4.8 to 5.3 engine swap

[Tetens20]

Has anyone swap a 4.8 out to a 5.3? If so what did you have to change?

[Clavin78]

how about just bore it out to a 5.3?...but that maybe too much

[Schmids5.3l]

Not worth the money, 4.8's aren't much weaker, only down 20 hp & 33 ftlbs, a 87/89 tune makes that up. Unless you get the 5.3 for free or really cheap, Id save your money. But if you really want a 5.3, it bolts to the 4.8 tranny, motor mounts Im not sure about, but thats an easy fix, also have to get computer programed for a 5.3.

[99Silver6.0]

Hell, if your gonna spend the money. Just find a 6.0!! Same type of swap really. Just gotta swap the flexplate from the 4.8 to the 6.0 and your good to go.

[desrtrat]

Hell, if your gonna spend the money. Just find a 6.0!! Same type of swap really. Just gotta swap the flexplate from the 4.8 to the 6.0 and your good to go.

 

and get a good tune for it......

 

[HDdave]

I was going to say, if you're upgrading, you might as well go with the 6.0

[millhouse49]

4.8 and 5.3 are the same block, same bore, same everything except the crank. if you are to do the swap there are no pcm reprograms needed.

[crazymex88]

how much is it for a 87/89 tune?

[ridnlow]

i swapped my 5.3 for a 6.0.. I wish i would have done it 4 years ago... my truck runs SOOOO much better.. BTW... if you can turn a wrench it is super simple..

[Indy]

how much is it for a 87/89 tune?

$158.00 wait4me with the pcm included.

[BretD04GMC]

FWIW, GM just came out with a 5.3L H.O. motor. 332 hp.

http://www.sdparts.com/catalog/crateengine...hpLSEngine.aspx

 

More info. at http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/Parts/catalog.jsp

[babydeuce]

4.8 and 5.3 are the same block, same bore, same everything except the crank. if you are to do the swap there are no pcm reprograms needed.

 

 

Your almost totally correct....the pistons differ between the 2. The 5.3 has dished pistons, 4.8 does not.

 

Jack

[03Silvy]

Why bother its a 10 hp difference. I recommend exhaust or an air intake!

[Nytemare]

go to a 6.0 man...

 

I like my 4.8, If I was going to swap and spend that kinda money I would spend the few bucks extra and get the 6.0

 

However It depends on what you are wanting out of the truck.

 

If you have blown your 4.8 and theres a 5.3 readily available and you can get on the road again in under a week, I'd say go for it. But if your just wanting to do the swap to increase power and potential wait for a good solid 6.0 to come available

 

 

Just my 0.02

[99silverado1500]

6.0 is the way to go, or if you really want to go all the way do a 8.1