I have a 00 Silverado 4.8L, 192k Miles on engine and transmission, currently has a intake and high flow filter, flowmaster muffler, vette servo (soon to be installed). Still runs great though. I have driven other trucks with only 100k and didnt run this well.

Now I have the option of picking up a 5.3 complete w/ wire harness uncut, fuse box, and ECU with 130k miles for $500. Should I drop the $500 into the 5.3 or turbo the 4.8? I am looking for a little more power as its my DD truck.

Let me know what everyone thinks

 

Turbo the 4.8 would be a blast!!
Or turbo the 5.3

a simple front mount with a 70mm would be the ticket for that setup.

 

I've been reading that the 4.8 can make better numbers being turbo'd and takes the beating better then the 5.3.

I have little experience with turbos and cars, but nothing when it comes to turbos and trucks

Only thing that scares me is the higher mileage of my current 4.8, I have no idea what the mileage range is on these. Any insight on the mileage factor?

 

IF it has good oil pressure i wouldnt worry about it.. 192k aint nothing for one if its been half way taken care of.
Its not like the internals get magically weaker at a certain mileage. But it might have a lil more blow by.

I wouldnt hesitate to turbo it.

Theres guys gettin 250k mile junkyard 4.8 and 5.3s and pushing them hard with 20# boost.

Good Fuel and a good Tune is the key

 

Oh and a good transmission and good posi traction rear diff..

 

Replace rings, bearings, upgrade to some ARP rod bolts and have fun

 

Well I bought it from a guy that owned it since 2002 and it had 20k miles on it when he owned it. He had every service record from getting the alignment done, to getting the window switch replaced (oil changes, maintanance was all done). He took emaculate care of the mechanical end of things - The interior has a few stains and tears but not worried about that

Right now the oil pressure is around 60-70psi at like 3000rpms. at idle its around 40psi. I never see the needle go below 40psi for oil pressure (factory gauge). Is the factory oil pressure gauge accurate, or should I hook up a aftermarket one?

I am thinking I will go through Blackbear for a tune.

As for doing the rebuild like rings and bearings, that is a little hard. I rather have a spare long block if I am doing that then the truck is still driveable.

 

The stock 4L60E has the same mileage, Do you think I should look into rebuilding it or just put the vette servo, shift kit, and deep pan in and call it a day? I know the older 4L60Es (OBS) had issues with the sunshell and burning up clutches (i went through three OEM ones).

 

Or just run it
If it dies, go get that 5.3 and keep on goin .

 

I wouldnt waste a penny on it.. go ahead and line out a 4L80E and you will be glad you did.