GTOFAN91

Hey guys I am doing some research on a couple things. What would you say the reliability of 500-600whp is on a 5.3, particularly from a 2014-2017 silverado 1500. I want to do some towing with it too, and it would tow my 32ft travel trailer mostly, if that effects anything.
Thanks!

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Denmah took a Gen IV to like 996rwhp. So.

But the 14+ 5.3s are direct injection. They will make 600rwhp falling down backwards. But if you're retrofitting, the 05-13 Gen IV motors would be easier I think (and cheaper).

A Gen IV engine would be plenty reliable at 500-600rwhp with a good tune. If you are turbo'ing it, get a boost controller and intercooler and towing shouldn't be a problem either. Just turn the boost down and adjust timing etc for a tow tune.

ls1charged

iTrader: (8)

i just put a 07 iron 5.3 in my car,waiting to get the turbo kit..... but from all the research ive done, it wont even blink at 500-600 hp, assuming you got a good tune of course

PowellSixO

iTrader: (1)

I'd be worried towing a 32' camp trailer, with 500-600 rwhp, and a 1500. The motor might be reliable, but the rest of the truck won't be.

steves86ta

iTrader: (5)

that and i would think with that kind of hp, you will have a fairly loose convertor... loose convertor and towing... idk about that

PowellSixO

iTrader: (1)

A diesel is what you need my friend. It will cost you a lot less in the long run, and be 10x more reliable.

GTOFAN91

I thought about a diesel, but man for what they are asking nowadays for a new diesel.....From what I have seen and heard a 1500 thats a long wheels base, and has around 3.73-4.11 gears pulls pretty nice, I also don't think its too heavy, its only around 6800lbs. Its a Jayco super lite so its very lite for what it is. I wonder how much you can get into a 13-15 Duramax anymore.

kinglt-1

iTrader: (26)

You can not beat a diesel for towing. That being said I would not turbo a 5.3 and use it for towing. If you want to tow with a gas engine then go bigger displacement.

PowellSixO

iTrader: (1)

I tow a bass boat and a camp trailer a lot. What it came down to for me, was off-roading. If you only tow with your truck, and like to go fast, then a diesel is for you. If you spend anytime off-roading, I'd stick to a gas truck. Get a newer 2500HD with the 6.0 or 6.2 and modify it to 500 rwhp. They will hold up a hell of a lot better than a 1500. I had a diesel, and when you get one of them stuck they are really stuck. Since I spend a good amount of time offroad, I went back to a gas truck. My camper weighs in at 8500 when full and my truck tows it very well with the mods I have done to it. It drinks the gas when towing, but it tows well for what I use it for.


My baby.



My camper is the one on the left.

96 Comp T/A

iTrader: (8)

32 foot trailer and a 1/2 ton. No bueno. Get at least a 2500. Gas or Diesel is up to you. Yes a diesel is way more expensive, however it seems that the diesel trucks also hold their resale value quite well, so it's sort of a wash. A modern 32 foot travel trailer is going to be close to the max trailering capacity for a 1/2 ton, once you fill it with beer/soda/ice/food/clothes/propane/water/people/whatever. At the very least you will beat the transmission out of that thing prematurely, assuming you don't burn the brakes off of it first, or worse end up wadded up in the ditch, because it won't stop when you really need it to. I would think you make some good deals on some gently used Gas 2500's. The 6.0 liter is a proven powerplant, if you are are keeping it in the GM family. If you are buying new, a gas 2500 doesn't really cost any more than a comparatively equipped 1500. You just get crushed on the resale (and the gas pump).

KW Baraka

iTrader: (7)

My thoughts exactly!

And whether you go with a 5.3, 6.0 or 6.2.....even with 500+ HP I wouldn't go with more than a 2600 stall TC if you plan on towing.

And to be honest, if I was in your position, I'd say "to hell with HP", and concentrate on building a torque monster engine. It would be way more beneficial in the long-run versus a high HP mill.

KW