Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Ok so I have a 2002 Silverado 1500 z71. I use the truck for a work truck back and forth to work 7 miles round trip. I want to build a motor and have fun, considering going carburetor. What are the pros and cons you guys have had ( I know the EFI is easy to start and all) I am not aware of how to tune or adjust anything with the EFI if I was to try that on a build. I am thinking either put a 383 stroker or use my 396 block in the barn and rebuild it to a mild torque monster with a carb

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Since the computer would need redone for the loss of EFI and to manage the transmission, I would stick with an EFI. What engine you have now? Although they make less HP from factory, the 4.8 can be hoped up well with a cam and some exhaust and be a fun toy. If you got the money a 6.0 would scream. Either way you go, carb engine or stick with EFI you'll be needing the computer and all reprogrammed.

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

A carburetor is a serious step down.
EFI has a lot more HP and torque on tap than you'll get with a carburetor.
Much better fuel mileage as well.

If you can find an LQ4 6.0L it'll drop in in place of your 4.8 or 5.3 The LQ4 has 300HP and 360ft-lb of torque.
With a cam, injectors, and a tune you can get between 375 & 400HP. Heads, bore, and stroke with the appropriate tune and you can get even more.
https://www.onallcylinders.com/2018/...e-performance/

That being said. I never hot rod my daily driver. Eric The Car Guy says it all.

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Amazing information.. so it has a 5.3 with about 210k miles. I should give a little more detail it’s a 4x4 with 33s so I am wanting a little more torque and that old school cam thump. I don’t drive it far or for anything more then in the pasture and to work. Mileage is not the big concern or a concern at all.. let’s just say if I find a lm7 or lq9 ( should be the small block 5.3 or 6.0). What are decent heads to upgrade too and how do you tune these old trucks ?

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

The LM7 5.3 is what you already have isn't it?

You'll end up paying through the nose for an LQ9 because it's popular.
The GM LQ9 cam and lifters in an LQ4 with a tune will get you so close to the same #'s it's not worth worrying about the slight difference.

You can tune it yourself or buy a canned tune. It's a steep learning curve.

I like my daily driver to be dead reliable with no surprises. Almost late to work and the daily doesn't start isn't a situation I want to be in.
When you start heavily modding the daily driver be prepared to walk.

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Yep ok agree. Maybe I should just freshen up the old motor and put a small cam in and clean the heads up slightly bigger injectors and use a hand held tune or something

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Anymore suggestions or has anyone done any mods to this kind of motor

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Well guessing a flat top bottom end. Small stage 2 BTR with cleaned up heads ( port polish if possible) stock intake with stock injectors with a big bear tune and call it good

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

If your eneging is still running good, the cheaper way for more lowend oomph would be change your front and rear gears. Since you went to 33's I am sure it took what was already a pretty tall highway style gear and made it worse for the low end.

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Yeah was wanting the little cam sound and fresh motor but also it’s hard to beat the kegs 460hp motor long block and complete it still will be about 7-8k into it. Not worth it in my opinion I agree. Might be better to hear it down and work on exterior and interior mods and wait for the motor to be a issue

Re: Little motor build question for 2002 1500
 

Scoogen dicky hot cam for the lm7 looks like a great upgrade I have been thinking about this after I get my swap finished and running
Guys are camming ls engines with much larger mileage readings then yours

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rzzGidbDhvY