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  1. #1
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    piston swap

    will the pistons off a 08 4.8 swap on to a 2001 5.3? i ask because i read somewhere that the newer engine have float pins .thanx

  2. #2
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    anyone! i ask this ? becuase i just purchased a low milage 2008 4.8 with 243 heads . i got motor just for the heads and injectors ,but now i have this idea of swapping pistons.i know there are better combos but this is what i have to work with for now. another ? how much compression will i lose if i just do a head swap

  3. #3
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    Just swap the pistons and rods on your crank.

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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jermoslin View Post
    Just swap the pistons and rods on your crank.
    I'm pretty sure that wouldn't work as the 4.8 has longer rods than the 5.3.
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  5. #5
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    The floating pin is in the rod, all piston pins float in the piston. You should be fine with putting the 4.8 pistons on you 5.3 rods for a nice compression bump.
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  6. #6
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    remember its not as simple as you may think. stock rods are pressed fit, where as it requires more effort then a lock style pin
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  7. #7
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    press fit piston has no groove for keepers so teflon buttons would have to be used to keep the floating pin from floating out to the cylinder wall and gouging it if a floating pin connecting rod was used.
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  8. #8
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    4.8 /5.3 have the same bore

    they should fit, just that 5.3's have a shorter rod,

    + you should gain compression and flow, due to ur 5.3 has deep dished and 4.8's have fla tops and 243's should help alot...

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by gm327 View Post
    4.8 /5.3 have the same bore

    they should fit, just that 5.3's have a shorter rod,

    + you should gain compression and flow, due to ur 5.3 has deep dished and 4.8's have fla tops and 243's should help alot...
    More flow from a flat top piston?

    But anyway, if the pin bore is the same new 4.8-old 5.3 then you can have your old pistons pressed off and the new ones pressed on to your 5.3 rods. the press fit in the rod will keep the pin from hitting the cyl wall so you shouldn't need the spiral locks.

    I don't know if you can put PM rods in a rod oven. maybe someone here will know.
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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by straightaxle View Post
    More flow from a flat top piston?

    But anyway, if the pin bore is the same new 4.8-old 5.3 then you can have your old pistons pressed off and the new ones pressed on to your 5.3 rods. the press fit in the rod will keep the pin from hitting the cyl wall so you shouldn't need the spiral locks.

    I don't know if you can put PM rods in a rod oven. maybe someone here will know.


    flat tops give you more compression than deep dish pistons.
    what give you more flow are the heads, not the pistons.

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