OK. I have a possibility of 2 options. Lets say all these parts are free or dirt cheap.

1) L33 short block(no heads, in this case no cam) - possible scored lifter bore(will know shortlly)
Comp XR265HR cam
Mild port 706 heads or find some 243's
Ported 78mm tb or TBSS/07+90mm Intake and t body.(I know the 90mm would be better, but I could swap it later if that doesn't fall into my hands)
LT headers.
I-6 TC (I tow a 7000lb trailer 10-12 times a year)
or

2)Iron 4.8. If L33 block is un-usable.
Take rods and crank from L33.
Comp XR265HR cam
Mild port 706 heads or find some 243's
Ported 78mm tb or TBSS/07+90mm Intake and t body.(I know the 90mm would be better, but I could swap it later if that doesn't fall into my hands)
LT headers.
I-6 TC (I tow a 7000lb trailer 10-12 times a year)

Labor is free(from me). Down time is not a huge issue(have other vehicles). Parts are free(friends) or dirt cheap(I'm a parts-man) or already own. Extras(ex. push rods,valve springs, lifters, gaskets) at cost(I'm a parts-man).


Thoughts?
Cam recommendations?

 

I would port the 706's and put 2.0/1.57 valves in them. Compression will go up even more over the factory L33. The cam choice is a great one for daily driving and towing.

 

I would have the lifter bore repaired and use it.

 

The aluminum blocks are around 90-100lbs lighter, but idk how long they would compare to a iron block, maybe the iron block would last 300K and aluminum 200K.

Why not get a 6.0?
I have a buddy with that cam in a 05 ss and another in an ext cab z71 same bolt ons, 3.73 gear though, but that ss has whooped his *** about 20-30 times in the past few years. Plus all that extra tq would be sweet when towing 7K

6.0

 

I've thought of it. But like I say I have all the parts kicking around for most of it.

 

I was also thinking that if the aluminum block is fine and its just bad cam bearings (low oil pressure), that I would sell the block for some bucks to put into mine. Hopefully making the job next to no cost.

 

Fair enough, The 5.3L is the best of both worlds between a 4.8 and 6.0. Power plus fuel mileage, which us dd guys kinda care about. haha

 

So true. Nice numbers on yours. Calculations correct you are running 335-345 hp with a tune and lt headers. Decent. For a truck that started with 285hp. You should really look into a cam. It wakes these trucks up. The heads and Intake are really choked by the cam.

 

these L33 motors respond really well to mods.
I have been asked numerous times if I had a modded 6L. I always reply with no, its a little baby 5.3

 

That's the fun part about this lil 4.8 with headers and a tune. I tell them to check the 8th digit on my vin. This little thing really hauls ***.