Ok after a long debate with the wife, I have around 15K to spend on the truck. I dont have dreams of more than 500hp, my goal was more in the 375-400 range.

I plan on 10K for power and drivetrain upgrades
FLT Level 5 4L65E (undecided on vac mod upgrade, opinons?)
Trans cooler
Truetrac
Injectors/fuel pump (dependent on FI choice)
Torque Converter (dependent of FI choice, opinions?)
As far as tuning im planning on Nelson
If you believe I've missed any other important items please chime in.

Now the decision I'm having trouble making is between Radix/STS/Trick. I plan on towing ~4000lbs 2-3 times a month between 100-150 miles. I've read the pros/cons of each of the systems. My main concern is durability and reliability, other than that how much more will I have to spend to make the system complete? I've also debated an engine swap however, my mechanical skills are limited to turning bolts. There are several guys I work with willing to help me but that will be an added cost.

All information/opinions welcomed, thanks in advance.

 

If you want FI that is complete kit, then my recommendation would be a Radix with a 2600 stall. Magnuson has some of the best directions out of all of the FI companies. It will tow, go, and be within your budget. Definately get the FLT tranny because you will need it.

 

Thanks for the advice, I found a couple of more threads that I seem to have overlooked and I think I'll give the radix a go. So now I just have to decide on stall and if you guys know of anything else I may have overlooked.

 

I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a 4.8. Your first priority should be to get a 6.0! Yes it will add to the cost, but you will be more satisfied with the results, especially for towing as much as you do. A used 6.0 long block can be had for $600 and all of your 4.8 parts and accessories will swap over. You could sell the 4.8 for $300 or maybe $400. Since you are going to add a supercharger you would want to replace the stock cast pistons with forged pistons and ARP rod bolts, even on the 4.8. So either block would get new pistons, rings and bearings. Once again, you'll want to upgrade the cam with either engine, so why not do it on a 6.0? Get a cam, lifters, hardened pushrods, springs and a timing set for about $600. After its all said and done the 6.0 long block will cost $600 but you sell your 4.8 for $300 so that's a cost of $300. It could be argued that the 4.8 wouldn't need new bearings, so add another $100. You said your freinds would help with the swap so the labor is free. So you are looking at $400 to upgrade to the 6.0! Its a no brainer!

Yogi

 

6.0 is a nice option. If he wants FI which will cost 5k plus 6.0 build with forged bottom end, cam, etc plus the tranny, he will most likely go over budget. He could just get a factory 6.0 LQ4 with a Radix. That might be something to think about.

 

I'm open for almost anything, my main concern is that I'm not a mechanic nor do I claim to be. I would be willing to attempt a 6.0 swap but when it comes to installing a cam, pistons, rods, and springs. I'm not willing to take on that task without professional help. Yes, my friends have offered their assistance. However, not only are they what most would refer to as "shade tree mechanics" but the better of the bunch, requested compensation for his time. Nothing too costly but his mechanical skills I do not believe are up to par with what this task entails. So I would instead have to get a professional to perform the more in-depth maintenance on the motor. I have read that 8ALTNG, I believe, has a forged 4.8L he is willing to sell. Coincidently, I happen to be within driving distance of him. Now, the added cost of this motor could indeed break my budget, or cause me to cut corners in other areas. My budget is 15k, 1/3 of which I set aside for body/paint/interior. Nothing too extravagant. A fact I failed to mention is that I also plan on braking/suspension upgrades to complete the package.

*Added* I do believe that a motor swap is within my capabilities, however the swapping internal components is not. Installing a fully built motor instead of FI is something I'm willing to consider, but I have not researched it completely. It would require additional parts and money that I have not accounted for. I have another 80 days before I get back to the states and begin this project. I would like to have the parts waiting on me, as I am due to PCS shortly after my return.

 

first off you WILL NOT find a 6.0 long block for 600 maybe a bare block but not a longblock.

a 6.0 longblock w/ low miles will cost you about $1500, which is not bad

IMO waht you should do is get a 6.0 longblock and swap it out, do all the boltons, and add a radix with a 3.0 pulley and you have 450hp+ add in the flt trans and aftermarket locker and you have it made

6.0 - figure $2k to have a little room to grow
flt trans - $2500
radix - $5k
gears and lsd - $1k
tune - $500 on a dyno

and you have a reliable 450hp

 

Given the same scenerio, 15k and a 2003 ecsb with a 4.8, I would buy a 6.0 LQ9 or LQ4, cam package, converter, trans, LSD, gears, and tuning for the above.

motor ~2k
cam package ~650
converter ~600
Trans ~1800
Installation for above ~1200
LSD and gears installed ~800
Tuning ~500

So for around 7500 installed, you can easily put down 350-400 rwhp that can tow what you want and still have 2500 left over. And if that doesnt suit your needs, drop another 1400 on a killer nitrous sytem.

Dont forget about the suspension drop, caltracs, rims, and tires.

Unless your paint is really f'ed up or going full show, I would not worry about a paint job. Because being a daily driver, it is going to get nicks and dings. Save the remaining cash to buy something nice for the wife/house.

 

As far as appearance I'm looking at this for 5k.
2" Cowl Hood ~450
Rims/Tires 1500 shipped
Tint ~200
Front and Rear bumpers ~300 possibly included in body work.
I have a dent/crease in my rear passenger quarter from someone backing into me the same accident damaged my rear bumper. As far as the front I let my wife drive the truck, nuff said. Other than that just the usual parking lot, doors and shopping car dents. I have a friend in SoCal that was going to hook me up for around 2k for paint/body/leather seats- I plan on going from the stock pewter color to storm gray.

I was looking at 10k for the rest.
Shocks/Swaybars ~600
Brakes ~400
LSD ~500
Transmission ~2500
LT w/ ORY ~500 if necessary
Tuning ~500

So that leaves me around 5k. I'll probably buy the suspension/brakes while I'm out here so that will bring me back up to 6k. I'm also still undecided on the torque converter.

If I feel it was necessary I will completely avoid the appearance mods. I'm not 100% in love with aftermarket rims and I can always due without paint and body repairs. I like the look of the hood but again its not necessary. Now that I think about it, my truck would be a pretty sick sleeper without the appearance changes.

The only problem is that this is a one time agreement with the wife. I'm supposed to be done with the truck after this. However, since I have to wait until I move for the paint, I might be able to con my wife into the appearance mods at that point.

 

I'm getting a pretty big bonus and I'm buying her a brand new minivan that she wants so bad

BTW you said 2k for an LQ4 would that be a complete motor? Another concern I have with a motor swap is if my stock cooling system (28in radiator I believe) would be sufficient.