Sorry if it has been discussed before but I'm still new and have a lot more to learn about GM engines, but it's getting frustrating getting picked on for having the smallest engine out of my friends -_____- I have a 4.8, they have 5.3's and 6.0's and leave me behind with ease, so I was wondering if all that's needed to do was just change the: crank and rods from a 5.3 into the 4.8 to bring it up to a 5.3.. It sounds easy but is there any problems or difficulties with the change I'm wanting to do? As I'm new to it, could y'all keep it simple for me to understand lol
Thanks

 

Yes, swap crank and rods. In my opinion if your going to do all that work at least do a 6.0 swap.

 

So you're saying I should change the crank and rods from a 6.0 into my 4.8?

 

No , the 6.0 block has a larger bore.

Search " Foose04" and see what a stock long block 4.8 can do

 

I would swap a 6.0 into mine but I'm 19 aaaannnddd money is always an issue lol very impressive keeping up with the corvette.. But as far as my question goes anyone know if by changing the rods and crank it'll produce the same horsepower as the 5.3? And would I have to reflash or get it tuned after it?

 

Actually yes he can. Bore size has nothing to do with the rods and crank.... and the rods and crankshaft are common between a 5.3 and 6.0. Just can't use 6 liter pistons obviously. Put the 4.8 pistons in and have an iron block L33. Your balance would possibly be out of whack and I would recommend balancing the crank before swapping it... May not as equal amounts of material are missing from each throw, theoretically.

I would still just find a 6 liter myself.

 

How many miles are on your 4.8L and what performance parts have you done already?

CAI, Longtubes, and custom dyno tune would probably spank your buddies truck

A new cam 206-212/212-218 size range with those mods as well would probably beat a CAI,longtube tuned 5.3L maybe a 6.0

^ easier options than what you are talking about.

A 5.3L will make around 20ish more rwhp than the 4.8L. Just doesn't make much sense to spend all that money and time to gain 20rwhp

Now a 6.0 will make 40-50rwhp compared to a 4.8L

Now what really come into play with bore size is tq. for fully modded N/A 4.8L most tq you will see is around 300-330 for a 5.3L 330-360 and for a 6.0L 400-440 these are just rough estimates to give you an idea what i'm talking about

If I was in your shoes I would build your 4.8L with bolt ons or get a 6.0L from a junk yard for around $1000 or just get a 5.3L for $500

 

The bore size of a 6.0 block is 101.6 mm or 4.00"
The bore size of a 5.3 block is 96.01 mm or 3.78"

I am under the impression the OP thought he could just take 6.0 pistons , rods and crank, install them in his 4.8 block and end up with a 6.0 , no this wont work .

To the op, the 4.8 and 5.3 share the same block , the block is even stamped 4.8/5.3 on the front . Whereas a 6.0 block is stamped 6.0 , they are different bore sizes , but share a lot of internal parts, and external all parts and block size are the same. Hope this helps.

 

I think you are looking way too deep into this. He said he thought he could put 6.0 liter crank and rods in his 4.8..... nothing about pistons.... And he can... and have a 5.3 in the end.

Let's throw the LS1/LS6 has a 99 mm or 3.898" bore
or the LS3/L99/L92/L9H bore of 4.065"
or the LS7 bore of 4.125"

And that beyond the LS7 ( 4" bore) all others share a 3.622" stroke crankshaft used in the 5.3.

Thanks but I know all the LS block and bore sizes... I build this junk for fun too.

 

Well since we are throwing out bore sizes , cranks , rods , pistons and such , I think this would make a good sticky .

I don't claim to know every detail of these engines , and am glad to see info coming out

I was trying to keep it kinda of simple for the Op or others who may or may not know all the differences between the 4.8 5.3& 6.0 .