Vortec 4800 Engine Swap - Question

[darkabyss]

Got a 2004 Chevy Silverado C1500 WT with a Vortec 4800 V8 LR4 MFI. Had a cracked head and coolant got into the oil throwing the oil pressure gauge off. Needless to say, I need a new engine (a couple mechanics said drive it till it dies and swap it out).

 

When buying an engine, what’s the best thing to look for when you want gas mileage, performance and cheap? Should I go with a different engine or get higher quality parts on a rebuilt one?

 

This is my first engine swap that I’m having done.

 

Thanks!

[Chris]

Mileage is how you drive. I swapped my 4.8 for a 6.0 and only lost 1 mpg. I can pull 19 MPG on the highway doing 70-75.

[Silveradooh9]

Personally I'd stick with the same motor unless you have different intentions with the truck. Then you can make it into whatever you want... Plus if you stick with the same motor it'll take you less time to swap out.

[Chris]

Personally I'd stick with the same motor unless you have different intentions with the truck. Then you can make it into whatever you want... Plus if you stick with the same motor it'll take you less time to swap out.

The gen 3 motors are basi basically all the same. If he went with a 5.3 or 6.0, the only difference would be the tune

[kstruckcountry]

If he wants cheap he wants a 5.3. Super cheap, even with low miles. Fuel economy won't change.

[darkabyss]

Popped in a 6.0 liter. The strange thing is that the mechanic said it didn't need any reprogramming, The truck has a bit more git up n'go.

[Chris]

The mechanic can say that, it will run on 4.8 programming, it wont have its full potential. I watched mine crank and run the LQ9 on 4.8 programming

[darkabyss]

The mechanic can say that, it will run on 4.8 programming, it wont have its full potential. I watched mine crank and run the LQ9 on 4.8 programming

Ok spill the beans. Did you do anything else to it? Software updates, tuning, etc.? I just added buttons on the steering wheel, factory cruise, and I'm updating the mirror. Once I finish I was thinking of taking it to the dealership to add the UK3, cruise, and mirrors to the computer.

[Chris]

Ok spill the beans. Did you do anything else to it? Software updates, tuning, etc.? I just added buttons on the steering wheel, factory cruise, and I'm updating the mirror. Once I finish I was thinking of taking it to the dealership to add the UK3, cruise, and mirrors to the computer.

As far as what? All the stuff was added before the swap. But i wanted it tuned right. So i had custom tuning done. On a balls out tune my truck put 325 HP to the wheels.