09 5.3 dod delete
 

when doing the dod delete, what to do with the dod plug, does it need to be plugged in to run on 8, or will it run on 4 until the pcm is flashed? new cam, correct lifters etc. thanks.

leave the plug unhooked.
the tune will shut off the 4 cyl mode
replace the lifters with new ls7
replace the valley cover with a non-dod one. like an ls3 style

Texas speed has kits for what you need.

4.8 valley cover will work also and is cheap