THE AMAZING 4.8L LS-HOW TO MAKE MORE LOW-SPEED TORQUE! LT HEADERS? CAMS? THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS BOOST

[@BocaChevy]

In 2016 i installed a 67mm turbo on my stock 4.8 Silverado to increase low end torque for towing. That setup worked wonderfully getting 7 psi of boost by 1600 rpm in 3rd with the converter locked. I finally after 6 years and 80k miles decided to swap the stock cam out for a summit 8719r1 cam and i didnt lose anything from 2000 rpm up and gained a ton up top. Coming up on 90k of boosted towing miles on my original 290k mile 4.8 and she still purs like the day i bought brand new. Great video Richard!

[@richardholdener1727]

nice

[@joshschulik4348]

did you upgrade anything on the engine itself for the turbo kit, I have a 2008 4.8 I'm looking to get a little more power out off but unsure on what else may need to be upgraded with it.

[@BocaChevy]

@@joshschulik4348 nothing to the long block, just valve springs, cam, and injectors to a otherwise untouched bottom end. The engine mount bolts have never been touched

[@joshschulik4348]

@BocaChevy did you upgrade the fuel pump system at all or no?

[@BocaChevy]

@@joshschulik4348 stock fuel system other than 60lbs injectors. At 11 psi fuel pressure starts to drop off at higher rpm, I run 93 octane. It runs great for what I use it for so I haven't had the necessity to run a bigger pump. Eventually I will put in a single 450

[@mikebarker8503]

Time to try the NSR Chopacabra on the 4.8.

[@Gearbhall]

it's just so silly how much power a 4.8 can make once force fed a little.

[@johnr9659]

Just watched this video. About a month ago I bought a 2006 Silverado with a 4.8. Mine is unique because it has a 3:73 axle which was part of a towing package. After driving it for the month, I think the 3:73 axle is the best setup for the 4.8. The 3:73 allows the engine to get up into high rpms where the power is much faster and has great response no matter the rpm. I do think changing the rear gear to a 3:73 or 4:10 would wake the 4.8 up and it will feel like a much sportier vehicle.

[@derrick_v]

I have a 2010 extended cab that I brought new (I'm going to drive it into the dirt) and I'm suprised how it keeps going in the higher rpms. I only have a cold air intake and removed the muffler bc of rust. Surprisingly most ppl complement the sound, not too aggressive.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Best to start with a Healthy LS whether 293, 325, 346, 364, 376, 427, 454, or 383, 408, 416, then add a Super or Turbo

[@xcandiottix]

I appreciate your videos so very much. This is such a great approach to testing and getting factual data.

[@dennisrobinson8008]

Good demo! Many have a motor which is "too small" but want or need more torque in their driving power band.

[@jmflournoy386]

ABSOLUTELY

[@Go4BrokeOffroad]

Always boost. Helping David fight Goliath since the dawn of time. Lol.

[@scotttimpany2845]

Blessed are the boosted

[@loundclear9279]

great video as always do any ls guys remeber the 2004 corvette zo6 cam or ls6 cam that cam was great on boost i think alot of people went low 7 in the 1.4

[@richardholdener1727]

see the ultimate guide to LS stock cams (the LS6 was tested against every other stock cam) and EVERY cam works well under boost

[@loundclear9279]

@@richardholdener1727 Oh yeah lol need to catch up on the videos ;lol

[@takeit2-11]

Awesomeness! I wonder how much torque you could get out of a turbo magnum! turbo magnum! turbo magnum!

[@fc3sluis]

It would be cool to test a 8-4-1 header vs a typical long tube header

[@fc3sluis]

Or 8-4-2. Or 8-4-2-1 header setup

[@frankschopp8748]

looks great lots of work and plumbing would you get similar results if you put on some kind of supercharger.only cause could do on a weekend.

[@genemounce8302]

damn... talk about a cool ass budget 650hp set up ! Done right, whats this cost, maybe $3,500 bucks, WITH the piston and cam/spring upgrade? WELL done sir. 👏

[@Cam_Ternes]

Hey Richard! This is just the video/answers I’ve been looking for. My only question is with the GT45 what’s a good “size” to have it come on in the low range of 2K RPM? I’m not after crazy HP or reving out the engine, just a daily driven 4.8 cam’d/tuned LS swapped Jeep.

