6.0L: building a strong, dependable engine

[k15goose]

I read an article recently from nelson performance that claimed to add 100 proven rwhp to a silverado 5.3 with the following mods:
pacesetter headers
stage II cam package
custom tune
fm 40 muffler

The article:  http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/front-page-news/12377-silverado-100-horsepower-performance-gain-budget.html

I'm starting with a 6.0L rated at 366 horses (according to the general) at the flywheel.  So can I assume 285 horses at the wheel?  I want to add as much hp and torque as possibe without maxing out my credit cards.  I was planning on the following mods:
pacesetter long tubes
stage II cam package from nelson
custon tune from nelson
flowmaster 40 muffler (thinking 2.5" piping?)
gmp air intake or aem brute force or fram boost??
NO tbi spacer (since many think its a waste of $$$)
maybe a ported and polished throttle body.

WHAT HP CAN I EXPECT TO PICK UP?  I want to get to 425 at the rear wheels or am I crazy?  I used to have a 93 2-door yukon that I carbuerated with headers/cam/exhaust that made just under 450.

WHAT ELSE CAN I ADD?  Bear in mind that this will not happen until January or February so I have time to change my mind.  It is going on an 08 lifted 4x4. 

If I want to go FI later (very unlikey) what would I have to change?  I'm assuming the exhaust and the tune.

[FlaBouy]

I read an article recently from nelson performance that claimed to add 100 proven rwhp to a silverado 5.3 with the following mods:
pacesetter headers
stage II cam package
custom tune
fm 40 muffler

The article:  http://www.ls1truck.com/forums/front-page-news/12377-silverado-100-horsepower-performance-gain-budget.html

I'm starting with a 6.0L rated at 366 horses (according to the general) at the flywheel.  So can I assume 285 horses at the wheel?  I want to add as much hp and torque as possibe without maxing out my credit cards.  I was planning on the following mods:
pacesetter long tubes
stage II cam package from nelson
custon tune from nelson
flowmaster 40 muffler (thinking 2.5" piping?)
gmp air intake or aem brute force or fram boost??
NO tbi spacer (since many think its a waste of $$$)
maybe a ported and polished throttle body.

WHAT HP CAN I EXPECT TO PICK UP?  I want to get to 425 at the rear wheels or am I crazy?  I used to have a 93 2-door yukon that I carbuerated with headers/cam/exhaust that made just under 450.

WHAT ELSE CAN I ADD?  Bear in mind that this will not happen until January or February so I have time to change my mind.  It is going on an 08 lifted 4x4. 

If I want to go FI later (very unlikey) what would I have to change?  I'm assuming the exhaust and the tune.

425 rwhp with a cammed 6.0L on pump gas is optimistic without adding a small amount of nitrous.... I would think you could get there though with some careful planning...

[Redleg]

I love these threads... I learn so much and get different points of view

[FlaBouy]

Let's put it this way.... Post #33


http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,86447.20.html

That is with a cam and 7# of boost from someone who builds and tunes them every day....

Sure it is a 5.3L, and I am not saying the 425 rwhp on the 6L with a head/cam package can't be done... I am just saying it will require some fore thought....

[Motion427]

I just got my LS6 springs and my 6.0L badge today.The badge will Give it a little more bling at the tailgate.Now I'm waiting for the cam.

[Motion427]

Here's a pick of the badge.

http://www.geocities.com/hulkss/Images/badge.jpg

[FlaBouy]

Here's mine........

[Motion427]

Showoff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

[Motion427]

I just received an e-mail from my buddy in Mass.
Subject: Got my twins today.

APS twin turbo setup for his 06 GTO.
NICE!!!!!!!

[k15goose]

Flabouy:

can i at least hope for 400hp? 385?

how much did that cost (reply #33)?

if i to NA now, what will i have to change to go FI later?

[Motion427]

If you look at the GM 364/440Hp for an example.or the 400HP LS2 6.0L

I'm sure with LS2 top end and a good cam,headers,CAI and a good tune.You should do that and more.

I'm gonna try the LQ9 with a Comp cam.It would give me a starting point anyway.

[FlaBouy]

Flabouy:

can i at least hope for 400hp? 385?

how much did that cost (reply #33)?

if i to NA now, what will i have to change to go FI later?

You can hope for anything you want......

There are a lot of ways to build out 425 rwhp.....  What I am alluding to, is do your homework based on a stated set of goals. There are literally hundreds of ways to get there.

What 6.0L are you starting with? LQ9 (or LQ4), LS2, or crate motor? They all have different strengths....

