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Old 10-21-2020, 10:51 AM   #1
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Lightbulb 4.8L V8 OHV 16V Engine

Hi everyone! I have been looking for a short bus to convert into a skoolie for quite some time, and I found one with this engine. I really don't know a lot about engines - I know exactly what style of bus, etc. but I don't have a good grasp on what good engines are! How does a 4.8L V8 OHV 16V compare to other ones? Is it particularly good, bad, or average?

Thanks!

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Old 10-21-2020, 12:30 PM   #2
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I take it this is a short bus on a Chevy/GMC van chassis? And is it gas or diesel? If gas, that engine - and it's compatriots, the 5.3L and 6.0L, are generally considered reliable (though I have no personal experience)
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Old 10-21-2020, 04:16 PM   #3
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Vague info will get you vague answers.

4.8 literes of anything is pretty under powered to pull around anything of significant size.
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Old 10-21-2020, 05:17 PM   #4
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4.8l gas from GM is the most basic of V8's. It was the entry level V8 in their trucks but now has been replaced with V6's as entry engines. They are reliable but might be underpowered for a heavy vehicle.
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:03 PM   #5
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the 4.8 is as reliable as the venerable 5.3 / 6.0 of the modern era. . but yeah underpowered.. i almpost bought a pickup with it once andeven brand new that engine worked hard .. ended up with a 6.0 instead
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:12 PM   #6
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Yes, it is a 2005 Chevy Express. It is gas with around 100,000 miles. Thank you so much for your help!
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:13 PM   #7
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Sorry about not a lot of information, I wasn't quite sure what was necessary for the engine specifications. It is a 2005 Chevy Express 3500 Cutaway with around 100,000 miles, gas.
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:14 PM   #8
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hmm okay. So probably not the best for a short skoolie, especially going up and down mountains?
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:15 PM   #9
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thanks so much! so it seems like it shouldn't fail on me but won't be super powerful?
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:45 PM   #10
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It is the smallest engine they put in them, I would try to reduce the weight of the build if possible, is this a metal school bus or a fiberglass shuttle bus?
The good news is the engines are very common and you can upgrade it to a bigger one fairly easily in the future if needed, and you might be better MPG with the smaller one.
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Old 10-21-2020, 08:56 PM   #11
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metal school bus. good mpg sounds good!
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