Stock 5.3 and turbo questions
 

Howdy y'all! I have a 2012 CC 2wd Z71 with the 5.3 flex fuel engine. The truck has a Goshichi wheelchair conversion that I estimate makes it 1000lbs over stock weight. I've installed an STS kit with the 76mm coated turbo and an intercooler which I moved up behind the grill.

Currently I'm finishing some odds and ends and only running 5psi, which works quite well. I'm preparing to install my meth kit, wide band and Greddy Profec. The intention is to run at least 10-12psi. Im waiting on my SSBC big brake kit to arrive since the stock brakes suck with 20" wheels and Trail Grapplers.Currently the truck has about 9200 miles on it. My question are:


Should I go ahead and install LS9 valve springs, and can I use the stock seats and retainers?

Is there any advantage to going ahead with a 4" intercooler to throttle body pipe with the LS7 card MAF?

Would I see any real gain by installing aftermarket ignition components, coils etc?

I prefer to retain the factory engine as long as possible since this is my DD and only means of independent transport in my wheelchair. I'm aware eventually it will blow but I'm gathering parts to build a stroked 6.2 with either the current turbo system updated or a Whipple.

Thanks for your answers!

LS9 springs: I don't know the specs on them but if it were me, I would put some good dual springs like the Brian Tooley springs.

4" piping: I wouldn't think that would hurt you at all

Aftermarket Ignition: Save your money, the stock stuff is just fine

And you shouldn't have a problem with 10-12 psi on pump 93 and no meth. You will just need a good tune and a fuel system that can keep up.

With that said, Welcome!

No real need to run heavy dual springs with a stock cam, they will just rob power and make extra noise. A set of LS6 springs or PAC 1218's would be sufficient I'd think.

I second the idea of a set of PAC's here. Even though the stock springs "should" be fine running a stock cam, you will be putting 10-12 psi on the back of the valve, putting more stress on whats really a low lift stock valve spring. I'd swap to a higher rate spring just for safety. As for ignition, Ive personally seen almost 900hp, on a dyno, at the tires on stock LS coils and wires (not my truck of course). Like o2camaross said, I wouldnt spend the money there.