I'm freshening up my 4.8 in my 2000 RCSB and I want to do a simple cam swap. I've never done internal mods, just engine swaps. I plan to turbo or procharge this engine down the line and hope to set it up N/A and be able to do a few things later to be ready for boost.

A local truck said he runs a ls6 cam and PAC 1218 springs and uses the ON3 kit. It sounds like a decent setup (N/A and boosted) and I've read the early ls6 cam is the one to get. What else do I need? New lifters? Other internal parts? Like I said I've never done internal mods so any help is appreciated.

 

How much power do you want to end up at?

Keep in mind that power over 500-550 is going to pushing it on the factory connecting rods. The later GEN 4 rods are much stronger or you can go aftermarket if your goal is over that mark.

New lifters would be ideal, new valve springs, push rods depending on cam choice. The LS6 cam could work but there are many other camshafts out there that you could choose from to make decent power with.

 

im thinking something simple like ~400 at the wheels? Something that won't blow the poor thing... right away

 

Texas Speed Stage 2 Low lift cam and spring kit, 212/218 550-550, is what I would recommend for a 4.8 with stock converter

 

You would have better results with a 212/218 in the 4.8.
I ran the 212/218 and ls6 cam in my 5.3 years ago .
The 212/218 dynoed right over 300hp in a 5.3 .

 

Good Advice... Listen to this man.

I have 2 of these cams on the road, wife loves hers.

 

I have a Jfr 212/212 .566 112 (triple 12 cam) with 4.10 gears in my 02 NA rcsb truck. The truck is going turbo but for the last year I ran it NA and WOW what a huge difference. The 4.8 is gonna need a gear with any cam if you ask me, the 4.10s keep the 4.8 in its powerband

 

Dont waste your money. On internal mods right now if you plan on forced induction later.

Do a 6.0 swap now.
Find a 04-06 LQ9 shortblock or a pull out and sell everything but the shortblock.
Find a set of milled 243 heads and drop that into your ride.
You will make FAR more power everywhere than that NA 4.8 can, even cammed, it will take a monster cam to even get close to the 243 headed LQ9.

This will save you money and get you closer to your power goal.
While giving you more time to decide which way you want to go with your final build.
A simple refurb tbss convertor from orileys is 160$ and will help alot.

 

If he is planning on a turbo I see no reason to get rid of the 4.great