4.8 turbo or 5.3 turbo?
 

Right now I have a 4.8 RCSB like it says in the sig. In 6 months when I get back where my truck is I was wanting to do a turbo setup similar to another person on here by the name of foose04 most of you most likely know.

So the thing is, it has 120k miles on it. It runs like brand new nothing wrong with it nothing ever has, but its just the number I dont like. I was thinking since you can, for the most part, buy a 5.3 for cheapish, would it be worth the trouble converting to the 5.3 for a few less miles and a little more torque? Or just keep the 120k 4.8? I like the thought of swapping too since I can also swap my headers I got too

Any help is appriciated

No, keep the 4.8 in until its actually time to pull it. these motors are blessed with the talent of mating with boost like man and women do. and the mileage is about perfect. from what i've seen and heard they like to be "broken" in a bit before being boosted and that's a good break-in number. IMO i think you should keep the 4.8 unless your just wanting to spend lots of money and have to be the fastest truck out there (which is gonna be hard)

Keep the 4.8 for now.

Installing a good turbo kit mskes your 4.8 a much stronger engine.
Plus can always upgrade the engine later.

Let me know if we can help you with your build.

I wouldn't even consider swapping to a 5.3, the 4.8 will take much more abuse. If you want to upgrade something, go get yourself a set of head studs and LS9 gaskets and boost away.

Yep, boost the "little" 4.8 to BIG numbers!!! I did with my original 4.8 ;)

Wow I got alot of replies quick, thanks! :)

Iv also heard how well these do with boost. I originally planned on swapping an ls1 in the truck but this seems more for the money. Haha, not looking to be THE fastest, but would like to be one of them :jest:

Thanks! Thats what I need. Not too familiar with FI as I am normally.... But like said earlier, It will be after this 6 months at least. Most people seem to go with a 76mm and an 80e swap?

Why do you say the 4.8 would take much more abuse? Correct me if im wrong but the only difference between the two would be the crank and bore right?

I see KBracing and trickperformance everywhere in each thread. Im not trying to favor here :P haha

the 4.8 and 5.3 have the same bore, but the 4.8 has a shorter stroke. and its proven, do a few searches to see how far people are pushing them. head studs and some meth or e85 will allow you to take it a long ways.

Stroke I mean yes. Well come think of it I do see more 4.8 turbo trucks than 5.3. Wasnt entirely sure why. Forgive me if its stupid, but what EXACTLY is e85? Familiar with it being used just never messed with it personally

gotta lot of replies because the answer was simple enough to give you.