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5.3 Performance Mods

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22K views 35 replies 21 participants last post by  spook  
#1 ·
Hey, y'all I'm new to the forum and still shopping for the right SSR for me. First test drove a low mileage 04 and was impressed with how solid and smooth it was. Loved how it sounded just a little disappointed in the performance. The 5.3 models especially the 04 is so much less expensive in general then the 05 or 06 with the 6.0. If I'm looking to have fun and just mod the 5.3 later would that be the better route to take or should I hold out and spend 5 to 10K more on a comparable 6.0? Are these 5.3 engines easy to mod and get to 400-450hp without supercharging? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)
 
#2 · (Edited)
I have a 5.3 in my chevy Silverado 4X4 pickup and this is what I did.
1. Magnaflo dual exhaust. 12 HP
2. K&N Cold air package and filter system. 17.55 HP
3. Air Aid Throttle body spacer. 19 HP
4. Jet Mass air sensor. 15 HP
5. Custom Super Dyno Tune by O2 Dynamics Tuning and Dyno Testing for 91 octane plus. 20 HP

Spent about $1100 total and it is a world of difference but still not a 6 liter. The manufacturers of these parts and mods claim about a total of 83.55 horsepower increase. (Probably not correct as advertised) Buying the 6 Liter is the way to go and then hotrod that a little at a time as you can afford it. There are other differences that make the 05 or 06 more sought after and more valuable also. Just my 2cents.
Hope that helps you decide.
Auggie.
 
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#19 ·
Some of it is the, "mine's bigger than yours", factor. It's the same with the options, got to have it because if I meet somebody that does, they'll out rank me, even though that option doesn't fit with how I use the truck. Like if you're going to haul sand & gravel, paying a couple grand extra for a carpeted bed doesn't make much sense. Alright alright, that's silly but you catch my drift.

Ha, the phrase "use the truck", even makes some people twitch. You should figure out what you want to do with your SSR, take an honest look at how you perceive it and how you'll use it. Is it a trophy, a collector piece, garage queen that only gets driven on special occasions like shows and rallies? Nothing wrong with that, a lot of members do that.

Would you use it for a daily driver, or a regular alternate vehicle semi-depending on weather? Maybe even going racing regularly? Nothing wrong with any of those choices, they're all here too.

Planning on keeping it stock, except for Mike's radiator support which is a must, and maybe Dicktator's transmission kit which is a real good idea. Or planning on making any changes you find may enhance drivability? Maybe even building a balls to the wall hot rod?

If you're saying to yourself I'll just buy one and then see what happens, that will work but may cost you money and aggravation later. You'd be ahead by making those decisions now and trying to buy a truck that matches them. Of course it's not like you can go to Chevy and tailor a truck, and you may have a change of heart... or life slaps you up side the head.

But whatever and however, good luck, I hope you get one that tickles your fancy.
Oh, and keep us informed so we can help you spend more money. :seeya
 
#4 ·
If you're looking for that slam ya back in the seat kinda power, get a tune done, change the gears in the rear end to 4:56 or 4:11's and get a different torque converter from Greg Ducato ( a member here and tranny guy extrodinare!)
That will give you the ability to do big smokey tire burnouts, while scaring the crap outta your passengers! :thumbs

If Dyno numbers are what you are after, that's a different thing.....



Don J :00000732:
 
#5 ·
Thanks, Don! The push your passenger back in the seat is basically what I'm looking for...lol...I just want a fun toy for around town so sounds like going to a 4:11 gear would be perfect! Will have to hit up Greg about a torque converter as well. I'm assuming it's a stall converter? I like the idea of saving quite a bit and just going with the 5.3 and enjoying the hell out of it until I could do an LS2 or LS3 swap. Not sure that kind of swap would be feasible though as far as cost and such.
 
#8 ·
Keep an eye on some of the other threads right on this forum. There are three very nice SSR's for sale right now. Seem in good shape and well priced. Good luck.
 
#11 ·
I have a '04 5.3 SSR and have never driven a 6.0 Is there really that much difference between the two? Looking at the specs (really not much difference) is there behind the wheel? I always thought myself lucky to have a 5.3 when the price of fuel was high burning regular fuel and getting better fuel economy than the 6.0
 
#14 ·
Speaking as a 5.3 owner .... being able to use Regular Gas is a plus ..... having a 100 HP less ..... My bank account really likes that :thumbs That way I don't get those REALLY large excess fuel usage tax slips!!!! The 5.3 gets me into enough trouble as it is!!!! ;)
plus it gets me there .... maybe a couple seconds later, but it gets me there!!!:glol
 
#21 ·
Haha...thanks man! Think I'm just going to go with the 6.0.....didn't know that about the radiator support....great advice...have saved the website....What did you mean about the transmission kit? I'm either going to try to finance a SSR right now or wait a couple of months and pay for one cash...either way the garage and my Mustang better get use to the idea because it is happening! lol
 
#22 ·
Looking at spending a few extra dollars myself so maybe you all can help me decide how. I see some good advice on this string so let me pose a question.

First, I have an 06 with the 6.0.

