I know I know, another one of these threads but you guys know this stuff better then I do.

My 5.3 let go on me so I am looking at a new motor. I am going to go with a 408. Keep in mind this will be a DD only and will tow occasionally. Pickup is an 2004 ECSB with 6" lift, 35" tires and 4.56 gears.

For a cam I am thinking 224/224 .581 .581 114. Wanting to keep CR around 10.5:1. I am not sure on on what heads to use. The tranny will be a FLT 4L65E, would like to keep stall no higher then 2800.

 

why not use the block you got and make an iron 5.7 out of it

 

That cam would be way too small with a 408. For comparisons sake, mine is 244/248 .612 .615 and isn't all that radical.

 

I did think about doing that and throwing on a blower but I want the cubes!!


Do you have a copy of your dyno sheet?

 

is there a budget for this motor?

 

Want to keep as inexpensive as possible but wont be cutting any corners.

 

just a thought, you could always make a 383 out of it

 

I have heard of a few 408 builds that have had good results with a cam like the 224 you mentioned and L92 heads. Richard at WCCH would be a really good source for heads and a cam to match for your truck. Your truck is heavy and would benefit most from the displacement of a 408 and a smaller cam to build off idle torque. Good luck with the build.

 

Exactly. the WORST thing you can do with a truck like yours is over-cam it. with 400cid+ you should be able to make 400/400 to the tires without much trouble and a "mild" grind.

 

I'd stick to a mild cam as well, especially on a DD truck that tows. I had a 235/239-600/580-113+4 in my first 408, and it was not a great cam for a DD. I tow too, and the high overlap made low vacuum, which made braking an unfriendly task from low RPMs since it wouldn't build enough vacuum for the brake booster to help much. I put the pedal to the floor a few times and freaked out cause I thought I was going to rear end someone. The cam I'm running now is in my sig. It was spec'd for a turbo, but it drives really well and idles like stock.