09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

I hope someone can answer this for me. I have an 09 sierra with 4.8 engine thats to weak for me. I also have a 04 LS1 that I am going to build. Is there anyway to swap the 04 LS1 engine in place of the 4.8? Or what would it take to use the external parts off the 4.8 onto LS1 ?

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

knock sensors, camshaft sensor, and crankshaft reluctor wheel are all not going to 'plug and play'
all can be handled, with various methods...but not a drop in deal.
The reluctor wheel, if the LS1 is apart...have a machine shop install a 58x wheel on the crank before you assemble the short block.
then you can bolt the front cover with it's cam sensor, and most external parts from the 4.8 engine onto the LS1.
knock sensors, you could drill / tap the sides of the LS1 block and install the 4.8 knock sensors to it.

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

After '05 or so LS engines were Gen IV versions whereas before that like the LS1 engine you're interested in using is a Gen III and the two are not compatible in a lot of areas. I have an LS1 in my garage that came out of my '98 Firebird and I would've loved to install it in my '09 truck. It requires too much internal engine work in addition to the possibility it wouldn't be permitted due to Calif. smog laws. The Gen III engines have a 24X reluctor wheel while the Gen IV engines have a 58X reluctor wheel which the prev. poster mentioned. The reluctor wheel is used by the ECM to count the crank rpms and the 58X ECM's are also faster and advanced over the older ECM's.
The best bet would probably be to find a newer Gen IV engine with more cubes for your swap and all you would have to do is get a tune on your ECM.

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

Gen IV started in 07 in trucks.

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

Thanks guys, I have been doing some research since I first posted this. I am going to use the external parts off my 4.8 like suggested. All I have is the 5.7 block, so pistons rods and crank will have to be bought. Then Geoff Skinner can work his magic on the ecm.

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

You'll need to change the reluctor on the crank and use a 58x crank sensor.

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

OK, can I use a LS2 crank with 58 reluctor ? I got a lead on one just havent seen it yet?

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

yes LS2 crank with 58x would work...may need rebalancing depending on what pistons/rods you mate it to

Re: 09 4.8 swap for 04 LS1
 

Thanks 71cadc10.