Hi everyone! I will be purchasing a 2011 Suburban with the 5.3 V8. I like the truck, although it's seems a bit underpowered. I would like to know what my options are for a cam swap. How much can the performance be increased on this engine with cam and headers? Please let me know what's out there. I'm open to all options, even if that means sacrificing some low RPM power. Thanks!

 

Can anyone answer this question?

 

Welcome to the site, I'm sure that just about any question that you may have has already been answered here numerous times before, so you shouldn't have any problems putting together a combo that will suit your needs. Trust me, we'll gladly help you spend your hard earned money!

You have many options available to you, depending on how crazy you want to go, and whether or not you're willing to swap in a higher stalled torque converter and possibly some gears. If you just want some nice gains over stock, using the factory heads and torque converter, or maybe just a mild trailblazer style converter (like the 278mm that Circle-D offers), the Comp 212/218 low lift has more than proven itself as an excellent performer in the 5.3, especially for double duty daily drivers that like to visit the track on occasion

If you do decide to swap the torque converter, you'll definitely want an upgraded auxiliary trans cooler like the TruCool 40k that's a favorite around here (there's a sticky in reference to this cooler in the GM Drivetrain and Suspension section). Some trans mods like upgraded servos and a shift kit are always a good idea also...and don't forget custom tuning Tuning alone will help to wake that 5.3 up...our sponsors such as BlackBear and Wheatley are the top tuners around, and both have top notch customer service

 

Thanks for the reply! I've decided to buy the truck. What I'm really looking for is a reliable 400 horsepower from the engine. What is the best way to get there? I've searched the threads, but I'm under the impression that the old 5.3 is somehow different from the new 5.3. Would a cam and headers get me where I want to be? Thanks again!

 

Magnacharger,no other mods needed

 

When you say 400hp, do you mean flywheel or to the ground? Getting there at the flywheel wouldn’t be all that difficult, but even just 400hp to the ground is going to take some effort. Some sort of forced induction would be the easiest path to take if that’s your goal and still be pretty docile. Not saying it’s impossible normally aspirated, but it would be a pretty voracious little set-up.

 

I'm referring to flywheel horsepower. I didn't know it was feasible to get 400 horsepower to the ground with this engine.