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I see a set of 220 PRC heads just popped up near me, and I'm tempted, but then they might sit here for what could be years.
I like the idea of that 3.86 crank, but honestly, I just don't have the budget to do what I want, and haven't even finished thinking this all through or learning what I need to. Swapping a 6.0 is easy to say, but I just honestly know it's going to take me weeks if not months to do compared to what somebody who knows what they are doing could do in days. I'll just say I'm a disabled veteran, and don't have anywhere near the stamina or ability to just do work like I used to. Even installing those Caltracs, I want to say was a 3 or 4 day event. If I install an unknown motor, (that I never even heard run), and then something happens, I'm screwed. I really would love to just have it done, but I want to have it rebuilt, if I don't just sell it and buy something different. Then when it's ready, I plan on having a decent bit of cash on hand so that I can get parts if I need em, and can see if I can find someone who wants to help when I get stuck, or is willing to come help for a day to get a good portion done. It's a little annoying, but it's the right decision. A cam kit won't be that bad. The summit ones are about $500.
We could see going either way. In most eyes, the 6.0 swap seems like a no-brainer. At the same time, we understand you want to get your feet wet by doing a cam swap on the 4.8. Maybe get some performance out of it with a bit of an idle. All while being daily driver friendly and not lunging at stop lights. Something to "hold you over for a few years" as you said. The SUM-8719R1 that @68Formula recommended is a great fit for your goals with the 4.8.
We'll throw a wrench in the mix. In post 27 you mentioned having an aluminum 5.3 that's bored out .020". There's still plenty of life left in that. Where is it in its current state? Chances are it has the better Gen IV rods and flat-top pistons. If you had 243/799 heads to go with it that's a great running little combo. You already have a TBSS intake and 90mm TB to top it off. We'd like to hear more about that 5.3 that you have and what you have to go on it.
You mentioned wanting to get to 500whp. That will take a good bit to get there without forced induction with the three engines you have at your disposal. Then you need to be careful with the combo you put together to keep it daily-friendly. With the current 4.8, you're somewhere in the 200+whp range. Another 100+whp on top of that is going to feel like a whole new vehicle and put a smile on your face
We're here to help along with the community. Let us know more about that 5.3 and we'll be happy to further assist you!
Here's how I bought the 5.3. It's a bare block, and it LOOKS LIKE it's ready to go, but I would still have to get it checked out. Without wasting too much time, I like to keep an eye on the auctions (hibid.com). I found one close that was a repair shop going out of business. Bought a Ramco 30 ton shop press for $80, a few other things I don't remember, and this with the stand was $15.
I really have been looking at heads and the 243s flow just about what I could max out with. I've been trying to see if I can find a set of 243/799s, do a light port from what I can learn off youtube videos, and that SHOULD flow everything the 4.8 can handle. I think I have a better chance of getting the 799s for cheap if I can pull em. Then mill em to reduce the chamber and raise compression. I think that would make me a pretty happy camper. I see a set of 243s for $350 shipped, would cost me $200 to mill em (based on the first search I found for shop rates). I would have to buy the bits, but I have the time to do em. In the long run, I really wouldn't mind an aluminum 5.3, even 4.8.
I haven't talked to him yet, but Nelson Performance is 20 minutes away. They are known across the country, just seems ridiculous not to go there, (as long as I'm doing the work at home, or even on base thats right up the road from them).
If the 6.0 turns out to be a turd you could swap the cam into the 5.3 and your only out your labor and time off the road. I'd check out the 6.0 by pulling heads and oil pan reseal and send...
Cam kit for $500? That does not include any gaskets or lifters or any of the oil/coolant you are going to need.
A good cam swap is looking at $1200 minimum.
With a Summit brand kit, I think you can knock $300-$500 off that price. I see they tested theirs against BTR, Cam motion and Texas Speed, and it's right there with em.
These are the 4 cams in that video in post #24:
Summit CAM -------------------- 600/585 212/218 dur 110 LSA +3 (440hp and 423lb ft)
Cam Motion 03-01-0187 ------- 553/553 216/224 dur 108 LSA +3 (440hp and 423lb ft)
Brian Tooley Truck Norris cam - 553/553 212/22X dur 107.5 LSA (443hp and 421lb ft)
Texas speed Chopacabra --------550/550 214/222 dur 108 LSA (442hp and 424lb ft)
Maybe I just don't don't enough about em, but I'm not looking for every last bit. The $300-$400 difference isn't worth 2hp and 1lb ft to me, and the larger LSA should help smooth it out some. I don't know if that lift is making not really a fair comparison. Their kits don't include lifters or trays, but they do include valve guides and springs. New bare heads are $1300 for the cheapest non-speedmaster option. I found heads that are milled, ported, and ready to bolt on for $900 and $1200, (You might know who zane from waxahachie is). There are options out there, but at the moment I'm being cheap.
I plan on just replacing the thermostat and gaskets. I still have 13 or 14 oil filters, and always have enough oil for a change or two on hand. Getting a cam and heads for $1500 is in the budget right now (and probably the, I pull the heads price), $2500 is not, and in between is where I'm trying to make this work.
If the 6.0 turns out to be a turd you could swap the cam into the 5.3 and your only out your labor and time off the road. I'd check out the 6.0 by pulling heads and oil pan reseal and send...
It's my only vehicle. If it was a few years ago prices, I would get one. You can't buy anything that runs well for under $3k-$5k, and I just don't want to deal with that now. I would have to find reasons to take it out to drive it, just to keep it going. (I'm just about finished building an e-bike just because I don't want to deal with it. Does 38mph, and will have a no pedal range of 25 miles. A beach cruiser with ape hangars to get me by).
I know some of yall can do it in a couple days, it probably took me a week just to pull the 6.0 out. I'm expecting it might take a week or two to swap, but I think I can wait to do it right. I've already been waiting for a long time as it is.
I'm expecting doing the cam and heads will probably take me a few days. A lot of it is learning. I'm cool with learning on the 4.8 and hoping that teaches me a few things for when the 6.0 or whatever comes along.
02-22-2023, 03:23 AM