I started with a stock 5.3L... I now run a set of Patriot Stage 2 heads with 2.02/1.59 titanium Ferrea valves coupled with a custom grind on a Comp Cam and accelerated lift 1.85 rockers. My cam is a 216/224 indexed at 5* and provides a .589 lift with the rocker geometry.... I was running non-intercooled 12 psi on a basically stock motor making 403 rwhp when I added the cam and heads. That package coupled with the blower added over 100 HP on a crap tune... I do a bit better than that now with the addition of e-fans, aftercooler and a 2 bar tune...

I say all this to indicate that you can get there with a 5.3L or 6.0L... all it takes is a plan and a bag full of money....

[k15goose]

I'm starting with the stock 6L which is a L76 code, I believe.  But basically this is a newer LQ9 if I'm right.  I think the only difference is the active fuel management.

[Redleg]

Here I go again

** First my disclaimer ***
************************************************************************
I know nothing about motors I am new to this but after riding in a few of theses souped up av's 'I HAVE A WANT FOR SPEED'
************************************************************************

Come early next Jan or Feb (Bonus time  )  I'll have a budget of 15-20K. I don't know if it's best to work with what I got (5.3L) or do a motor swap. I have an unrealistic goal of 600HP at the rear wheels and I want to get my hands dirty in this project. I see the ZZ572's and LS1 crates and they have my mouth watering but in my novice mind I don't know how to go about the project. Granted a lot more than the motor will have to be beefed up so the money has to be spread around. The more I read ...the more I'm confused. So many ways to do this but I want to have a meaty reliable truck when I get done. I do not want to be creating any more problems for myself.

On top of this I have other mods that are eating at me but I've always wanted a blvd bruising muscle car. I'll settle for a muscle truck though.

[FlaBouy]

Here I go again

** First my disclaimer ***
************************************************************************
I know nothing about motors I am new to this but after riding in a few of theses souped up av's 'I HAVE A WANT FOR SPEED'
************************************************************************

Come early next Jan or Feb (Bonus time  )  I'll have a budget of 15-20K. I don't know if it's best to work with what I got (5.3L) or do a motor swap. I have an unrealistic goal of 600HP at the rear wheels and I want to get my hands dirty in this project. I see the ZZ572's and LS1 crates and they have my mouth watering but in my novice mind I don't know how to go about the project. Granted a lot more than the motor will have to be beefed up so the money has to be spread around. The more I read ...the more I'm confused. So many ways to do this but I want to have a meaty reliable truck when I get done. I do not want to be creating any more problems for myself.

On top of this I have other mods that are eating at me but I've always wanted a blvd bruising muscle car. I'll settle for a muscle truck though.

Remember to budget more than a motor when you go searching for 600 rwhp.....

I am not quite making that, but my truck is a dependable daily driver that spends a lot of time out of town and retains a nice quality ride..... so it can be done if one is careful......

[Redleg]

Remember to budget more than a motor when you go searching for 600 rwhp.....

I am not quite making that, but my truck is a dependable daily driver that spends a lot of time out of town and retains a nice quality ride..... so it can be done if one is careful......

No doubt I have been kicking this idea around now for 7 months and have gotten some great tips from you guys. I Know an av won't be the top dog on strip but it would be nice to not just roll over either. When ever I turn my glow on ricers, rams, and some full size Fords what to get all cocky and rev up their engines. It would nice for a few of them to eat dust.

in all honesty if all I wanted was the fastest car in town then I 'd building up something other than an av. Some would argue that it's a total waste of funds to do motor work on an av but  what the hell do they know?

[ChevLuv02]

is there any way to do a duramax swap I just love the 7.2

[FlaBouy]

No doubt I have been kicking this idea around now for 7 months and have gotten some great tips from you guys. I Know an av won't be the top dog on strip but it would be nice to not just roll over either. When ever I turn my glow on ricers, rams, and some full size Fords what to get all cocky and rev up their engines. It would nice for a few of them to eat dust.

in all honesty if all I wanted was the fastest car in town then I 'd building up something other than an av. Some would argue that it's a total waste of funds to do motor work on an av but  what the hell do they know?

Money is wasted in many forms..... but I believe that money spent on bringing joy in any form is not money wasted...

[FlaBouy]

is there any way to do a duramax swap I just love the 7.2

It would be cheaper to buy a used truck with a duramax in it......

[Motion427]

The L76 would be the aluminum 6.0L 366HP. Don't know if it has the same heads as the 6.2L Caddy with 403HP.

[ARAV]

The L76 would be the aluminum 6. 0L 366HP.  Don't know if it has the same heads as the 6. 2L Caddy with 403HP.

