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1999 Vortec 4.8?

LankyLS-1

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LankyLS-1 Enthusiast

LankyLS-1

Posted
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Howdy.

I have found a really nice 1999 regular cab, stepside with the 4.8L version of the Vortec V8 in it that I am thinking about buying.  I had a couple of questions...

 

Can anyone give me some opinions/experiences with this motor?

How is the everyday driveability?

Highway passing power (~75mph punch)?

 

It is an automatic, I am not looking to tow anything other than a 4 wheeler from time to time, and I don't plan on trying to race it or anything if that info helps anyone...

 

The other questions I have is if there have been any problems with these motors?  Anything specific that I should look for on this truck?

 

Thanks for any info you have.

Kevin Conway

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MountaineerTom Senior Enthusiast

MountaineerTom

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I test drove a '00 4.8 and honestly didn't feel any noticable difference between it and my '99 5.3, but I wasn't really comparing them too much on that drive.  For the uses you mentioned, I think there would be not problems with power for you.  

 

If he doesn't see this thread, send Stepside Z and message, he has a 2001 4.8 (I think it's a 4.8), regular cab, stepside and can give you better info than me.  :)

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Shaners Senior Enthusiast

Shaners

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John (stepsideZ) has a 4.8L in his truck.  My friend at work has one in his excab too.  For an everyday driver I think they would be great.  Towing more than a couple thousand pounds would work it a little more than the 5.3L.  The 4.8L seems to get good mpg's too (usually in the high "teens").

 

Personally, if I were to consider it though I think I would want the 3.73 rear gear ratio.  I don't know if 4.10's are available with the 4.8L, but I think they would be too much anyways, and the 3.42's would be great if you wanted to fly up and down a flat interstate, but probably wouldn't be enough gear for most people...

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Stepside Z Senior Enthusiast

Stepside Z

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Kevin

Here I am finally. I have a 01 reg cab stepside Z71. A couple of differences is that the 99 has 15 less horse power but the torque number is the same. The motors are good for daily drivers. If you are planning on towing heavy loads then go with the 5.3. My milage on country roads averages around 15 mpg. I did change my tires to 285 BFGs so my speedo is off slightly so actually I am doing a bit better on milage. I have had no trouble with the engine at all. By the way this is my second one. First one was a 99 ext cab GMC Serria Z71. Both have run great and I would buy another 4.8 again.

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  • 2 months later...
SilveradoWV Senior Enthusiast

SilveradoWV

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Trying to figure out the differences between a 4.8 and a 5.3, how are they physically different, I know the 5.3 has 15 more hp and 40 more ft/lbs, but wondering how much distance a 5.3 will put on a 5.8 in the 1.4 mile?? Also wondering why the 5.3 can only tow 1000 more puounds than the 4.8? I just got an 02 Silverado with the 4.8 and am very Impressed!!! It could be side effects from having a 4.3 but the 4.8 seems like it would outrun my dads 91 350??

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PDQ02rado Enthusiast

PDQ02rado

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4.8 is a great engine. Had a 00 RCSB with 4.8, 3.73 locking rear and auto. Put 140,000 miles on it before I traded for the 02. Never a problem with anything. Had modified it with a K&N Gen II, headers, duals, 180 thermostat and HPP III programming, Mobil 1 oil and filter. It ran as good the day I traded as the day I bought it. I highly recommend either the 4.8 or 5.3, my 02 has a 5.3.

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  • 1 month later...
racer0175 Enthusiast

racer0175

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i have a 99 silverado z71 with the 4.8 and the 4.10 gear-ratio. This truck drives great. i test drove both engines at a dealer and i do think that the 5.3 had alittle better power when you stomped it going about 35-40. Neither of those trucks had the 4.10 gears. when i bought my truck the guy told me it was a 5.3l. when i got home i realized that it was a 4.8  (thats what i get for being in a hurry) but with those 4.10 gears the truck flys. the only problem that i see is the stupid governor that comes on when i'm out of speedometer :ehh:

 

5.3l has got to be faster and more powerful, but the 4.8l is a great engine. I get about 15 to 16 mpg too.

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HillHound Senior Enthusiast

HillHound

Posted
Posted
Howdy.

I have found a really nice 1999 regular cab, stepside with the 4.8L version of the Vortec V8 in it that I am thinking about buying.  I had a couple of questions...

 

Can anyone give me some opinions/experiences with this motor?

How is the everyday driveability?

Highway passing power (~75mph punch)?

 

It is an automatic, I am not looking to tow anything other than a 4 wheeler from time to time, and I don't plan on trying to race it or anything if that info helps anyone...

 

The other questions I have is if there have been any problems with these motors?  Anything specific that I should look for on this truck?

 

Thanks for any info you have.

Kevin Conway

The 5.3L and the 4.8L are both great 1/2 ton V8s and if the only thing you plan to tow is an occasional 4-wheeler then don't let the smaller displacement deter you at all.  A small trailer and one atv should'nt weigh more than 1500lbs so that's an easy job for either of these engines.

 

In my opinion, which if these two engines you get should be the least of your concerns-I'd spend more time making sure your truck had other features you're interested in, such as the right gears, locking diff, tow package, suspension and other options.  Also I would take into consideration what type of work the previous owner used it for and if they added any aftermarket things to it.  Sounds like a nice truck under any circumstance.  Good luck with it :)

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Colorado Kid Enthusiast

Colorado Kid

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Trying to figure out the differences between a 4.8 and a 5.3, how are they physically different, I know the 5.3 has 15 more hp and 40 more ft/lbs, but wondering how much distance a 5.3 will put on a 5.8 in the 1.4 mile?? Also wondering why the 5.3 can only tow 1000 more puounds than the 4.8? I just got an 02 Silverado with the 4.8 and am very Impressed!!! It could be side effects from having a 4.3 but the 4.8 seems like it would outrun my dads 91 350??

Difference is 9 mm of stroke: 92mm for 5300, 83mm for 4800.

 

I haven't drag raced either of them, so I can't answer 1/4 times.

 

I suspect their hill climbing abilities at their respective max towing weights are almost identical.

 

Your 2002 with a 4.8 has more power than the '91 350 did, so why wouldn't it out run it?

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SilveradoWV Senior Enthusiast

SilveradoWV

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Thanks for answering my ?'s Colorado Kid.

 

I currently tow a 1500lbs trailer and 3 ATVs (1500lbs) with my 4.8 and it is absolutely no problem towing, even up a 7% grade, the truck wants to do 70+mph all the way up it, and its about 6 miles long! Gas mileage towing is about 13mpg too, 17-19 not towing!

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tinman Enthusiast

tinman

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the things I like about the 4.8 over the 6.0 is the it is a little smother off the line. better milage, less prone to piston slap. seams to revs quicker. It act alot like the old 283 -302 motors

I think It would be a great motor to build up ! The only thing I think that the 6.0 l has over the 4.8 is pulling power. Thats cubic inches for you.  :)

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