Yea I would buy that cam. You will most likely need shorter pushrods like 7.375. Stock are 7.380, but I don't think they make them so everybody uses 7.400. Best thing to do would get comps push rod length checker for $20 and check the pre load, but if you had to guess I would go 7.375.

I had a buddy that had his heads milled 0.03 and Ls7 lifter(which have a 0.05 in taller seat), and he used 7.350 and they were to short and nosie, so he put some 7.375 and it was so much quieter. The Ls7 seat of 0.05 should not be a concern when deciding on the push rods, from his experience, if you chose to get them.

 

cam sounds great! sub'd for the results of this swap

 

I will be picking up the cam tonight. I'm going to order a push rod checker. I will be doing a set of Ls7 lifter. I think I'm going to mill the heads. It's worth it. While they are off. PAC springs. Melling pump, ls2 chain.

Can I use a stock head gasket? I dont think it will hurt a thing.
Longtubes. I have a set 2.5" bassani mufflers I would like to use some how. Would it hurt to do a 3" y pipe the go down to 2.5?

 

Just got the cam, brand new never thing came with it in the summit box he ordered it in. Lol. Super happy can't wait to get the truck rolling

 

That sounds like a great plan to give the ol' 4.8 a little spunk! I would not go any smaller than a 3" exhaust if it were me. If you have two 2.5" mufflers you could do dual 2.5" with an X pipe.........

 

I think 3" is what I'm going to do.

 

Y pipe vs true dual doesn't really make a noticeable difference on a cam 4.8/5.3L power level, just a personal preference in the money you want to spend on it. Any exhaust shop should have 3" to 2.5" cone downs for your bassani

 

I would replace these gaskets to give it essentially a brand new top end and insurance against future leaks. 100% replace head gaskets, timing, and water pump.

Heads-stock $50
Intake manifold gaskets $40
water pump $5-10
timing chain $20
Crank seal on the timing cover $15
CORRECT O-ring for oil pump, this should come with the new oil pump.

You will have to get new head bolts b/c they are tq to yield so the threads stretch during the degree process. Or you could put studs in it, but they are expensive.

 

Where San you get gm head gaskets.
I just looked at my truck. And the gears from the factory are 3.42. So there is no reason to do a 3.73 gear. Not much difference their.
Studs are expensive but might just have to get them I know someone that might have a whipple for sale in the future. But first thing is first. The 4.8.

 

Texas speed performance sells them if you plan on going boost I would look into the LS9 gaskets, or even the expensive dealership unless you have a buddy that works there.

I have installed procomp studs from ebay that were $70, they are a bitch to install with the motor still in the truck. especially the back two, had to jack the trans up and beat the fire wall in some to get them to fit, also installed to many and couldn't get the heads on so I had to take them out and just leave the front two in to hold the head up. My issue also came from the LT headers were welded to the exhaust pipes and not bolted, so I couldn't really push the headers out of my way or remove them from the bay period.

I have never installed ARP, but I'm sure with the price tag they would be way easier haha