Toby Warford

So, someday soon I'll be doing a vortec swap in my Dakota. Already made on post on the topic but here goes another one.

I've been toying with the idea of using a 4.8 instead. (Much cheaper and it'll be hilarious when someone ask what they got beat by)

Anyways, what do you think I'd squeeze out of a 4800 at the crank with these factors:

Base engine 05+06 285 HP from factory new
Custom true cold air intake with the best filter I can get (I'll cut out my cowl hood and it'll be just like ram air)
Electric fans
Stock manifolds since I can't use long tubes on a 4wd and shorties are worthless)
2.5" dual exhaust with x or h pipe (or should I do a single 3" with a dually outlet muffler?)
Decent cam (the size that's usually suggested for these engines, can't quote it off the top of my head, will also get the ls6 springs and other stuff to go with it)

​​​​​​everything else stock, with the exception of right after all the upgrades are in and the truck gets running, it'll get a custom live tune for 93 octane from BBP or similar.

Oh, I've pretty much made up my mind I'll be running an nv3500 for ease of swap and for fun of driving. Also less power train hp loss vs a slush box.

Think with that stuff 345 at the crank would be realistic in a perfect world? What would that translate to the wheels? It's usually 10-15% loss right so would 300whp be realistic? (This is down from my previous goal of 350whp, and I've opted for a fun truck to drive, and get the best mpg I can to do more cruising)(a 5.3 swap in a Dakota 2wd cab and a half reported 24.5 mpg with no mods, and no tuning)

So, shoot it to me straight with the 4.8 mods I have listed. If I'm off please be frank (or Joe if that tickles your fancy lol)


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tfi racing

iTrader: (2)

It will be better than the wheezy weak puke Dodge engine in it now,hp numbers don't really matter or really impress anyone...

Toby Warford

You're an idiot, go away with your non sense.

billymgb1000

Toby sounds good to me, if you want to squeeze a little more out of her. you can do what I'm going to do. I have a 4.8 in a 1974 mgb and I am going to put a 5.3 crank and rods in with the 4.8 pistons (they are flat tops) so what I will end up with is a high compression 5.3. I am also running a GM hot cam in my 4.8 now and will keep it. not sure what hp I will have but should be pretty cool. good luck with yours and keep us informed on how you do.

JoeNova

Fuel economy difference between the 4.8 and 5.3 is almost zero despite the difference in displacement.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

Said the FNG with 5 posts...... Not a real good way to introduce yourself to a forum you're new to. But, I'm sure I'm going to be an idiot too.....

243

tfi is right on the money, the 318 in my 99 Dodge was a fuel sucking pig, 12mpg and even with the optional 3.92 gears, gutless.

etijsma

The 4.8 is pretty gutless as well.

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

Yeah, guess I'm not the only one who caught that. Can I be an idiot too?

Toby Warford

thanks for the info. however,if I wanted to go that route, id go with an L33.

Toby Warford

more good info, thanks

Toby Warford

im not new here, only new to having an account and posting. I came here looking for advice on a set up. of course I know all about the engine in my truck, why else would I be here? and for him to say HP numbers don't matter is completely irrelevant. of course they matter! that's a huge amount of what this forum is all about.


so yes, the first guy I quoted is an idiot. if I wanted dribble like that id go back to the dodge forum. but obviously that's not what im after.

Toby Warford

bet your plenum was blown, and im sure you know those gears didn't help it. I get around 17 with mine on a good trip. but, that's irrelevant here.

Toby Warford

again, go away idiot. the 318 in my truck now does what I want it do alright as it is. but its time for a better set up and have some more fun. even if id leave the 4.8 stock, its still a decent upgrade in specs in what I have now. this isn't your build, don't comment and what doesn't work for you.

chuckd71

iTrader: (23)

I'm not sure I understand what you want people to say. You say shoot it to you straight then call every Frank and Joe an idiot. Basically your post was "If I do a cam swap in a 4.8 can I pick up 60hp?", is that the gist of it?
Isn't the compression ratio of the 4.8 only 8.8? If you aren't increasing it what is the reason for using 93 octane? I'm asking because I don't know

etijsma

There is no need on being a dick.

Tell you what, drive a truck with a 4.8 and find out.

Toby Warford

didi you even bother to read my whole post? Oh, and 4.8's have flat top pistons. They have right around 9.5 compression factory. And the 93 octane gives better results on a custom tune vs 87. And a lot of people report better mpg with the 93 vs 87 tune. Even if it costs more in the long run, I'll still be getting a lot better mpg then I currently am anyways. So no reason not to get a 93 tune.

Base engine has 285hp.

I plan on minimum doing:
Small cam
Good exhaust system
Electric fans
custom true cold air intake
custom live tune from black bear or similar.

Just wondering if 345 at the crank is realistic, and 300 at the wheels​.
That's all, nothing more, nothing less. I didnt ask what people's opinions where on which vortec would be best to use. I've chosen what I want to start with. Because it suits me. If I wanted max hp from all upgrades I'd start with an lq9.

Toby Warford

talk about being a hypocrite. You started being a dick to begin with. As stated, if I wanted something else I'd start with an L33 or lq9 to begin with. The 4.8 stock would still be great for me compared to what I have now. Everyone always goes 5.3 or 6.0. I don't want to be like everyone else nor do I need that. But no reason not to give the little 4.8 some love to begin with while it's already out.

I've driven trucks with the 4.8. suits me just fine. And it'll be going into something that's lighter and better geared then a Silverado anyways.

I know what I want, I'm just looking for people who knows their **** and tell me if I'm off on my numbers based on the short list I've given. If I am, tell me what that list would make at the crank and at the wheel.

Thanks.

33willys

iTrader: (1)

Don't think anyone could tell you anything!

Toby Warford

umm.. ok then.