Hi Folks,

I'll skip with the long story and just get to the important bits, I will be "inheriting" an '04 Sierra 1500 (4wd) next summer. It would not be my first (nor second, third or fourth) choice for my next project vehicle, but I've kinda been forced into ownership by the current owner, who is my father and a VERY sentimental fellow. Anyway, I will be making it my daily driver for at least the next 8+ years (starting in 2020 lets say) and I am not one to own bone stock, boring, trucks. Last time I was hanging around this site I had a Whipple charged GMT 900 Denali truck, was sniffing 11's (no prep) before a chronic trans issue compelled me to offload it (had other stuff going on in my life and didn't need the added headache).

The '04 is a pretty well maintained truck with about 120k miles, 5.3L Z71 package. Not much rust to speak of which is rare in my area. I come to you fine folks with a request: If you were to start fresh with...say an '04 Sierra and HAD to use it as your platform, and had about a $40K budget to turn it into a badass daily driver (think more street truck than off-road rig) what would you do? Assume that there wouldn't need to be any paint work or body repairs, mainly focus on the important bits, chassis/drivetrain. I might not want to lower it (much) but I would definitely like a better handling truck than it currently is and better than the 2010 Denali I had. The steering and front suspension on this truck really stinks compared to my 2010, is there specifically a series of upgrades that will help the 800's steer like the 900's? Oh, and I will probably go turbo route this time around, backed by Rossler 4L80 trans, maybe target 800 hp? This would have to take me all over the country so I plan to overbuild for best chance at reliability. Don't tell me it's not possible either! I put 130K miles on my 2010 with 11.5 psi on completely stock internal L9H, over 100 passes at the track and the only issues I had were related to the 6L80. Anyway, I know this may be an odd request but I've been known to be an odd person so if you're compelled to reply with some of your most recommended modifications/upgrades, I'm all ears.

Thanks,
Rich

 

I like your plan for turbo and 80e. That’s a good start. Not sure why yours handles so bad, I’ve had every generation of gm truck since my 04 and never noticed a huge difference. What cab configuration?

 

It’s an extended cab, guess I should have mentioned that. Steering issues may be wholly related to bad bushings or some other mechanical issue but my memory tells me it’s always been a bit numb and floaty, like the whole steering system is gumbed up with taffy. My 2010 was always MUCH more precise and direct, not that it was Porsche level or anything but decent for my purposes for sure.

 

Maybe it has crappy tires.

 

Efans, turbo, 80e, cam and supporting mods of course, fuel mods, 4.10's and posi. I think you'll be pleased. Wish I had one like it.

 

Thanks for the input, I did a full detail on it today and it looks in pretty good shape. I may just pull the bed and cab when I'm ready to handle the project and go to town on the chassis. One good realization from my work today is that the 800's are noticeably smaller than the 900's, I wanted to downsize from the 2010 (was even considering a '91 Syclone of all things!) so it may not be as small as I would like but I think I can work with it. Man I love options, my other vehicles don't have anywhere NEAR the aftermarket support!

 

They are smaller. My Denali feels like a mini truck compared to my 18’ Ford.