MaxFubar

Hi all. I have a '69 C10 long bed that's been hanging around the shop for a while and have wanted to make it the test-bed for an LS swap. Cue the donor truck. I found an '01 Silverado local that has the tar beat out of the exterior but is mechanically sound for $1000, complete bumper to bumper. 4.8L/4L60E. Ideally I wanted a 5.3L or even 6.0L. Question is, would it be worth starting out with this donor? Initially I want to have a reliable daily driver and a potential for a turbo install later on down the road(nothing crazy, just something else to play with). From what I've read the 5.3 makes for a better starting point, but honestly I'm a little limited based on where I'm at here in the NW TX panhandle. Most folks around here drive their pickups until they grenade and I haven't been able to ****** up any of the 5.3s from junkyards around here either.

76larkman

go for it as there is nothing wrong with a 4.8. Later u can rebuild it as a 5.3 as same block, change crank and rods. Lots of turbos are done on stock 4.8 engines. U can use lt1swap.com site to do wiring yourself. Old trucks swallow Ls engines easier than cars for fitment. I put a 5.3 in my 88 square body style truck without changing anything on engine. Ebay mounts and shorty headers was all I needed.

Stampede4ever

4.8's are good little motors, see if you can get it for less, $750.00 or $800.00 would be worth it!

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

I would use it, then later down the line if you come across a 5.3 or 6.0, it would just be a matter of swapping an engine, no fab required and that could be done in a day.

1964SS

iTrader: (1)

4.8s are awesome for a turbo. That little stroke high rev is perfect!

Stampede4ever

What is a safe rpm for a turbo 4.8?

Thanks.

MaxFubar

Good news. Worked out a better deal. Getting the engine/trans/harness/etc. for $700. Gotta love a deal.

SumDumKid

iTrader: (10)

4.8 is a great starting point, especially if you want a good DD. I say grab the little 4.8, get everything working, and then you can swap out to a bigger motor or rebuild this one down the road.

MaxFubar

Sad day. 4.8L swap engine is locked down hard. Glad I got to look it over before I threw money at it. Not wanting to even chance the trans given the overall condition and reassurance I got that everything was mechanically sound with the engine. *sigh* No LS motor today, maybe someday.....