4.8l ls motors, who has one, how do you like it?

[no1udknow]

Hey guys, I was perusing CL today and ran across a 2001 silverado with a smoked trans and a 4.8l ls motor for $850. I have read these are de-stroked 5.3l. I have a 5.3l in my 2001 Sierra and love it. Whats the power difference in the 4.8l, Is it noticable? I would consider doing this swap into my c10, but was wondering if anyone had done it (I'm sure they have) and if you like it?

Thanks,
Mike

[joey8383]

Lots of 4.8 swaps. Yes they share the same block. Same everything I think... Just a shorter crank in the 4.8.
McBassin did a 4.8 in his build. His build thread is named "69 Shortwide" and stays near the top in the projects and builds threads if you want to check it out. I'd run a 4.8 without a doubt if I found a deal on one.
COPY AND PASTED:
Power ratings ranged from 270-290hp net and 285-305 lb-ft for the 4.8L, and 270-305hp net and 315-335 lb-ft for the 5.3L. What should be evident is that the two actually produce similar peak horsepower outputs, but the larger 5.3 will always offer more low-speed grunt

Read more: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/eng...#ixzz3FmFK8z1d

[Nitis]

Get in touch with daaaanz67

We live less than an hour from you and he has one in his and did a killer job on it. Plus he knows all the go to people in the area for tuning and upgrades.

I'm actually thinking I will do the same in mine. Ideally I would love a 6.0 but that can come in time my main thing is getting my truck setup and switched over so in the future all it will be is a long block swap. I will also be hooking mine up to the th350

[Daaaanz67]

That's me. She's an absolute rocket a little less torque than the 5.3 but I would run another one in a heart beat. I was able to attend the c/10 get together this last Sunday in A****er and what a joy to really open her up on 99. Nitis thanks for the comps, appreciate it.

[erikoj]

My daily driver is a 2006 with a 4.8 runs super smooth with plenty of power, great motor

[trac209]

My friend has one in his newer truck and even tows an enclosed trailer to the track with it no issues. Has plenty of go

[chipflyer]

If you are building a cruiser the 4.8 is perfect, not quite the power of a 5.3 but will do a little better on gas.

Jeff

[no1udknow]

Originally Posted by chipflyer

If you are building a cruiser the 4.8 is perfect, not quite the power of a 5.3 but will do a little better on gas.

Jeff

It's been hard to decide what I want. I want some power, but still be able to drive it to work with out selling an organ. I would like to eventually do a 6 speed trans and maybe some 3.07s out back and then still have enough power to show a little smoke ;-) maybe a forced air system could be the answer

[no1udknow]

Oh my..... so I started googling "turbocbarving a 4.8l and found this article.... take the ti.e to read jt because it will change your mind about looking for a 6.0l for $2k

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/h...g_bang_theory/

[Heavymetl]

That article has been making LS fans since it hit the printer.

All I can say is just think of the LS as a small block Chevy with the inherent design flaws fixed. Great, great gift to hot rodding from GM.

[SierraMtns]

I think it is a great motor.

These guys where happy with the power out of there 4.8.

Video #1.

http://www.powernationtv.com/episode...ls-tech-part-1

Video #2.

http://www.powernationtv.com/episode...ls-tech-part-2

[no1udknow]

well, I for one have developed a new plan for my truck... first, 4.8l ls because it can turn amazing r's. Then, once I have the money, TURBO!!!!

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by no1udknow

Oh my..... so I started googling "turbocbarving a 4.8l and found this article.... take the ti.e to read jt because it will change your mind about looking for a 6.0l for $2k

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/h...g_bang_theory/

I read hotrod somewhat normally... Needless to say I missed that article. Pretty darn impressive. I was thinking of using a 6.0 in my cheyenne....Ive seen several 4.8s lately in relatively low mile running condition for 6-700. I'm really rethinking the 6.0.

[Daaaanz67]

I would caution 3.07 gears if running 700R or 4l60. In town I manually down shift out of over drive. Great highway gears though. My tire diameter is approximately 27". Just speaking from experience 3.42 or 3.73 would be a better choice.

[Heavymetl]

Originally Posted by no1udknow

well, I for one have developed a new plan for my truck... first, 4.8l ls because it can turn amazing r's. Then, once I have the money, TURBO!!!!

The cheap part of a turbo build these days is actually the engine.

Spend your money on:
1) Fuel System
2) Tq Converter
3) Trans
4) Tune

I've got a 5.3 LM7 with LS6 cam, PAC1218 springs, BTR 7.425 pushrods, ching-chang Ebay head studs, LS9 head gaskets, all ready to install. I'll be making my own truck manifold hot side and using a PT7675CEA turbo. All on E85 with a 4L80E, I'm going for daily driver manners (which I use the truck for a lot already!) and ~650rwhp.

But believe me, the engine is the cheap and easy part.

[brad_man_72]

Lsx willys is running a 4.great. check out the denmah turbo kits and youtube videos.
Crusty nova is running a 5.3. Leroy brown has had several ls engines and has gone very quick for cheap.

Agreed with the engine being the cheap part of a high hp ls build. My 4l60e can't even handle my right foot with a stock 5.3.

[QueenCitySpeed]

I'm in the middle of an 4.8 swap in a 85 c10. It should be way cool. PCM of NC cam kit and Holley EFI.