Right now I'm running the lil 4.8 that could and a 5 speed. I bought some 8.1 injectors, 5.3 rods/pistons, and 5.3 crank. Plan was to take the truck out of commission for a few and rebuild it as a 5.3. Then Ben put the almighty iron LS1 thought in my head Start getting leads on parts..and my roommate jumps ship. So for now the LS1 idea is out the window. Should I build the 5.3 that might? Or just keep trying to sell the parts( no interest as of yet...)

and for yall in a hurry...

Cliff notes:

Have 4.8
Bought parts to build 5.3
decided to go 5.7, but got shut out by roommate leaving
should i build the 5.3?

 

keep the 4.8 get a good set of heads that could work on the iron ls1 use them for a while with a cam then find a cheap 4.8 block; work on it to make the iron ls1 then swap it over. no down time still fun to keep interest and can go at your own pace to keep from going over your head in funding.

thats sort of my plans right now

 

I've got a 5.3 block still assembled, minus the heads, that needs to be rebuilt. I'd sell you $300 plus shipping. Make a great starting point. I'm not sure but the rods and crank are probably still good since the only thing that was wrong with it when pulled from the truck was a piston ring.

 

that was my original idea. but funds are short and will be for a long time. I can't afford heads if none of this stuff sells. I can spring for the cam here in a few weeks possibly, but other than that it's not getting much done for awhile. I figured since I had the parts and they won't sell...use them.

put a cam in the 4.8
build the 5.3 with my block and cam it
sell the stuff and leave it alone(NOT what I want to do. lol)

 

4.8 to 5.3 swap is not worth it IMO, especially if you have to build the 5.3. By the time you do it correctly and have the block honed and buy all new bearings and rings you'll be in it much more than buying a junkyard 5.3 and selling your complete 4.8, and you won't have much gain to show from it. Just my opinion. If I were in your shoes I'd sell the parts I have and save up for something better, like a 6.0 or LS1 or something.

 

I know. but that would be a long way off. Guess its time to follow BlackGMC's footsteps and build the 4.8 that could.