I currently have my '01 RCSB with it's bone stock 4.8 being force fed by a MP T70 on 9 lbs. I swapped in a stock 4L80E with a trans go lvl 2 kit and a tight stock converter (miserable to launch). It has a 4 in downpipe and exhaust/muffler. I was told that it put down 445 rwhp when it was tuned. I am ready to step it up.
I have a low mile complete '05 L33 to build so that I can do the swap in as short of time as possible as this is my DD. I am looking for input on proven combinations. Don't ask what my specific goal is because I don't really have one but this is not a max effort build. I'd rather just see what other people have had success with. This needs to continue to run on 91 octane. I am open to the use of meth. I am looking advice on cam, springs, turbo, injectors for the most part but also stall and maybe gearing. Once again this is my every single day driver but I am ok with some lope.

 

Not much help here, but in for results.

 

I think there is a lot to be had on your current setup. But, if you are dead set on swapping motors and assuming minimal build budget...

-Triple 12 Cam (pm stock48)
-ls9 head gaskets
-arp head studs
-springs of your choice
-80lb injectors
-circle d 3kish stall

It's difficult to build without a budget or power goal, but this should get you started.

 

I guess it wouldn't hurt to just push the 4.8 and if it ever gives up, then swap the parts to the 5.3. I was thinking about getting a hold of circle d and having them spec me a converter. The rest of that list I am pretty familiar with except the triple 12 cam. I will have to look that up. I am not knowledge-less on this all just looking for proven combos.

 

Ordered a Circle D today and was advised to get 80 lb injectors by my tuner so we can play with E85. Also going to do a twin pump set up to feed it.

I need a turbo!

 

Well over the weekend my 4.8 finally gave up it's head gasket. Time to get the 5.3 together. I have a turbo cam, arp studs, 80lb injectors and already installed the ~3200 Circle D. Just need to get springs and LS9 gaskets.
I have a TC78 that will be going on it when it goes back together also. Should be fun!

 

How much boost were you pushing when the gasket let go?

 

Well it's a bone stock 172k mile 4.8 but I run 9-10lbs. I beat the hell out of it pretty much every day. I was running very late for something on Saturday morning and was in boost for most of a 30 min drive. It's still driveable but under boost is building a lot of pressure in the cooling system.

 

Just because I like to see these things pushed until absolute death, I would probably pull the heads, stud it, ls9 gaskets, and beat it to death. That's just me though, especially if I had a spare engine on stand by.

 

Definitely some bolt stretch. Stock gaskets are good to over 20psi with studs.