2000 4.8L Turbo, need advice/suggestions
 

So, I know there are alot of threats up here on this topic. But it gets difficult and confusing trying to go through them all, to find the right information for my project. So here it goes,

2000 sierra, 4.8L, i have ordered a trick performance turbo kit, intercooled.
as well as a H20/meth injection kit. I also plan on replacing all main bolts with ARP bolts in the motor.
My questions lead more towards the cam/fueling side of things.

-I've read alot about people doing LS6 cams, i read its a good idea, but do i need to upgrade springs, valves or lifters in the heads to accommodate this?

-I plan on running a mild 5 - 8 psi of boost, STS makes a tunning kit, which includes 44lb/hr injectors, fuel pump, STS base tune, and Diablo sport tunner, is this a good move? or would I be better off with higher injectors like 60 or 80 and can i run a stock fuel pump?

If anyone has any other suggestions on what else to add to this setup, i would really appreciate the advice and suggestions

thanks!

With the LS6 cam you will need new springs. LS6 springs will work and are cheap. The LS6 cam also needs longer pushrods.

I would skip the tuning kit and get it done right. I would go with 60# injectors because you know you will be turning up the boost eventually. Get it tuned by a professional on a dyno with HPTuners or EFILive. You will also need a bigger fuel pump.

Get 60# injectors so u will for sure have enough fuel and still room for more boost. Drop in a walbro 255 for fuel pump get nelson or blackbear to send u a mail order tune if ur not local to a good tuner.

@ferocity02, do you know the length i will need? or should i be able to get that information from the local parts store when i order the LS6 cam and springs?

FIC has a good deal on 57# and 84# injectors with the connectors you need for plug and play.

Some run the LS6 cam with stock pushrods and some run the length after they measure what they need.. LS6 springs will work good also for a decent price.


Also skip the ARP everything stuff, just do head studs and LS9 head gaskets. but for only 5-8 psi you dont even have to do that.

Lonnies performance has a good deal on Walbro 255 pumps and up there close to ya.

Do NOT listen to what the local parts stores have to say. All they know how to do is type in part numbers and stock shelves. I think the correct length is 7.425", but do a search on here or ls1tech first. Measuring for the correct length is the best way however.

I'm also planning on starting a 4.8 turbo build but Im planning to push a little more boost, hopefully about 12 lb. I see a bunch of people are running LS7 lifters. Is it recommended to change to an aftermarket set of lifters?

Also, just read that the 05 and up rods on the 4.8s are a little beefier than the earlier years. Anyone know if the 05 and up rods are a direct swap for the older 4.8 rods. Thanks!

There really is no reason to swap them for 95% of the 4.8L builds. The earlier rods are proven to handle 700 wheel with a good tune. Money and time better spent else where in my opinion.

Got it! Sounds good to me. Say we were going to do LS6 cam, LS6 springs, and longer pushrods. Would it make sense or be a good idea to upgrade lifters and rockers too?

id do some ls7 lifters,and rocker trunion upgrade and your good