I will try this in the proper section this time. I am in the process of building a 1999 4.8 and was in search of some good mods. The engine is going in a 76 vega wagon with 3.73 gears and a weight of only about 2700lbs. I will have a set of 1 3/4" headers and an ls1 intake.
I am just wondering what cam would be good in this engine? I would like the stall speed to stay in the 3000-3500 range.
The heads are off so I thought I would do some port and polish work. Would I benefit from running a thinner head gasket while I am at it or just stick with the stock stuff?
Any suggestions would be great. I am new to the ls engine family, used to the gen1 sbc, so need all the help I can get.
I know it is not a truck but, Thanks in advance.

 

is this gonna be a dd or a weekend warrior?

 

It will be a weekend warrior. I don't want to turbo it right now because the money is not there. It is a small tire car just mini tubs, no full tubs and big slicks. I am looking for 300-350 rwhp. More would be nice but don't want to have to put cage in right now. I would like to be able to cruise it around with the wife and kids when they want to go.

 

I would try to bump the comprssion up as much as possible while the heads are off. With a car that light, I'd say you'd be fine in the upper 220' low 230's IF the heads are worked a little bit to open the flow up some.

 

toss in a 5.3 crank and rods but use the 4.8 pistons and that will up the compression and be a 5.3!

 

I don't believe you can just toss in the crank and rods, I'd be willing to bet the pin height on the piston is different.

 

been done many a time

 

Hmm. interesting. How much did the cr increase?

 

I actually have a 5.3 crank but was told the pin hieght was different and it wouldn't work on the 4.8 pistons.

 

Would love to see pics. That will be a cool ride!!

My bro ran a 74 vega GT for years with a 406 small block, it would wheel stand out of the hole !