RobbieGT Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Hey all! So I know it's not an SS or VHO motor, but I have a 5.3 that I'm planning on doing up, and was wondering the best bang for the buck mods. It's got your typical CAI, cat back exhaust, all that nonsense, but I've been hearing a lot of talk about cam swaps in these motors, and to be honest i have NO clue what the best cam for this motor would be. The truck's a 2003 silverado Z71 Extended Cab. I have a Corvette Servo on the way that should be installed by next week. I'm a college student, money's tight but not too tight, as I make good cash at the moment. My question for you guys is, what should I do to this thing? Nothing would satisfy me more than to blow away half the ricers in my town while I'm in a full size truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverado777 Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 MP 112 and done But that depends on your budget. Let us know what your budget is so we can point you in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Get a tune done if you haven't already, by far the best bang for the buck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2003_SuperSport Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 (edited) MP 112 and done But that depends on your budget. Let us know what your budget is so we can point you in the right direction. Agreed ^^^ Best bang for your buck and is a complete bolt on and go kit with a tune of course... A used mp112 in good shape goes for $2000-$3000... A cam swap will run you about $1200+ unless you do the labor yourself and thats only a gaurentee of 30+ hp while the blower would be good for 120+hp depending on pulley size... -Nitrous is also a good bang for your buck and a 100-150shot is said to be easily handled by a stock block and fuel system... $500+ for a good kit... and is the cheapest hp- money unless your using it all the time and then the bottle refills will get ya in the end... If I could do it all again and my goals were to be a stock block running 11's I'd go exhaust+ misc like e-fans,plugs,wires-then tune-then transmission-then blower+heads-then Cam-then gear ratio if wanted-finally meth or nitrous Edited October 1, 2014 by 2003_SuperSport (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieGT Posted October 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Appreciate all the responses so far! I'm starting relatively slow, Keeping each upgrade under $400-$600. My ultimate plan is to save my cash during the winter (I'm in New England so my current cash is being allocated to a full slotted/drilled rotor set up w/ ceramic pads and A/T's for my 22'' 's. I have heard a TON about the E-Fans, are they truly all they're cracked up to be? I've heard that they not only free up space and help the engine breath, but they have been reported to increase MPG slightly? Not to mention they get rid of the horrendous steel bars behind my grill. I've also done the plugs and wires, I got iridium plugs and whatever wires they came with, that surprisingly made a killer difference. I think I am going after a tune next. Does anyone have any recommendations? (I'm not looking for stupid tunes that are going to blow my truck up, trust me, had a friend seize a 7.3 diesel in his ford because of a tune) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldofashow Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Where in New England are you located Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieGT Posted October 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 South Shore, MA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldofashow Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Check out slowhawk performance in bridgewater,ma for an in person street tune I've been going to him since 2008 don is the man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieGT Posted October 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 The tune won't hurt the truck any right? I've just heard bad results with them, don't want to hurt it more than it helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldofashow Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 He tuned mine in 2008 and it's great no problems. tuning a turbo diesel is not like tuning a gas engine and I've also seen diesel guys killing there trucks with there tuning rear-ends ,transmissions and engines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieGT Posted October 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Do you know what he charges roughly? Looks like he's got alot of options, I might go through him for a cam/head setup if his prices are good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldofashow Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 I think it was $250-$300 for a street tune. A cam, hardened pushrods, valve seals & springs, c5r timing chain&gears, ported ls6 oil pump and ported throttlebody will run you $2300-$2500 parts & labor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieGT Posted October 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Hmm.. Any idea of the estimated gain I'd get out of that? Sorry, I'm an aspiring gear head but still a virgin to these trucks lol.. My father's got the 2500Hd with the 8.1 so if I can smoke him I'll be eternally grateful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldofashow Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 Exact HP not sure but that 2500hd should definitely see your tail lights a tune and cai is a good start then save up for the rest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70chevy03ss Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 (edited) I have a set of flex a lite universal fans I'm selling. All u need is the controller for your truck. 400 shipped 350 local pickup. I live in mass!! Let me know. There were on my "blown" 70 Chevelle for a year till I sold the car!! Part number 99295 Edited October 1, 2014 by NoMoreSS (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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