Infernohoe

I would like to go about modding my 5.3 Tahoe with only junkyard parts. I've heard it done to 5.7s to the tune of some 600 hp n/a but never a 5.3.

I am on a serious budget so unfortunately no SC or TC.
I will be getting a tune one of these days. Probably from Blackbear as all the places around me are charging $650+

So far I have done the 'Vette servo but nothing else yet.
I do intend on beefing up the 4l60e as I do not want to kill it.

I could use some help though guys and gals. Although I am pretty nifty with a toolbox I have really no idea where to start.
End of model year 2002 Tahoe 5.3 Flex

What parts should I get, from what group, of what year vehicles? :/

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

I6 Trail blazer torque converter
Transmission cooler from a v10 2000-2004 ford excursion
Efans from an ls1 fbody or radiator and efans from an 05+ gm truck
Rearend from a 2500 suburban should have a 14 bolt with 4.10 gears and a limited slip.
799/243 heads from any number of vehicles get them milled .030 to bring up compression.
Ls6 or ls9 cam with matching springs
Nnbs/tbss intake manifold
Flattop Pistons from a 4.8
eBay cold air intake is only $60
Longtubes can be had for around $300
Cut out the muffler and weld in a big magnaflow.

TheAutumnWind

Don't forget brakes.

NNBS front disks are 13" (fine with 17"+ wheels)
NBS tahoe rear disk.

Hydroboost can be added too.

Save the $60 on an ebay CAI to spend on a decent filter and mod the factory intake. A decent dry panel filter, opening up the dirty side of the factory intake box and some plumbing aisle stuff from the hardware store (to eliminate the flexible tube) would probably be better.

Infernohoe

This is a great start! Thanks Gamble and AutumnWind, This is going to be awesome!

TheAutumnWind

How much 4l60e beefing up do you plan on? You can increase line pressure with a tune, which can help. Keeping it cool certainly is a good idea. Transgo HD2 is pretty popular around here.

If sticky tires and hard launches are in your future You may be better off with a junkyard 4l80e though if its in the budget.

Infernohoe

I thought the 4l80e wasn't a direct fit though? I plan on doing all junkyard parts except things needed so I don't fry something. Transgo would be part of that.

Infernohoe

I didn't even see you post about CAI. I already have a k&n panel from Autozone for like 22 bucks. Made a bet with the parts sales manager on price vs a spectre and he said if I was right he'd comp the in price to the spectre muhaha. Also removed that baffle of the passenger side of the airbox for more flow.

gamble686

iTrader: (3)

80e isn't a direct fit, but it is close. Need to modify the crossmember, add the shorter yoke from a th400 and some wiring plus tuning.
Ford windstar efans also fit and flow a lot more cfm vs fbody fans.

Mark Johnson

iTrader: (1)

Ya have a Part Number for that I6 Torque Converter, would sure be helpful............

mattamd_xp

iTrader: (6)

The DACCO reman part number is B85 VJCX