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I have a 2002 4.8 automatic rado and want to drop a 5.3 or prefferably a ls1 into it. i pull a trailer 30% of the time and the other 70% i just wish it had more power. I have either motor lined up and know all the connections should be the same but will the pcm be able to compensate? Do i have to calabrate the pcm? If anyone has done this let me know, ive searched and knowone seems to know. also if the pcm needs tuning will a store bought programmer work? Thanks for any help guys.
the computer will need to be tuned.for the other motor either it be 5.3 6.0
is this somthing I can send it out for or will a programmer work? or do they need the whole completed truck? Im not trying to sound stupid but all my racing go fast experence is with carbs.
I would pick the ls1 over the 5.3. You wont notice too much of a difference from the 4.8 to 5.3
Give Nelson Performance a call or look up Mellissa on the board and they can tell you what you need to make the swap as far as PCM's go. I agree go with a LS1 or a 6.0 you will be much happier. Nelson's website is Nelson Performance - Performance without Sacrificing Drivability :hyper2:
Order a tune from NelsonPerformance. Let him know your stock VIN number and the size, year and model the donor vehicle was. I'd go for a 6.0L if I were pulling a trailer 30% of the time. Its a straight swap, just remember to swap intake manifolds assemblies, too.
I got ahold of a local tuner and he said to go with the 5.3 because the ls1 isnt ment to pull, and the 5.3 has a much better torque curve. when i do pull a trailer its got my race car so with tires, fuel, and tools so im figuring roughly 6k lbs. what about a 5.3 and a cam? Im am now realizing after calling nelsons i do need a tune. Thanks again for all the help.
go 6.0 ive been in your shoes.i tow a trailer and ive had all 3 motors,6.0 is the strongest for towing ,o thats right i hve a few goodies on mine,lol.j/k i did it with a 6.0 and a small cam.