I see above KelleyO recommended tune it 4.56 gears and a .3000 stall converter.

Would this be the way to go or would the 411 gears be better.

I'm not real versed in this area so any advice would help.

By the way I already have the Corsica exhaust, K&N Cold Air Package

Thanks in advance
 
#25 ·
They are all the same

5.3or 6.0? They are all the same vehicle. I've driven both and there is very little difference in every day driving. For both get a tune to make both much better drivers. I love the instant response after the tune.
In the Sacramento area there is a great guy for making your LS motor come to life. Yes the 5.3/LM-4 motor is part of the LS family. PM for info.
:thumbs
 
#26 ·
I have driven both. IMO

There are some advantages the '03 and '04 have. One is that they aren't performance to the point that you can run reg fuel in them. They have sufficient power to handle well on everyday travel their electronics may be a bit simpler. They are lower compression and may be easier to add a supercharger. They are also less expensive to get into with comparable mileage and look the same. Plenty of power to get on the interstate and if you run Goodyears to make it sqeek a little.

The controls for the seats are far better in the '5-6's in that you can reach them with the door closed. You can only get the 6 spd on the '5-6's. I am sure there are numerous updates (take wipers for instance that they didn't get right 'til '06, hood and deck struts etc.) and some that you cannot see that get some of the bugs out. The LS 2 is a better engine IMO all around. Without any add ons or performance tuning they are a legit performance engine.

There is a reason that they are more expensive.

If you want a good fun driver buy a '03 or '04 and pocket the thousands difference. If you want 400 hp, I would go with a stock '05 or '06 and get it tuned instead of adding on to a LM 4. You get all the upgrades that GM did along the way. I love the 6 spd, so my decision was easy.

Dave
 
#27 ·
Things you should do IMO
1. Fan upgrade SAFETY
1a. Switch upgrade SAFETY
2. Radiator support STIFFENING AND SAFETY
3. Replace front X stablizer with Mikes STIFFENING
4. Replace rear single stablizer with Mikes or Trailblazer etc. STIFFENING
5. Replace deck struts if they don't pop open. CONVENIENCE
6. Add hood struts if '03 or '04. CONVENIENCE
7. Add support to hood cap so the guy at easy change does not break it off. FRUSTRATION
8. Have its tuning checked and lower temp fan on etc. PERFORMANCE and SAFETY
9. Change linkage if auto SAFETY
10. Consider clutch change and shifter upgrade on 6 spd. PERFORMANCE and SAFETY

I think that should solve most common driving problems.

Things I like:
1. cutouts
2. KN filter kit.
3. '06 wiper washer set up
4. 4.56 rear end and added capacity cover (requires tune that few can do)
5. Upgrade radio and maybe navigation
6. TPMS

I have seen may other things that people have done I would love a couple are:
1. "RV" cam the engine, heads done and adjust the air.
2. Mild stroke the LS 2 and lower the compression just slightly

All of these make the SSR better. Then you can add tastes in looks.

Dave
 
#30 ·
Thank you so much! This will be a great thread to refer back to once I make my purchase. So you're saying few speed shops can do the tune? I'm here in Houston, so I guess I better do some research before I do the gear upgrade then. Oh wait need to get the SSR first...lol...Seeing so many 03 and 04s for as low as 10,999 to 14,900.....I also have a 2012 Mustang V6 that I've slightly modded, but there isn't a day I don't regret getting the GT....I'm now about as fast as a stock one, but it took a bit to get there. I almost feel like I'd be in the same boat with a much cheaper 5.3 SSR vs the Ls2 6.0....decisions decisions.....All great suggestions though! I'm wondering if anybody on here has done an engine swap from a 5.3 to an LS2 or more....if it's feasible at all?
 
#31 ·
From past experience in the hot rod world it is going to cost you a lot more in time , money, and headaches to by a 5.3 and swap the motor to a 6 liter. Just my 2cents. Better to spend a little more up front and get what you ultimately want rather then settling and trying to modify it to what you should have bought in the first place.
Auggie.
 
#34 ·
Ok I guess I'll chime in. I have an 04 and I speak from experience when I tell you that the 5.3 really wakes up with a GMPP ZO6 cam and a set of LS-6 heads and both are relatively cheap. True Duals and tune are a must as are 4:56 gears. I originally had done the other bolt ons with my R (1.85 rollers, dual timing chain, free flo filter, etc, etc) and achieved 360 rear wheel hp out of the 5.3 without a supercharger. Enough so that I had to get Greg Ducato to rebuild my trans within the year of doing the mods...and that too was well worth the money spend. I love my truck and it will be with me until the day I die (or maybe downgrade the size of the stable...I don't know). On the plus side if you keep an available secondary tune on long trips you can burn regular gas. V/R
 
#36 ·
Darren: I wish you were close so I could take you for a ride. With the torque control turned off this little truck will flat get it from a dead stop. If I want it will burn 1st 2nd and 3rd. The exhaust note alone was worth what I did. It's so friendly on the road cruising but you get on it and you know that it is certainly not stock. By the way did I tell you that I love this truck??? Probably drive it again in this years Power Tour.