Does the 4.8 Vortec deserve any love?

**Espiritu46** · 12-31-2013, 04:18 PM

That is the big question. I'm sure you've heard the "I can get this motor for really cheap" story before, and that's exactly my case.

I'm looking to possibly do an LS Swap into a 944. I'd like to do it as cheaply as possibly initially, but still have a good base to build on. When I say cheaply, I don't mean cobbling it together with junk parts. I mean, what is the cheapest way (motor wise) to stick an LSx in the car and still be able to do a decent build with that power plant?

I've seen that the F-body LS1 is the best candidate for this swap, and that would put me in a good spot power wise. But as stated I can pick up the 4.8 vortec for cheap ($200).
However, to make the swap work I would need to change the intake mani to the car style and possibly a few other accessories. And I don't think I'd be all that impressed by the power output.

From what I've seen, the only ways to get any real power from them is to slap on a turbo or bore it out and throw in LS1 internals. How much does that sort of engine machining cost? Would I be better off starting with an LS1?

Also, how much does an LS1 motor generally cost (w/harness and computers) and where should I start my search?

Lots of questions...thanks for you time

**lownloud99** · 12-31-2013, 05:22 PM

Check out big bang theory done.by Chevy hi performance magazine. Surprisingly a bad little motor

**Espiritu46** · 12-31-2013, 05:29 PM

Is that the cheap turbo feature where they got +1000hp from it? Although its amazing and neat, I wanna stay NA. I own a turbo vehicle and want this to be loud with that v8 torque down low

**lownloud99** · 12-31-2013, 05:31 PM

Yes. My point is if a 5.3 can handle.it a 4.8 stands with it.

**Espiritu46** · 12-31-2013, 05:38 PM

Point taken. Building and iron LS1 would no doubt be stout, but I've never had machine work done to an engine and am curious what this would cost.

My power goals for the project are sub 500hp. I'd look to start off in the 350hp range and be able to build to the 450-500 range. Even 450hp is starting to test the limit of usable power without really beefing up the entire vehicle.

**lownloud99** · 12-31-2013, 05:40 PM

I am far from an expert but with the ls1 in the 98-02 Canadian 400 is pretty easily attained.

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-01-2014, 09:28 AM

IMHO I wouldn't invest a dime in a 4.8 when you can get used LQ4/9 blocks cheap. They have more potential and better output then a little 4.8.

**jiveass** · 01-02-2014, 06:40 AM

a 4.8 would scoot a light car pretty good....especially if you did the traditional heads, cam, blah blah blah....it all depends on what you want to get out of it.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-02-2014, 06:50 AM

With a 4.8 you are not going to be able to get 500hp na out of it. You can have it bored out to a 5.7 though in which case you can achieve that goal. If I had a 4.8 block and didn't want to buy another block I would get it bored out but if you aren't opposed to buying another block I would get a 6.0 or something similar.

**Espiritu46** · 01-02-2014, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by jiveass

a 4.8 would scoot a light car pretty good....especially if you did the traditional heads, cam, blah blah blah....it all depends on what you want to get out of it.

What I want from it is to be a worthwhile swap. I currently have a 944 turbo and it runs mid to low 13s. I'm running 18psi in it, and she's staying as is. I want the swap project to eclipse my current cars power.

According to google, here are stock figures:

944T - 247hp/258tq
4.8 - 255hp/285tq

That's not all that different. I haven't put my car on the dyno, and have no idea what it puts down currently.

**Espiritu46** · 01-02-2014, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by 98TransAmWs-6

With a 4.8 you are not going to be able to get 500hp na out of it. You can have it bored out to a 5.7 though in which case you can achieve that goal. If I had a 4.8 block and didn't want to buy another block I would get it bored out but if you aren't opposed to buying another block I would get a 6.0 or something similar.

How much does engine work like this usually cost?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 01-02-2014, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by Espiritu46

Originally Posted by 98TransAmWs-6

With a 4.8 you are not going to be able to get 500hp na out of it. You can have it bored out to a 5.7 though in which case you can achieve that goal. If I had a 4.8 block and didn't want to buy another block I would get it bored out but if you aren't opposed to buying another block I would get a 6.0 or something similar.

How much does engine work like this usually cost?

It depends on your area but where I will send mine to it is between $500 to 600 for machining and assembly of the engine. If you are just getting it bored out it would be quite a bit less I would imagine.