Hey guys, I’m looking to increase some horsepower within my 2011 Silverado 5.3L V8 Vortec. Need help getting started. I was thinking by starting out a tuner or programer. Any suggestions would help out!

 

Lots of reading is what you'll want to do first.

People have been modding these trucks for many many years, so routes you can take are endless.

You need a goal, plain and simple. Without a end goal you are just beating around the bush. Do you want a tiny bit of power and better shifting or do you want to get 50-75+ horsepower by adding a camshaft and headers etc etc etc. Some things are cheap and other things are going to set you back $2,000-3,000 if you can't do the labor and tuning yourself.

 

Good advice from FFDP on having a plan and lots of reading/research. First thing I would do with that year truck is a VVT delete and cam swap/tune to unlock the power that's already there. After that, be prepared to spend copious $ as modding these trucks can become an expensive hobby 🤙.

 

I’m wanting to push over 500hp I know it’s going to take a few arms and legs. I want people to think it’s a sleeper till they realize that the truck is not. I’m curious on this build though.

 

Do you prefer a turbo or a supercharger?

That is pretty much your only way to get to 500hp on a 5.3.

 

You gonna need to boost that 5.3 for 500 hp. Its a big rabbit hole in the money department for supporting mods but sure is fun !!

 

I really like turbos but a supercharger would be nice. Just don’t know. Still trying to figure what cam setup with a VVT delete. What do you guys recommend?

 

BTR and TSP sell dedicated kits with everything you need minus the tune for VVT delete.

 

If you want a 500rwhp sleeper, boost is about the only way.
500rwhp NA requires cubes, good flowing cnc heads, good induction system, free flowing exhaust and a rowdy camshaft (among other things)... it's gonna be hard to creep around town with with that combo lol