I have an 05 z71 gmc with a 5.3. she is major weak now and i want to upgrade to 6.0. Been doing some reading on the forum here. Is there a particular model 6.0 i would want for towing and as far as a reprogram can i reprogram with something like a cortex programmer or do i have to look otherwise? Everything else seems to be plug and play as far as the install? Thanks in advance!

Wayne

 

I plan on ordering a new gm crate motor is the plan just wanna make sure I get what's best for towing. lq4,lq9? maybe a good bolt on exhaust or headers? Not looking to do anything internal on motor just replace motor and some add ons. Thanks again!

 

Get an LQ9.
Plug and Play install.
Get a custom tune, no programmer crap.
Headers and cat-back if you want a little more power and a lot more noise. (seriously)

Enjoy.

Get 4.10 gears if you need more towing power.

 

Thanks! Yea im not sure of the exhust i like my quiet ride haha. BUT a nice exhaust system that may be abit quieter than the average performance exhaust would not be out of the question!

 

I wouldn't buy a new crate motor unless money isn't an object... I never have priced them but would be scared to. You can pick up a used long block for anywhere from 700-1500, depending on yr and whether its a LQ4 or LQ9. Main difference between the two is flat top pistons on the LQ9 bumping up compression for a little extra power but not alot. I would look for an 05+ LQ4 long block with around 60k or less, take the money you save over an LQ9 or crate motor and buy a cold air intake, set of stainless headers and y pipe off ebay, and a corsa touring exhaust to keep things fairly quiet. Then take the truck and have it custom tuned by a good tuner, or get a pcm custom tuned by a board sponsor and mailed to you. Would run very well and be much more reasonable price wise. If you really want a significant increase in power, you should stick a cam and set of springs in it while you have the engine on a stand.