4.8 V8 questions.

AdamG · May 27, 2004

Well the 99 I went to go look at a few days ago was just beat to death. (needless to say, I didnt buy it)

I found a 2000 Sierra ext cab 8ft bed w/84k miles on a 4.8 v8.

I know less then nothing about the engine, but according to the specs, it can haul 7,200 lbs, which exceeds the 6,000 that i need.

The trans is auto 4spd.

I know my 4.3 engine is ok, i'm not thrilled with it, so i'm uneasy about the 4.8

Any comments? good and bad?

Draphty · May 27, 2004

I have an 03 Z71 with a 4.8. I was a little uneasy about it at first also. I'm pretty happy with it now though. Did the normal mods and perked it up. Plus, it came from the dealer with the optional 4.10 gears. Those gears really make alot of difference. Probably would rather have a 5.3, but the 4.8 works for me. I guess it comes down to driving a couple and trying them out to see what works for ya.

GnatGoSplat · May 27, 2004

It's basically a 5.3L with shorter stroke.

I have one in my 99. No problems and I have 122k+ miles so far.

Shaners · May 27, 2004

My buddy has a '99 4.8L excab 4x4 w/106K miles on it and other than the "cold Start Knock" it has been a good motor. No oil consumption or any other problems. The '00 version has a few more HP than the '99 does.

AdamG · May 27, 2004

Whats the chhepest mods I could do to the engine to beef it up a little?

(K&N wanna be air system, throttle body spacer, air temp sensor mod, plugs, wires, some kind of bed cover)????

I'm also leary about so many miles on such a new truck, but I had 208k on my 88 when I sold it, 180+ on my 93 and my dads 93 Blazer 1500 had 100-110 and they all run just fine.

The idea was to trade my sonoma (76k miles) in on a full size truck and get one with lower miles, but my finances seem to prohibit my from doing so. That is, unless I get a regular cab (yuck! I want to haul my whole family)

fastdrvr23 · May 27, 2004

I've been happy with my 4.8 so far.. Seems to a be strong running engine.

With an aftermarket tune, you can really wake a 4.8L up. Exhaust helped slightly, intake helped a little, but the aftermarket tune helped a ton! Good luck!

TarheelZ · May 27, 2004

What's the rear gearing? If it's 3.73 or 4.10, you should be okay for towing 6K; otherwise, plan on changing gears or wait for something else.

atomoverride · May 27, 2004

I have a 2003 gmc sierra v8 4.8 and it is fast as ****. the only engine mod I did was put in a volant cold air intake. over a v6 4.3 truck it kicks a s s.

AdamG · May 27, 2004

I actually just got back from the test drive.

The engine doesn't have a whole lot of get up and go.

I was rather dissapointed.

Its slower than my Sonoma.

My big question is:

Undercarrage RUST

This truck has alot, and I mean alot of rust on the underside.

More then my truck, more then any truck on the lot.

It worries me, but not at the same time.

Any ideas?

Title checks out, its not a flood title.

How worried should I be?

asepgrad98 · May 27, 2004

Its slower than my Sonoma.

dont buy it! somethings got to wrong. I live in NC and i almost never see rust so i cant help ya there.

GnatGoSplat · May 27, 2004

It's also a lot bigger truck than your Sonoma.

4.8L doesn't really have a whole ton of low-end, it has more power in the mid-band. In a way it sort of resembles how my DOHC car feels.

My truck has a ton of frame rust as well. That one might have just been a farm truck like mine. My entire truck was covered in manure when I bought it, and manure is corrosive causing rust. Mine is all surface rust so one of these days I plan to take care of it.

AirForceAngler · May 28, 2004

If it was me and I was towing 6000 lbs (and I do!) I'd get the 5.3. I haven't driven a 4.8, but while my 5.3 does OK pulling my camper, I wouldn't want a smaller engine. I would think that there'd be plenty of good used 5.3's out there.

Hey, I'll sell ya mine! Then it'd be D-max time!

Tfin · May 28, 2004

I've got the 4.8 in my 02 extra cab, and its got plenty of power. Father in law has the new style 99 with the 5.3, and I personally don't notice much of a difference between the two.

Charlie in TX · May 28, 2004

I had a 4.8. It was a very good motor. Its one deficentcy was towing. I had the 3.42 rear so a 4.10 may make a big improvement. In short, if I were buying a truck to tow 6000#, it would be a 5.3l with a 3.73 or 4.10 rear. Or better yet, a 1500HD or 2500 with a 6.0 and 3.73.