearings
Boost-Specific Camshaft Options
Your Choice of Four Hydraulic Roller Turbo Camshaft Packages
Stage 1–4 Options Available
Camshaft Selected Around Turbocharger Size, Vehicle Combination, Intended Boost Level & Performance Goals
Options Ranging from Responsive Street Performance to Aggressive High-Horsepower Applications
Precision Assembly
Professionally Machined
Precision Blueprint-Assembled
Main & Rod Bearing Clearances Verified
Piston-to-Wall Clearance Verified
Piston Ring End Gaps Set for Power-Adder Use
Crankshaft Endplay Verified
Connecting Rod Side Clearance Verified
Critical Assembly Dimensions Checked Throughout Final Assembly
Ready for Your Cylinder Heads, Induction System & Power Adder
Available Configurations
Boosted Short Block
Boosted Cam Kit Short Block
Boosted Sealed-Up Short Block
Why Choose a Reid’s speed Shop Crate engine:
When purchasing a crate engine, you have many options available—from large production companies to smaller independent builders. At Reid’s Speed Shop, the difference is simple: this isn’t mass production—it’s personal craftsmanship.
Every engine is carefully assembled with attention to detail and built using combinations that have been thoughtfully researched and proven to work together. Rather than being one of hundreds of engines moving down an assembly line, your engine receives the kind of focus and care that only a small, dedicated shop can provide.
Communication is also a major part of the experience. Throughout the process, customers are kept informed and updated as their engine comes together. Photos and updates are often shared so you can actually see the progress of your engine being built rather than simply receiving a shipment notice when it’s finished.
Whenever possible, customers are also given the opportunity to hear their engine run before delivery. Whether in person or through a video demonstration, this allows you to see and hear the engine come to life—giving you confidence in how it runs, idles, and performs before it ever leaves the shop.
At Reid’s Speed Shop, the goal isn’t to move engines as quickly as possible—it’s to build them correctly and ensure every customer feels confident in the investment they’ve made. Building engines is more than just a job here; it’s a genuine passion and a craft that is taken seriously.
When you choose Reid’s Speed Shop, you’re not just purchasing an engine—you’re working directly with the person building it, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a level of care that large-scale production simply cannot offer.