I can do either a set of lapole headers or a gear swap. The thing is that I just got some denali rims and tires which ended up being about 1.5 inchs taller than my stock tires and it feels like I lost a little performance. I have the stock 3.42's right now. I was thinking about getting a set of 3.73's and the eaton posi which would put me at about 3.55 with the tires.

How much more of a difference gas and performance wise would I see with the 4.10's? 75% of my driving is on the interstate and I don't pull anything except a trailer full of material (once or twice a year) when a home project cranks up.

Or the other option is a set of lapole mid length headers to make up for the loss of performance. I am looking at the thorley's but I can't get someone that has them on a 5.3 to respond on the preformance difference.
What do you guys think??
Lar

 

You can't go wrong with either mod, but if your looking at getting your gearing back plus a litte more pep, go with an Eaton and 4.10 It kicks *** performance wise, and the gas milage does not change hardly any. I went from 3.42 to 4.10, and man, it was a huge difference.
I have Hamm Headers, which are a real close make to the lapoles. 20 rwhp, 20 rwtq is a nice gain, but depending on how you run your exhaust, it might not be enough to make up for your gear loss.
Good Luck

 

I second the Eaton and 3.73(or 4.10's either one)no matter what you do you are eventually going to need the posi.

 

The LaPoles kick ***, I would get gears first though.

 

Whith those tires 4.10's and posi if you don't have one already.

File

 

Do the 4.10's! I'm in the same boat, I just put on some Escalade rims and tires, and my 3.73's went to 3.55's. I lost what I consider quite a bit of performance (.4 seconds off my 0-60 time). I have the tires listed now and want to go to 275/60R17's, they have the same diameter as my stock 255/70R16's. I would like to keep the tires and do the 4.10 swap but don't have all the $$ I need (and I mean cash, no charging, PERIOD). The tires are much cheaper than a gear swap, maybe in the furture though.
Jim

 

I got 280miles too my last tank of fuel i have 410's and procharger and heavy foot

jim

 

My vote goes for the 4.10 and Eaton Posi.

 

Jim with numbers like that it's really making me think hard. I get about 340 or so right now. I'll know tomorrow how much I'm getting with the tires.

A guy on another board said that he is pushing about 2500rpms going about 80 which is what I run at most of the time.

Y2K I got my rims and tires from the same guys. I found a place that is asking $560 for the eaton, gears, and install kit. I figure I might be able to sell my stock posi and gears and get back most of my install cost.

I appreciate all the input.
Lar

 

You only got 280 miles on a tank . I get like around 400, and I have a heavy foot. Although I would give up my mpg for your power.

My vote is also with the gears.