I am hoping you folks can advise me on what would suit my needs best.

I have a LS1 5.3 out of 2004 Tahoe, 40k on it and the 4l60e behind

I will be putting this into my 1972 C-10, As this is a complete frame off I have motor on stand and any improvements should be done now.

I have no desire to lay down a 11 sec 1/4 mile, Just want to add a little HP and maintain decent economy for this truck. I will be running 3.73 posi gears

Also like to keep this engine EFI.

SO I'm thinking heads,cam,springs? Not sure really, Any imput is welcome. I do not wish to brake the bank on this but have a grand or so to put into motor

Thank You
Dan

 

Well, first off... You either have an LS1 or a 5.3. LS1 is the RPO code for the 5.7L engine found in certain GM vehicles.

If it were mine, I'd just do a decent cam and a stall converter. That would make it fun to drive and shouldn't hurt the fuel economy too bad depending on the cam.

 

Thank you for the posts guys. I was told by someone that I should put stock 02-04 ZO6 cam in it with a good exhaust and cold air intake. I plan to use Doug Thorley long pipes and a X pipe for exhaust and trying to find a cold air intake design box I like. Should be plenty of room in engine bay as I am removing factory A/C and going with vintage air

This motor has 862 heads, Should I port them add cam, lifters, springs and rods? Or should I buy some 243 as I see most prefer those?

I said the budget was $1K but I know what I seek will cost more, Oh well Wife never sees my CC statement

Thanks

 

I said the budget was $1K but I know what I seek will cost more, Oh well Wife never sees my CC statement

Thanks[/QUOTE]

must be a newlywed...............

1st thing Doug Headers are Expensive, are you sure the motor is an 04? Yes the LS6 heads and cam are a fairly cheap upgrade and I have them and am happy. This thread will probably draw a lot of attention so be ready for many options but.......$1000 will get you nowhere unless you plan on doing the work yourself.

 

I know headers are costly but I have to have them. many guys building these trucks with LS motors and almost to a man they love these headers.

Been married long time, Wife never asks and I certainly never tell.

Not sure why I put budget at 1K, I will buy what this motor needs to be a nice driver with muscle within reason. Again I am not seeking a track motor, Just wanna blow a few Titans off the road when needed..

 

Cam, headers, and tune will get you started and help perk that motor up.

While 243 heads flow a little better and have bigger valves, it'll drop your compression ratio down too much unless you mill the 243 heads about .030", plus that kind of shoots the budget unless you already have the heads laying around.

Most of the truck guys stay pretty mild on the cam in order to keep torque high (helpful with a heavy vehicle). The 02+ LS6 cam is a popular choice. Another popular cam and maybe a better choice is the Comp Cam 212/218 in either low lift (.522/.529) or high lift (which is not really that high .558/.563). Either of those can be used with LS6 valve springs. If I ever decide to cam my Tahoe 5.3, the Comp Cam 212/218 will be my pick.

 

Stock 243 heads, LS6 intake and stock z06 cam is a good bang for the buck.

 

If it were me I'd do longtubes and an xpipe exhaust. Feel like you need more kick then spray it. Bigger on the heads, cam, and intake will make that truck less fun.

 

Ls6 cam and intake and the stock heads after a valve job will do exactly what you want.

 

Batboy, I think I like your plan best. If I get the Comp 54-412-11 with a lsa 114 what else would you buy? Do I keep the 862 heads and have them ported? Or do I buy 243/799 heads and port them? I amazing I'll need lifters and springs with either.

Thanks for your help, I really have very little clue on this and my friend who knows mechanics well will not get a computer to help.. So Ty again

Dan