If you are on a budget, there is a guy that is selling 5.3's for 350 bucks in the classifieds, plug and play for you. Buy one of them set it on the stand and build the hell out of it, heads cam exc.. You will have a truck to drive and then can swap the engine when your ready... IMO I wouldn't F^&K with a 4.8 in a suv, unless you have 5k to slap a blower or turbo on it... Also it will be good to have a built trans or atleast install a hd shift kit.....

 

just remember you are in a heavy suv, so you need torque. mild cam, good heads, positive pressure blower (maggie, eaton, whipple) or turbo, and most importantly cubes. once you get the power you like, you better have a built tranny behind it. the extra weight of your suv will put a serious strain on your tranny.

 

I did use the search I found this, lol. Anyway, I'm in the same boat and don't want to do much inside the block since I plan to upgrade it as some point down the road. I hear a lot more about tune's on mild trucks then I ever thought I would. Anyone know a good shop near OKC and an idea of how much a tune usually runs? Thanks.

 

There are alot of people in here with hardly any posts throwing out suggestions.

 

I think dirttrackracer used to work at a dyno shop, he might know of some local tuners.
Oh and this thread is old btw!!

 

For such a big vehicle I would do a 6.0 in it with heads and cam. I think you would be happy with that IMO..

 

K, a cam will work, and you can use it on your next motor. Same for headers.
I like my 4.8, but I added a whipple. Best bang for the buck mod.
You an pick them up for cheap if you keep your eyes open.

 

save your money and build a forged 6.0 then save some more money and build a 4l80 tranny i have tahoe you need major tq to get that tank going. for now just do long tube headers exhaust cold air intake and a tune. dont put any money in the motor until you are ready to build it right.

 

well said... i have a cam'ed 6.0 with TVS sc in the works coupled to a 4l80e & 4.56s.