to get a low 13 from a 5.3 you could follow the cookie cutter proven 5.3 combo. CAI, 3,600 converter, 4.10 gears, longtubes/ory/straight through muffler, 220/220 cam, underdrive pulley, tune, tires, weight and weather.

it will require a converter, and it will require a cam to get it done N/A. from what i know, i'm still the only one to run 13's on a stock internal 5.3 ECSB and that was way back in 2005 or so.

 

There was plenty back then down here running 13s on bolt ons

 

probably don't even need the 4.10's with the 6 speeds, I think first in the trans is like a 4 to 1 vs 3.06 of a 4l60

 

Can't give all that much input but last trip to the track there was a 14' rcsb with a tune and American racing long tubes consistently running 13.7-8 while consistently spinning its *** off haha I'd say full bolt ons should get you 13.6-7

 

My 15 double cab with 3.42 gears and the heavy 20's ran 15.6 @ 91 with the traction control on and bone stock. The MPH would indicate that a decent 60 should get you low 14's high 13's. Like everyone has said, a good tune on E85, CAI, full exhaust and a drag radial set up on 17 or 18 inch wheels (not sure what fits on the new brakes), I would be willing to venture that would be enough to get into the 13's. Would having a set of drag wheels for the rear and at the drag strip be an option? 28" slicks with the 6 speed should work fairly well.

With you still towing, I would personally do that before fully committing to a race truck, but to each their own.

 

Volant has been the clear winner for cold air intakes.

Intake, exhaust, tune should get you into the 13s. From there you can decide if it's still worth modding w a converter and/or cam

 

Volants suck ***. Ive personally seen and felt power losses with volants, with and with out tunes.
The guys around here wont even take my old volant for free.

Get a ebay special specter clone. Spray it inside and out with a full can of vht 2k and wrap it with header wrap.
Use thermo guard FR to insulate the box and seal it to the hood.

 

I used to work very closely with Volant, Actually the shop i worked at. Helped them design all of their exhaust systems. (we had been doing custom exhaust for nearly 30 years at the time)

I have to say that im shocked to hear the power loss claims. Every vehicle ive ever put one on i noticed an increase in power and economy.

Including my personal 04, 06, and 08 silverados. As well as a 02 camaro i had.

Not to mention they about look the best. Do you have any proof that the Volant's cost power?

 

Got my lowering kit installed over Christmas weekend. Im pretty happy with how it looks. Amazed how many places it rubs now. Ill have to get used to that. Yes i know the truck is filthy. Didn't have the time to wash it before the rain started





Before/After

 

Question for you all on exhaust

Currently, i have a 3" piece of pipe where the muffler used to be.

still have the drone valve thingy and the rear resonator

i am considering having that all cut off and just going with a straight 3" piece dumped at the axle.

Atleast until i do headers. Any reason not to? Other than a little louder?