Great, got to work, and can't see the pics.
But I'll look later. Thanks!
Yeah, I'm on the fence as to what I want to do; am thinking over a bunch of options. I spoke briefly with my mechanic this morning, and he said the 90's were not a good year for rust on the GM's. I don't think anyone was doing good back then--and I'm not sure going into the 2000's either. Heck, I'm not so sure how they are doing today! So I'm leaning more towards new (the LS motors from what I understand are pretty good), and since Memorial Day is coming up, perhaps new is best. Better deals on the 4.8's, ergo, the question.
Without a doubt the 5.3 is a better motor. And since I'd be wanting to use this for towing, and not commuting, it'd make more sense. BUT money is always a consideration. Plus, I'm not sure why I'd need to pull at speed. But deeper gears would definately be what I'd want, assuming I could get them.
[I think the main allure of the 4.8 is mostly to make the 5.3 look all the better, and to make CAFE requirements. Sell lots of 4.8's to keep CAFE happy; but gear them such that no one would want to tow with them, so you can upsell them on the tow motor. Something like that. Spoke with my father recently, and he towed a 23' camper--with an '87 Astro! Something like 8k total weight, he thinks. It did the job, just not fast. Well, 'till the motor started drinking the oil after 100k... Similar setup, albeit shorter tires--3.42's, 700R4.]
I still have to dig through how to figure out tow ratings, it changes depending upon rear gear and motor as you'd expect. A quick look didn't seem to indicate what I wanted on the corporate site.