I have a 01 Chevy Silverado 1500 2wd lifted 7" with 35" tires it has the stock 4.8L V8 in it. I have over 100000 miles on the truck and its beginning to show a little wear and tear. I think it’s time to upgrade the engine and maybe the tranny as well but what should I go with? I have done some searching and have found lots of options to go with but which would be the right set up? I mostly drive the truck to work and school I do some towing to the river and Glamis but nothing to heavy. I am looking for something that would replace what I have but with a lot more POWER I am looking to squeeze around 450 or more out the engine in the long run. As for what I am looking to spend probably around 5-6,000$ by the time I’m done. Is that even possible to accomplish? The other question is where is the best place to look to get a good deal. I work in a shop but we do everything else except engine work. Maybe if someone needs some help with some wheels/tires/accessories we can help each other out!

 

Did you upgrade the gears. That would be a start with those tires. If it was me I would go with a 6.0 and do some mods to it, along with some gears, then get a built transmission to handle it all. Or, a 5.3L with a blower, but that would blow your budget. Your budget is going to hold you back.

 

I bet I could probably do it if I had to with a budget of $6000

Used 5.3L long block-<$500
Used Magnacharger kit-<$2500
Performabuilt Transmission -$2000
Marine Injectors-$200

 

408 stroker or just an LQ4/LQ9, but randomheroes idea does sound unbeatable price wise.

 

I would do the gears first (if you don't already have them). Nothing higher than 4.10, 4.56 is probably the best and closest to the stock ratio with the 31" tires. That woke up the Bronco in my sig more than anything else I did. I like RandomHero's idea, or throw an lq4//lq9 in it if you find one for cheap (low miles, around $1,000 would be a good deal). Check your local junk yards for a 2500/3500HD with a 6.0.

 

A stock 6.0 would feel great over the 4.8. Once the engine is in get some tranny upgrades, a few bolt ons and a tune. You'll have money left in your pocket too.

 

Go with a 6.0 there plenty out there with low miles

 

I would normally agree, but he is looking to make 450 rwhp which won't happen with a normal cam/bolt on 6.0.

 

Yea after I posted this I forgot to mention that upgrading my gears was a no brainer! I am hoping to have that done within the next month or so! But I have decided to go with the set up that most people are recommending which is the lq4/lq9. So now the search begins! Any know know o f any good places to start? I am located in So. Cal if that makes a difference. i cant wait!

 

Schram has an absolutely gorgeous LQ9 listed on ebay for $2000. It's from an 06 escalade and is pristine. If that engine was available when I was looking for my LQ9 I would have snatched it up in a second. The reason I think this is such a good deal is because they actually have it listed as an LQ4, but it's out of an escalade meaning its an LQ9. Their price is about $500 less than they normally charge for an LQ9