I have this posted in the project gallery, but not a soul has responded to any questions below....

Also, wanted to say this is an awesome site with lots of great folks!


I think I want an engine and transmission from a Chevrolet Express Van so I can get a 4.8L with a 4L80E wiring harness, then swap out that 2wd 4L80E for a 4WD 4L80E (advance adapters kit to adapt to a Toyota transfer case requires a 4WD 4L80E)



Here are my parameters and expectations for the engine/tranny/computer:


1. Be able to obtain 17+ HWY mpg in a 5,000lb '89 Toyota Landcruiser

2. Be able to Turbocharge with a T04R turbo that I already have and obtain 380-400rwhp at 8-10psi of boost ideally without meth injection or intercooling

3. Be reliable and super stout with a 200,000 mile minimum life for the combination (not counting a bad tank of gas or a bad tune)

4. Be able to move up in size of tire if I do a Spring over Axle swap on my Landcruiser and go to 35-37" tires (the weight of the vehicle and the demand on the transmission if turbocharged would be my reasoning for having the 4L80E)


__________________________________________________ _______________

Here are my questions:

1. Is there a specific best -year or model to start with on the 4.8L?

I have been looking at the LY2 engines because they don't seem to have the DOD or active fuel managment or VVT complications for the tuning integration and the LY2 supposedly had some marked improvements over the earlier engines/ECM's.


2. If I start with the Chevy Express van ECM with a factory 2wd 4L80E/ 4.8L engine, it won't have an issue controlling a similar year model 4WD 4L80E will it?

3. The Express vans seem to have really low horsepower ratings, is this because of a super tiny camshaft and no other changes to the engine or head design?

4. What is a great, cheap, reliable cam for good mileage and big power increase whether N/A or later turbocharged? Z06 cam from a certain year model or other cam to use?

5. Is the stock intake good to stick with or is there a different model or design that is worth swapping for cheap? Or, do I just stay with what it comes with and put the boost to it? What injectors do I need to run for 380-450whp boosted?

6. Do the later LY2 or L20 engines/ECM's present a big hurdle for a tuner or for me using HPtuners? I have tuned and worked on some aftermarket ECM's before, but no factory tuner setups....

7. Will I need to install ARP head studs and rod bolts right away along with new headgaskets, or should I be ok in lower boost levels as long as I keep it happy with my wideband AFR meter?



Thank You all!

 

Why a 4.8L gas mileage out of boost? You can build the kind of power you want with a 6.0L.

What transfercase are you using? Are you swapping axles? I assume not because of the offset axle housings.

If your transfer case engages by hand, the computer won't care.

Cheap camshaft would be the z06 cam. You want the 02+. The 01 isn't the same.

You pick what ever intake that clears your hood.

Skip the arp stuff. Leave the bottom end alone and buy either eBay studs or replacement tty head bolts.

If you're planning on boost you could throw in the ls9 head gaskets.