Zachman1

I have an 04 5.3 Silverado, I’m looking to get a little more pep out of the old girl but don’t really know where to go. I have a cold air intake, 160 degree thermostat and dual exhaust with no muffler other than that stock. From what I was told you can get up to 30 hp from electric fan conversation which I plan on doing just want to know how accurate that number actually is. Also been looking into a btr stage 2 cam was hoping someone in here has experienced the drivability of one and how much power they make? Any help would be appreciated!

FFDP

iTrader: (2)

Going to electric fans won't add nearly that much power. It'll only add a few if any.

Just a tune can make it drive a whole lot better and maybe add a touch of power. Most mild camshafts will add 30-40hp if everything is done right.

_zebra

iTrader: (5)

do you tow with the truck? if so, a clutch fan typically cools better by moving more air (hence why the HD trucks kept using them). if not, have a nut - i believe the 04s might've still had the 28" radiator (versus the 34" on the 05+ that all used factory e-fans), so that's another consideration: either swapping radiators for OEM fans or using a conversion kit.

just read around here - there're plenty of 'sticky' threads in the individual sections that address the most common stuff & provide a great place to start learning & seeing others' experiences.

firebladeJJ

iTrader: (1)

Electric fans will only FREE up 5-6 hp, wont add any. if you keep the stock radiator (28") got with the LS1 electric fans, if changing to a 05+ truck radiator, get the 05+ truck fans, along with other mods and get a tune, then let her rip.

tjmath

Long tube headers. TBSS/NNBS intake manifold. Larger TB. Possibly a different exhaust. Cam. Torque converter.

And most importantly a good tune.

wretched73

iTrader: (1)

Nailed it.

Edit- To add details about BTR stage 2 cam

BTR stage 2 truck cam 212/218. I have this cam on a 112 LSA in a 6.0 punched .030" over, 370 Ci

Some think it is too small for a 6.0, which it might be, but I love it and many others on this site love it. It drives like stock with a stock converter. On a 5.3 it will act slightly different but having a good tune in it will make it drive like factory

RB04Av

Electric fans add significant horsepower, and MUCH better A/C, but not much torque. Not a bad idea, but maybe not at the top of the to-do-list.

Headers: first mod.

Converter: revolutionizes "leave".

Cam w/valve springs: the 212/218 112° kind of cam is great.

E-fan: probably 12 - 15 HP toward the top end; by no means YYYYYUUUUUUUUUJJJJJJJE or anything, but it's consistent, reduces fuel consumption at all times (who's not to like costing less to drive around?), makes less noise, just altogether a good deal. The KG3 alternator helps this one greatly.

Can't say about the intake manifold. Never done that. Won't comment on it one way or the other.

GEARS are another thing not mentioned. Definitely YYYUUUUUUUUUUUJJJJJJJE in and of themselves.

There are SO MANY WAYS to make a VEHICLE faster without ever cracking open a single engine gasket.

darkirish63

iTrader: (5)

An '04 truck has the mounts for the larger radiator. Its an easy upgrade that clears a lot of space in the engine compartment as well. Plenty of harnesses out there with complete instructions. But a good tune, headers, cam, converter, and gear swap would be my list to do before the fans.

_zebra

iTrader: (5)

i'm pretty sure my 99 also had the 34" rad mounts. i do remember noticing 2 sets of holes when i was putting my engine in.

RedXray

The NNBS HD fans fit the NBS trucks like a glove. They have one extra blade on each fan (seven & nine) making them more efficient than the NBS fans. You'll have to upgrade the alternator to the 135/145 AMP and buy the longer serp belt as the 110 AMP alternator belt is to short.