OK, there is another thread where someone is doing exatly what I am doing and his plans are almost exactly the same. But I have some questions.

**NEWB ALERT**
This is the first engine I have built I have done what research I can and even made a nifty xcell spread sheet comparing alot of things between the LR4 LM7 LQ4 and LS1 (if anyone wants shoot me a PM and I will e-mail) so if I have asked a blatantly obvious and stupid question I apologize in advance.


The Plan

*Build a nice junkyard motor on the Cheap using a 4.8/5.3 (got them for 150 each)
*Using 4.8 block (5.3 block was annihilated)
*4.8 Pistons (Flat top higher compression)
*Whichever head looks to be in the best shape (They are identical yes)
*Some form of cam upgrade but I want to maximize torque this is going in a rock crawler so HP doesn't really mean ****
*New bearings seals etc hone block and all that good stuff you should do when it is STRIPPED
*LS1 oil pan (Camaro better clearance)
*Possible bore it out to a 5.7 if I can find stock LS1 pistons for cheap and feel like spending the money at a machine shop, but not likely


The Questions

*How much are the 5.3 pistons dished (trying to figure what my compression change will be so I can choose headgasket accordingly)
*What can I run for compression and still run PUMP GAS
*What is good cam to bring the BOTTOM end alive this is all about going slow!
*Is there anything I am forgetting or should do when I have the engine all in nice pretty peices?
*What is a good outlet to pick up any odds and ends I may be missing?


Used Parts I am After

*Camaro Oil Pan, Pick Up Tube, Dip Stick, and Dip Stick Tube
*Ignition "stuff" coils etc. (Have wires yay)


Thanks in advance for any help you can offer, oh and I am uploading some picks of the 4.8 that I tore down tonight everything looks to be in very good shape, with the exception of the oil pan.

PICS(Not very exciting)