[@richardholdener1727]

try gt35 if only want low speed

[@Cam_Ternes]

@@richardholdener1727 thanks for the reply! My normal driving rpm range is never usually over 3500/4K rpm so as long as I’m not over speeding the turbo?

[@DJones-xf7gw]

@@Cam_Ternesyou wont overspeed the turbo, you’ll run into high backpressure as the rpm goes up

[@russelljackson7034]

Right on

[@olegmorozov9053]

Yes, also, don't forget to set aside some money for a new transmission.

[@bluecollarhotrods9781]

I'm assuming by what you said after the header install - that long tubes were worth 6-10 HP and TQ. You never gave the new peak numbers after the 330/335 baseline

[@richardholdener1727]

339 hp 342 lb-ft

[@johnnypirkle2875]

Very net little setup for sure. I have a question but it is about e85 I know you have done some testing we it just wondering how much boost can you use with e85 and not race fuel . If you have done that can you point me in that direction please.

[@richardholdener1727]

you can run lots of boost on e85-it has high octane and cooling properties offered by the alcohol content.

[@johnnypirkle2875]

@richardholdener1727 thanks for the reply and I found a video you did on a 383 a few year back that helped me understand more . Love the stuff you do please keep it up.

[@Tommy-B.]

Did I miss the info about the turbo? Size, brand etc.

[@rogergm92]

That is a DNA ebay gt45 turbo... I think I know from memory all of his videos hahaha. Just throw any 75-78mm turbo. And one year after you will be obsessed and you will go to a vs racing big turbo

[@Tommy-B.]

@@rogergm92 ha. Nice. 👍🏻

[@dyoutubechannel8218]

It would be interesting to see the same experiment on a carbureted 4.8. Last time we saw that the 4.8 with a carburator had more torque down low, it would probably only extrapolate the same way as the EFI did. Then you could put a very different cam for the carburator with a tight LSA, which would probably make even more torque while losing some vacuum...

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Texas Speed&Performance Chopacabra and, Brian Tooley Racing Truck Norris have Tighter LSAs

[@dyoutubechannel8218]

@@shadowopsairman1583 I was thinking a little bit more radical LSA, like 104-105 instead of 108ish.

[@isactoriguevara6030]

Richard, great video! I just bought a ‘01 GMC Sierra with the 4.8. I would like to buy either or: turbo kit or camshaft kit. I need to be able to pull and would like to get more horsepower but more importantly more torque for the pulling. What would be 3-4 setups you recommend?

[@richardholdener1727]

a turbo with stock cam

[@isactoriguevara6030]

@@richardholdener1727 thank you my friend!

[@isactoriguevara6030]

@@richardholdener1727 I was looking at buying the Turbo Kit GT45 T4 FOR Silverado Sierra Turbocharger Vortec V8 LS 4.8 from eBay. Do you think I should upgrade the springs? I had considered buying the BTR TRUCK NORRIS cam kit so I could have a few upgrades parts. Do you think I would even need it? I'm only wanting to get 500hp and torque somewhere around the same. What's your opinion?

[@horsied]

let’s go love your vids

[@richardholdener1727]

thnx

[@benlehner7454]

What size of injectors were used on this application?

[@richardholdener1727]

80

[@thequadsquad4801]

I can't get my 4.8 with truck Norris cam and fitech ultimate LS system and I can't get it tuned right it will not spin the tires

[@richardholdener1727]

DO YOU HAVE A SHORT RUNNER FITECH INTAKE?

[@thequadsquad4801]

@@richardholdener1727 no sir truck intake should I upgrade to it

[@richardholdener1727]

truck is better

[@thequadsquad4801]

I thought so I guess I will keep playing with it until I get it right

[@julleruff]

Hello from Sweden, found this channel and awesome info here!!🙌🏻 Watched vid and comments a couple of times and can’t find what specs the injectors are? Would I get anywhere with stock injectors or 8.1L-30 lb with turbo and cam?

[@richardholdener1727]

stock injectors don't flow enough for a turbo or even a cam, 30-pound injectors will support roughly 480 hp na, but much less under boost. Most guys run 80 pounders under boost

[@Lobo-tommy10]

Interesting compare that to the L69 5 liter from the day.

