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4.8 vs 5.3 Questions

Old 08-31-2010, 08:35 PM
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Default 4.8 vs 5.3 Questions

I just want to verify something. I have a friend selling the 4.8 out of his truck. I did the research and found that the 4.8 and the 5.3 have the exact same bore but have different stroke. Now, my question is: Can I build the 347 that I want to build with a 4.8L block?
Old 08-31-2010, 08:45 PM
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The bore difference about .15" (or close to that) Idk how much boring that block can take but that's quite a bit lol.
Old 08-31-2010, 08:53 PM
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All the research I've done came up with:

4.8L - 96.01 mm bore
88 mm stroke

5.3L - 96.01 mm bore
92 mm stroke
Old 08-31-2010, 08:55 PM
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Yep. If you take the size in MM and divide it by 25.4 that will give you the number in Inches (since that's what people are used to). Like I said, I'm not sure how much that block will bore before it is too much.
Old 08-31-2010, 09:01 PM
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I just realized you said 5.3 not 5.7 haha.. That looks do-able now that we are on the same page XD
Old 08-31-2010, 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Ethan[ws6]
I just realized you said 5.3 not 5.7 haha.. That looks do-able now that we are on the same page XD
haha....that's what I was making sure of. I know everyone builds the 347 which is 3.905 bore from a 5.3, so it should be possible with the 4.8 and my stock crank, correct?
Old 08-31-2010, 09:09 PM
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Unless there is something about it that doesn't allow the cranks to interchange then it should work.. I would just make sure that you do a lot of research before you start building. Good luck!
Old 08-31-2010, 09:37 PM
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4.8 and 5.3 blocks are the same. The only way they really differentiate them from what I heard is a paint mark on the outside on the 4.8/5.3 numbers designating which it is. So yes you can build it, and actually make up to a 383 if you decided to go with a 4" stroker crank on the 3.905 bore.
The 4.8 shared the same bore as the 5.3, just had different pistons (flat top), as well as different rods and a different crank. The 5.3 has the same size rods and crank as the LS-1
Old 09-01-2010, 08:24 PM
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I am internal engine retarded! If the bore size will be 3.905, then will I need to order 3.905 bore pistons? Do they come "sized" for the right bore? I'm sure that if the ID of the cylinder is 3.905 and the OD of the piston is 3.905, they ain't gonna fit! Another stupid question: What length rods for stock LS crank to make 347 c.i.d??

Any info any of you guys can give me is very much appreciated!
Old 09-01-2010, 10:59 PM
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You are better off buying the pistons first before you have it bored, and take them with you to the machine shop so they can spec everything properly. Also 3.905 is an overbore of the stock ls1 bore (I believe its 3.898 without looking it up). You can also run standard bore ls1 pistons, just most aftermarket are 3.905.
I believe LS1 and 5.3 rods are 6.100", but there is also a slightly longer aftermarket rod offered at 6.125" to keep the rod more centered in the stroke.

Honestly for the sounds of it with the possible cost of boring, it may be cheaper to find another ls1 or ls6 block. There are plenty out there, especially with everyone switching to gen IV.

You can also take the 4.8 block, leave the 4.8 pistons and swap in a ls1 or 5.3 crank & rods. This will give you a high compression 5.3, which some others have done here, and actually had some impressive results.

It all depends on your intentions and goals, just have to figure them out, and as long as its cost effective that 4.8 can be built to 5.3 (323) 5.7 (346) or 6.3 (383)
Old 09-02-2010, 01:15 PM
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Does anyone know what the Max lift on those truck head valve springs? I have a 2008 4.8 and doin a cam swap without changing my springs. What the Max I can go. Sorry to bump into someone else's thread
Old 09-02-2010, 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 08 silverado z28
Does anyone know what the Max lift on those truck head valve springs? I have a 2008 4.8 and doin a cam swap without changing my springs. What the Max I can go. Sorry to bump into someone else's thread
less than .550. pushing it.
.525 more realistic. esp if have lot of miles on stock springs.
dont make sense to use aftermarket cams with stock springs. unless your using a gm hot or ls6 cam. even then you should at least upgrade to ls6/ls2 springs.
Old 09-02-2010, 01:53 PM
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Yeah I was goin to ls6 cam. So stock springs for a ls6 would go right on my truck heads? 01 ls6 goes .525 on lift but 02+ goes. 556 I think. So if I used ls6 springs with my ls6 cam I should b good? Where can I go to get stock replacement parts like that?
Old 09-02-2010, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by BoostJunkieXL
I just want to verify something. I have a friend selling the 4.8 out of his truck. I did the research and found that the 4.8 and the 5.3 have the exact same bore but have different stroke. Now, my question is: Can I build the 347 that I want to build with a 4.8L block?
Why would you want a iron block 347? You still need a 5.3 or 5.7 crank, and rods along with the major overbore to get to 347.

I think you are trying to do things the hard way. You would be better off buying a used 6.0 iron block truck engine. The heads are better than the 4.8's, and you can have more power for less work ($).


My $.02


Jon
Old 09-02-2010, 05:40 PM
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fyi the headgasket has a lil tab protruding out the side that will say 5.3 or 4.8 which is the easiest way to identify which one you have
Old 09-02-2010, 06:07 PM
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I read somewhere that if the last two numbers on your block was 58 that it was a 4.8. Does any one know if this is true
Old 09-02-2010, 06:13 PM
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do what Jon says,he is correct .
Old 09-02-2010, 07:20 PM
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Bascially I want to stay as close to stock bore size. Just a personal preference.
Old 09-02-2010, 08:01 PM
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Default to bore or not

this is just my 2 cents. why would anyone go thru the trouble of a rebuild bore/stroke any lsx motor? if u truly know them, then u must know they are all great from the start. i have a buddy with a carbed 4.8, & it is scary. trust me when i say he believes in laughing gas. most all to the truck motors can be had for reasonable price, from the bone yards. once you go thru the trouble of buying new pistons, crankshaft, rings, balance internals, machining the block and trust that the machine shop is on point with measurements, that cost will more than offset a new lsx motor. i will never rebuild another motor unless lsx motors are discontinued in the junk yards, and by that time ill have a hotrod spaceship.
Old 09-02-2010, 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by dec010974
this is just my 2 cents. why would anyone go thru the trouble of a rebuild bore/stroke any lsx motor? if u truly know them, then u must know they are all great from the start. i have a buddy with a carbed 4.8, & it is scary. trust me when i say he believes in laughing gas. most all to the truck motors can be had for reasonable price, from the bone yards. once you go thru the trouble of buying new pistons, crankshaft, rings, balance internals, machining the block and trust that the machine shop is on point with measurements, that cost will more than offset a new lsx motor. i will never rebuild another motor unless lsx motors are discontinued in the junk yards, and by that time ill have a hotrod spaceship.
+1
If ur looking for more cubes just buy a stock 6liter they can be had for about 800$ but if u must have the 4.8 leave it stock and put boost to it

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