I'm new to the forum and it's pretty obvious that you guys are really well informed. I need to know if I can attain my goal with just a 5.3. Here are my requirements.

Must pass emissions.
Must be reliable (within reason of course, a tranny rebuild is already in the budget)

So far I have on order.
Full length Dynamaxx Headers (with cats) for an SSR
HPNtuner software

BTW my truck is an 04 Buick Rainer and weighs in @ 6,500lbs.

I get the feeling I'm gonna need a stroker, tell me it isn't so guys.

Sebastien

 

what does that thing run now

 

Check out the fastest truck list, particularly the N/A section. Are you sure that thing weighs 6500lbs? That thing is a pig, and I don't think you'll be able to do it with a NA 5.3. FI isn't so bad, what's your reason for keeping it NA. A radix kit is very dependable and you can get a damned warranty with it too!

Just out of curiosity, what gears does that thing have, and is it AWD/4WD???

 

Isn't the 6500 the GWV on that??
My GWV is like 6800 i think but is weighs 4600 with me in it (I'm 215), So I think that it weighs a lot less!!

If it weighed 6500lbs you would need around 585 HP and 690 ftlbs torque @ the flywheel!!!!!!!
Wheras I would need 414 and 488.

 

http://www.buick.com/rainier/features/specifications/

says 4600lbs

a stock 6.0 and a stall would get you real close and not cost much as all. if that dont do it then a few bolt on's would get you there for sure.

 

Stock 6.0 with maybe a small cam too. The stall in your truck should be the same as a trailblazer stall which has been giving decent results behind 6.0L engines.

Welcome to the site.

 

I did a 6.0L LQ4 swap, LS6 cam, and tuning on a 4.8L yellow reg cab truck not too long ago, it's not much lighter than your buick.
I was very impressed with the results. He's running a 13.4 @ 98mph I believe.

So, I bet a 6.0L, 2600stall (i'm sure you drive it daily) and a cam will get you there with no problems.

good luck,

allen

 

well if you put a big **** cam in that thing you might be able to eak one out with probably like a 3000+ plus converter and some headwork with a bigger intake valve and such maybe mill em down a might. but i think you might just be able to eak one out with the ole 5.3 although like they say a 6.0 would work wonders on that thing

 

I agree that this would be the most cost effective way also.

 

On a prior 6.0 with a cam and a 200 wet shot of nitrous went 13.26 in a 62000 lb HD..

Cam and stage 2 ported heads w/ a 260 shot forged pistons on an otherwise STOCk bottom end 12.78

IMO:
I would say on yours, a 150 shot on a completely stock 6.0 with a cam and you will definately be there and would be safe on your motor..

If you ar ok with a little laughing gas..

If not, throttle body, air intake, headers, and a cam would get you close.. Cheapest would be the Nitrous.