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4.8 and 5.3 differences

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Old 02-11-2009, 06:33 PM
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Default 4.8 and 5.3 differences

I'm feeling like a total newb right now, but I can't find the info I'm looking for and I swear I saw a thread on it not more than two days ago.

The 4.8 and 5.3 use nearly all the same parts right? The 5.3 is just a stroked 4.8?

What all would it take to make the 4.8 in my truck into a 5.3? Would it be cheaper than finding another 5.3 completely assembled?

Counting on you guys to shed some light on it for me.
Old 02-11-2009, 06:47 PM
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alright just to give you a heads up the search function is there for a reason but to answer your question the differences are the pistons & the heads pretty positive that's it IIRC

The Vortec 5300, or LM7/LM4/L59/L33, is a V8 truck engine. It is a stroked (by 9 mm) version of the Vortec 4800 and replaced the 5700 L31. L59 denoted a flexible fuel version, while the LM7 was the standard version of the engine.

Power output is 285-295 hp (213-220 kW) and torque is 325 lb·ft (441 N·m) to 335 lb·ft (454 N·m). Displacement is 5.3 L (5328 cc (325 cu in)) from 96.01 mm bore and 92.00 mm stroke. Vortec 5300s are built in St. Catharines, Ontario, Romulus, Michigan, and Silao, Mexico.

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=434374
Old 02-11-2009, 06:54 PM
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heads are the same
Old 02-11-2009, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 2004RST
alright just to give you a heads up the search function is there for a reason but to answer your question the differences are the pistons & the heads pretty positive that's it IIRC
like i said. i feel like a newb. I tried searching every combination of words i could come up with. couldnt get it to pop up anywhere.

What you posted is partially what I'm looking for. but would that be the only difference? I would just need a set of 5.3 heads and pistons then I'm set to go? There has to be more.

BTW. not trying to start anything, Im just seriously interested in what it would take.
Old 02-11-2009, 07:40 PM
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lol it's all good and if heads are the same which like i said i didn't remember lol it's just the pistons then that're different i guess
Old 02-11-2009, 07:44 PM
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the 4.8, 5.3 and the 6.0 are all the same externally. the differences are in the bore and stroke. that's it. Hope this helps.....
Old 02-11-2009, 07:47 PM
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externally i was sure of. things like heads, pistons, cam, all that is where I was curious. So if this is the case I could find some 5.3 pistons, set them in and then I'm ready to roll.

Do you think it would be cost effective to do this? Or would I be better off finding a lq4 or taking mine to a 383?
Old 02-11-2009, 07:56 PM
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all that is different is the pistions , crank and connecting rods.
Old 02-11-2009, 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 2004RST
alright just to give you a heads up the search function is there for a reason but to answer your question the differences are the pistons & the heads pretty positive that's it IIRC

The Vortec 5300, or LM7/LM4/L59/L33, is a V8 truck engine. It is a stroked (by 9 mm) version of the Vortec 4800 and replaced the 5700 L31. L59 denoted a flexible fuel version, while the LM7 was the standard version of the engine.

Power output is 285-295 hp (213-220 kW) and torque is 325 lb·ft (441 N·m) to 335 lb·ft (454 N·m). Displacement is 5.3 L (5328 cc (325 cu in)) from 96.01 mm bore and 92.00 mm stroke. Vortec 5300s are built in St. Catharines, Ontario, Romulus, Michigan, and Silao, Mexico.

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=434374
Oh sure, steal my post why dont you...

How about this, all you need is the crank and rods, Reuese the 4.8 pistons, this is why, That combo will turn it in to a high out put 5.3L Just like the factory built , but with an Iron block. Look here the math is done for you

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...7&postcount=25

The nice thing about getting another 5.3 is That you can rebuild it while you drive yours... + there cheap. When it's ready spend the weekend swaping it out...

Old 02-11-2009, 08:58 PM
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thanks brick! that finishes up what i was looking for. It would be nice to just pick one up and set it in when I had time, but I can't afford another engine. I'm not too concerned about having to rebuild one...as I only have 20k miles on my truck, lol. So just putting in a crank and new rods will suffice.

I may look into doing this, I haven't heard of anyone on here doing it, since most people just swap to the 6.0 (that will come eventually). But this seems like it might hold me over for awhile.


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