Any down sides to 4.8?
 

I'm interested in swapping from the 230 I6 3 on the tree currently in my 64. I can get a complete 4.8 and transmission combo for a decent price locally.

If I'm just looking for a reliable more efficient engine with a V8 sound are there any downsides to the 4.8 out of a 2008 van vs a 5.3?

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

The only down side is sometimes the bigger motor just gets better or the same mpg in real life. Depending on what, and how the vehicle is truly set up and used.

If your going to run a 4.8 are you going to use the 6L80 combo or go with a 4L65E.

The 4.8 likes to drive about 2300-2500 rpm at 75mph. With stock 17's from a 2007 Silverado.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

I run a 4.8L in my '89 c1500 2wd, and am very happy with it! Wasn't looking for a fire breathing monster as is wont by many. My truck is a daily driver, and has proven to be VERY reliable. Your '08 variant will be the better 4.8L, not having to contend with DOD or VVT. My rpm's at highway speeds are not as high as previously mentioned, but that depends on how your truck is geared.

Compared to the 6 cyl. that's coming out, it will be like night and day no matter how you drive it

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

Absolutely nothing wrong with the 4.8 liter. Most do not care for them a lot due to their small size, but for what you are doing, it is the perfect engine.

I personally would throw a small aftermarket cam in it to give it a few more ponies since you will probably have to have it tunes anyhow, but that is just me.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

4.8 in a Sonoma, it is a good engine. Only issues I have had traced back to aftermarket replacement parts. It really woke up the truck compared to the 2.2.

Have you upgraded to better brakes? '64 drums are fine for cruising with the I6, but some power disks are in order with 3 times the horsepower and overdrive. Since your LS will come with PS pump, might as well swap to a power box at the same time.

If you think you need more HP than the stock 4.8, I'd just bite the bullet and put a 6l in instead of beefing up the 4.8

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

My first TJ Wrangler LS swap I used a 4.8 5 speed combo. Ran great. It was not slow.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

I have a 1 ton express van with a 4.8..So they are more then capable of powering your '64.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

seat of the pants dyno: you won't notice a big difference in a 4.8 vs 5.3 in stock form. this does NOT apply to the 5.7 or 6.0's ;)

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Would i need an aftermarket oil pan to install that in my 64 C10?

I don't plan on going much lower than stock with the suspension.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

stock pan will be below cross member, but if you are stock ride height and not off-roading...

couple pictures in this thread https://www.facebook.com/groups/7659...6431796572073/

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

If the stock oil pan hangs down below the cross member I would replace the pan and a pickup with a 2002 Camaro LS pan or one of the Holley offerings.
The reason I say that is the alum LS oil pans don't bend if they hit something they don't bend they break.
The two long rear small bolts at the back of the oil pan can break into into the oil passages at the back of the block. Buddy of mine had that happen.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

If the stock oil pan hangs down below the cross member I would replace the pan and a pickup with a 2002 Camaro LS pan or one of the Holley offerings.
The reason I say that is the alum LS oil pans don't bend if they hit something they don't bend they break.
The two long rear small bolts at the back of the oil pan can break into into the oil passages at the back of the block. Buddy of mine had that happen.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

Thanks those pics help alot. Based on those pics I think i will be fine with a 2 inch drop and stock pan.

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

What method would you recommend for removing the VATS?

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

There are lots of folks who can remove VATS and emissions. I would ask around and use a local person. If you can't find anyone, this guy does it for $75. I've used him on several. There is a TON of great information on his website as well. I have done a few wire harnesses using his instructions.


https://www.lt1swap.com/programming.htm

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

Downside of a 4.8 against a 5.3....

Apart from 500 cc....

In what you intend on using it for you will hardly notice the difference.

:mm::mm::mm:

Re: Any down sides to 4.8?
 

remove VATS: you could buy HP Tuners for about $400 plus unlock your ECU serial number for another $100 then do whatever tuning you want to it.
Those prices are about 4 years old. Luckily for me that is when one of my sons took an interest, bought it and figured it out. Now I just need to buy the ECU license and ask him to do it ;)

So if you want to be proficient in the LS world buy that. If you just need to delete vats (and the 2nd set of O2s?) maybe cheaper to just have someone do it.

If you are on a budget there is not much you need to buy to get an LS into your old truck. Donor engine, ECU, harness, fuse box, gas pedal if it is DBC, grab the O2s if you are not going to use the stock manifolds. A tank with an in tank pump. Stuff all that in, delete VATS, run power and grounds and your good to go.

if you want neater, you either spend the time to prune the harness and change to a 4-5 fuse panel with a couple relays or you pay for after market harness. if you go the ebay harness route, pay attention to the reviews about things being wired wrong, treat it like a kit and go through every wire and connection. Both above options require understanding how LS are wired, but all the information is on the web if you look. Or pay the price to buy a name brand harness with post sales support.