[@richardholdener1727]

an LB9 TPI 305 made 265 hp tested in the same manner (so way down compared to the stock 4.8L (the L69 would be less than the LB9)

[@Sweak22v1]

4.great!

[@richardholdener1727]

exactly

[@denilsonrosales3991]

@richardholdener1727 I have a 4.8 Silverado project truck I just got up and running and is currently at the shop for performance upgrades. It was a completely stock truck but the rear differential went out so I had to replace it. I got a Yukon possi, 4.56 gears, and bearings (master install kit). I also got the TSP Cletus McFarland dumpster fire cam kit (dual springs & pushrods). While at the shop I decided to add ported/polished/milled heads, (engine fly cut), BTR Delphi ls7 lifters, BTR LS1 engine head gaskets, 3200 stall, 50 lbs injectors, & upgraded fuel pump. Also went ahead and got long tube TSP headers 1 3/4 with 3” y pipe all the way to the muffler. Any advice on the build ?

[@richardholdener1727]

it will be a high-rpm motor

[@denilsonrosales3991]

@@richardholdener1727 any advice on anything I should change or add ? Would the 4l60 transmission hold or should I upgrade? Don’t want to hurt the engine or transmission since it would be my daily as well. Mechanic at the speed shop said it would be alright but I wanted to get a second opinion from an expert.

[@richardholdener1727]

it would not be my choice for a daily and the trans (if stock) might not last long

[@denilsonrosales3991]

@@richardholdener1727 speed shop took my truck to the dyno today for a tune it only made 280 WHP and 347 tourque after all the upgrades mentioned above. Tuner said it didn’t make that much WHP because my truck had big tires. That if I would change them to smaller tires I would see a significant increase in the WHP on the next dyno reading. Don’t seem to believe him but is that true ?

[@SampsonAllen]

I’ve been thinking of building a 351 Windsor for my camper with a 4.17 stroke for the torque. Have you ran that combo before?

[@richardholdener1727]

with a stock sleeve length-you should stick with a 4.0 stroke

[@Geoduck.]

Stock exhaust and cam with a turbo seems a no brainer. How much would a typical pick up truck turbo with intercooler installation cost?

[@richardholdener1727]

no idea on install costs

[@Geoduck.]

@@richardholdener1727 Thanks Richard, it would vary widely I'm sure.

[@ryandoyle4344]

Wouldn't PD, also be the answer, for torque? More Power! How beneficial would it be for a smaller billet turbo?

[@richardholdener1727]

PD is a good choice too-but it does lose the long-runner intake

[@rajcam80]

Boost Boost !!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@rbarker4426]

What if you advance the cam 3to6° that would give it torque starting at 1500rpm 500ft lbs 5500rpm 225@.05 ? 8 lb boost

[@richardholdener1727]

advancing the cam doesn't always add low speed torque-sometimes it just hurts power

[@robertwest3093]

On the larger LS engines a larger cam improves torque EVERYWHERE.

[@richardholdener1727]

no

[@dennisrobinson8008]

What about compound turbo it?

[@richardholdener1727]

I have compound video up

[@dennisrobinson8008]

Ok ill look it up. The recent ls3 head video was in excellent.

[@ricjona1069]

I have a GT35 laying around. Would this work and just spool up faster and top out sooner? Or should I not waste my time and just get a GT45 or other larger turbo?

[@Tommy-B.]

If you’re going single, I’d jump to the 45.

[@stephenhodge6441]

I think the gt35 is like a 550-600hp turbo isn't it? That sounds like it would work on a 4.8. I would be interested to hear what Richard has to say.

[@richardholdener1727]

the GT35 will work on the 4.8l, back pressure will be higher and power output limited, but on a stock one at 7 psi it will work

[@GreatLakesLogger]

Have you ever ran an LSA or a similar positive displacement blower on a 4.8?

[@richardholdener1727]

yes-a Cad blower with adapters

[@Blown6.2]

​@@richardholdener1727link to that vid?

[@ronaldrey8474]

If I don't have 2-3k for boost would a dual plane intake & ol carb. off my self make more tq. or low end power than stock ??

[@richardholdener1727]

might make a little more low end, but less elsewhere

[@ronaldrey8474]

@@richardholdener1727 thx for replying

[@soysaucebtw6108]

so if i got the torquer v2 cam for my 4.8l would i have to replace anything else at all or could i just throw it in there?

