Sup everyone. I came here from FSC.com. I was wondering, what is the best plan to make some serious HP on my 5.3? Should I do an intake first (prolly UPD), or go w/ an exhaust?

And if I do the exhaust, what setup should I use? A single in/dual out muffler, or true duals? And what size pipes should I run?

Sorry for all the questions. I have a bunch more, but figured I'd get these out of the way first.

Thanks.

 

Serious horsepower and intake/exhaust usually don't go along with each other. If you want big numbers, go with a S/C or N20. You will see some gains with exhaust/intake, but it won't be drastic.

Kent

 

I understand it won't yield major gains. I'm talking about just getting started. I'd love to say I have the money for new heads and everything else, but i don't <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

So, if I go intake and exhaust, what would be next? I was lookin at the Diablosport Predator, but should I do basic stuff like fans and a thermostat before that?

Thanks for any info....

 

UPD is the best intake available right now. get it, i noticed a nice gain from it.

exaust is still a debated issue. some people are goin back to a quality single 3" system (corsa makes a good one). but if you do go with duals no bigger than 2.5" pipes.

 

I have the Corsa 3" side exit system and I love it! The sound is insane! <img border="0" alt="[devil]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" /> I also noticed a bit more power throughout the rpm range. The exhaust also seemed to increase engine responsiveness.

Anyway definitely go with a Corsa its not cheap but well worth the money.

For an intake go with a UPD. I am planning to get mine with the December GP. Join in on the group buy to get one!

Dont expect miracles <img border="0" alt="[angel]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_angel.gif" /> from an intake and exhaust but you will notice some more power. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

 

If your going to put a true dual system on, I strongly recommend the use of and X-pipe. That will equalize the exhaust pressure. Like they said, no larger than 2.5" pipes. You can also get longtube or mid length headers. I would shy away from shorties. Depending on your idea of serious, there is a formula we use. It is mods = $$$ - $$$ from wallet = broke <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> So in conclusion, horsepower = money N20 and a supercharger are the best bolton horsepower adders. But if you want serious backbone for that kind of power, you have to go inside. Forged pistons, cam, heads, tranny work to hold it together, even a bigger bore. You see, it just depends on how deep you want to go. Intake and exhaust are the best starting points. You also need to consider a tunning program like LS1edit or the Diablo. Keep the questions coming.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys..

I think I'm gonna go with the Corsa Exhaust, and UPD intake just for right now. Then eventually, I'll add the diablosport, and hopefully, a supercharger farther down the line.

I'd like to have a truck that runs in the low 13's w/ the reliability of a daily driver. For that, a supercharger or N2O is probably my best bet. I don't really want to run nitrous, so the supercharger is my other choice. And I can't really get to deep into engine mods cuz I just got the truck 4 months ago!!!

Another question: Are roller rockers worth it at this stage in the game, or should I wait till I'm modded more?

Thanks again guys!

 

Rockers are $400+ and you also have to change out your springs to use them. If you are thinking about that, then you should just install the springs and a cam. You could buy a non-aggressive cam and the dealer would never know for waranty purposes.

 

A shift kit and tuner made a big difference for me. Also, small sticky tires. Evectively lowers gear ratio. Power is nothing if it doesn't get to the ground.

 

In my opinion you are right on track DrAsTiC. That's about the same mods I've done and it made the truck much more responsive, and faster plus gave me better fuel mileage.