[@richardholdener1727]

springs?

[@farncoisbisson7737]

lt l83 heads and a belt driven high pressure fuel pump... make the direct injected 4.8l gm never made

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Destroke a 6.2L LT

[@farncoisbisson7737]

@@shadowopsairman1583 3.2xx crank fit the lt block? And I only got some l83's 3.800 bore maximum I can go on these one.

[@privatedata665]

But I don't wanna boost it 😃.Hey I got a used LQ9 for sale too

[@MichaelBeale]

THIS ISN'T UP TO YOU, YOU HAVE TO BOOST.

[@Fossillarson]

Even trade my daily 03 230k miles 4.8 for that running lq9 😅. I'm torn between boost the 4.8 or toss in ls3 427 😅

[@privatedata665]

@@FossillarsonI currently have two 4.8 engines , neither boosted . Maybe it's time for a turbo ?

[@wheelbasemedia5814]

Have you done a 4.8 test with the TN cam?

[@shadowopsairman1583]

I got a Texas Speed Chopacabra because the Values were practically the same with the Chopacabra beong $50 less

[@mr.3phase228]

Is this 4.8L 9.9:1 static cr with those pistons?

[@richardholdener1727]

near that

[@va_innovations]

hopefully a 4L60E could handle that power boost

[@Turbogto_guy]

If it’s built correctly and torque management isn’t completely turned off, yea it can. I’m pushing 24.9psi of boost through my heads/cam forged piston 5.3 and my 4l60 have been holding up for over three years. I built it myself so I know some idiot hack didn’t half ass it. It’s got sonnax everything (input/output shafts, 4l79 input drum and a lot more).

[@JAGMotorworks]

How much boost to make up for the cam? Is that possible

[@richardholdener1727]

5.5 psi roughly

[@randy6350]

Long tube NO fitty and premium is a $1 more per gallon and regular almost $4.25 per gallon

[@XxMusclecarsxX]

went 10.06 @ 136 with about 12psi with my 300$ 4.8 lol

[@dennisrobinson8008]

gt45?

[@XxMusclecarsxX]

@@dennisrobinson8008 exactly, decapped truck injectors and microsquirt

[@XxMusclecarsxX]

100$ used 222/230 cam

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Pffft,,, back in the day, we could flip the air cleaner cover on a 327 and add 50-100 HP!!!

[@randallmason9687]

Giant Quadrajet for the win!

[@richardholdener1727]

at least!

[@sebbonxxsebbon6824]

Why do people worship at the LS alter? I can make this naturally aspirated from a small block 383 stroker without boost. The Camaro and Mustang are overweight, and the Challenger is a pig. Heck a 1982 Camaro is light and fits a small block easily, they came with one. Now I can see an aluminum LS, they lighten a car more especially when the Mustang and Camaro are so heavy.

[@danecooper1914]

Because it’s a cheap, strong and reliable engine that pulled from a junkyard with 200,000 miles, it makes well over 300 hp. Hard to beat for the availability and price.

[@trentdawg2832]

LS is far more superior compared to a boat anchor O.G. Heavy ass small block……even an iron LS is at least 200lbs lighter than a conventional sbc 350……..i have a cammed 4.8 that makes more power than a standard big block chevy……and i added boost to the 4.8 just so it can compare to my LSA super charged 370 soon to be a 408

[@Ws6Ms]

They obviously ditched standard sbc stuff for a reason

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Iron block with better aluminum heads

[@sebbonxxsebbon6824]

Yes, then the "boat anchor" is competitive. There is a build of a naturally aspirated 331 cid small block making 525 horsepower on engine masters. I for one am not impressed by this 4.8 liter. My friend and I scored a 327 block for $50.00 from a 1968 Camaro. There are deals out there. @@shadowopsairman1583

[@lilpoindexter]

well....if a 4.8 turbo is good, a 6.0 turbo should be better

[@shadowopsairman1583]

And a 6.3 LS (4.8/5.3 stroker)

[@dennisrobinson8008]

The point was if the motor was "too small" to provide the torque down low, that boost can be applied to change that picture without increasing the displacement.

[@rogerbeginify]

Probably cheap to buy a 4.8

[@dennisrobinson8008]

6.0 turbo might have "too much" off idle torque... So the 4.8 might be perfect in the situation.