I have a 6. 0L just purchased (9/20/07).   How do I find out which engine it is?  Also, gotta say, so far my engine is not overly impressive with 2300 miles.

[ARAV]

I have the answer now. . .  ::)

[ms38w]

Here's mine........

How did you work in the 427?  Obviously a new computer...but what about the tranny?The rear end?Exhaust?  What other mods did you have to do to make everything work?  1500AV or 2500AV?

[KY_BOB]

How did you work in the 427?  Obviously a new computer...but what about the tranny?The rear end?Exhaust?  What other mods did you have to do to make everything work?  1500AV or 2500AV?

He hasn't yet but with the exception of his rear diff, he's already setup to take the power on it.  No computer change would ne needed only the tune and he does his own tuning.

[k15goose]

Does anyone with an 07 or 08 happen to know the 3 digit casting number stamped into the heads of the 6.0L engine?  I really need to know.

[KY_BOB]

Does anyone with an 07 or 08 happen to know the 3 digit casting number stamped into the heads of the 6.0L engine?  I really need to know.

Sorry, no idea.  Ask that question on performancetrucks.net and I bet you'll get an answer.

[Motion427]

The 6.0L LQ9 is in the AV.So far so good.Still wiring  and pulleys to put together.

[ms38w]

Here's mine........

 :thumbsup:Do you have the 427 installed and running yet?  What mod's did you have to do to make it work?  Total cost?  Is it a NEW from GM 427?

[ms38w]

Money is wasted in many forms..... but I believe that money spent on bringing joy in any form is not money wasted...

:thumbsup:GOOD CALL!!!!!!!!!

[ms38w]

He hasn't yet but with the exception of his rear diff, he's already setup to take the power on it.  No computer change would ne needed only the tune and he does his own tuning.

KY_BOB,
I'm still a little corn-fused here.  I can't seem to get a straight answer from this forum.  I get every answer from 5.3L to blown 572's.  Granted, I don't want to spend $20k getting there, but even $10k for marginal improvement over a worn out 5.3L is a huge waste of money, time and effort.  Can I realistically put  427ci LS7 in my AV and keep a budget of about $10k?...and make it run right with the 427's intended power band?  Or will I spend more money on towing than on gas?

[KY_BOB]

KY_BOB,
I'm still a little corn-fused here.  I can't seem to get a straight answer from this forum.  I get every answer from 5.3L to blown 572's.  Granted, I don't want to spend $20k getting there, but even $10k for marginal improvement over a worn out 5.3L is a huge waste of money, time and effort.  Can I realistically put  427ci LS7 in my AV and keep a budget of about $10k?...and make it run right with the 427's intended power band?  Or will I spend more money on towing than on gas?

I don't think it's possable to do a LS7 for 10k.  If I'm not mistaken, that motor is about $12k alone.

As for it droping in place and bolting up, it's a fairly straight forward swap.

Check out this place.  They specialize in this kind of work.

http://www.redstarperformance.com/

[ms38w]

I don't think it's possable to do a LS7 for 10k.  If I'm not mistaken, that motor is about $12k alone.

As for it droping in place and bolting up, it's a fairly straight forward swap.

Check out this place.  They specialize in this kind of work.

http://www.redstarperformance.com/

The morons at the dealer keep insisting that the 427ci LS7 is a big block...like I'd let THEM do the swap if they don't know even THAT much!!!

[ms38w]

I don't think it's possable to do a LS7 for 10k.  If I'm not mistaken, that motor is about $12k alone.

As for it droping in place and bolting up, it's a fairly straight forward swap.

Check out this place.  They specialize in this kind of work.

http://www.redstarperformance.com/

Thanks for the link.  I have now been in contact with them and they are worinkg up a few quotes for me.

[ChevroletSet]

The morons at the dealer keep insisting that the 427ci LS7 is a big block...like I'd let THEM do the swap if they don't know even THAT much!!!

Well are you sure you said LS7 because EVERY other 427 besides the LS7 is a big block...just playin devils advocate.

Now as far as a ZZ572, I would figure that would be close to impossible.

If your truck is 4x4 I would drop a Duramax w/ an Allison in it. Lots of my buddies have duramaxes and a few of them do low 13s. It is very reasonable to put a diesel engine in an Avalanche...but without 4x4 I would say stick with a LS7.

[ms38w]

Well are you sure you said LS7 because EVERY other 427 besides the LS7 is a big block...just playin devils advocate.

Now as far as a ZZ572, I would figure that would be close to impossible.

If your truck is 4x4 I would drop a Duramax w/ an Allison in it. Lots of my buddies have duramaxes and a few of them do low 13s. It is very reasonable to put a diesel engine in an Avalanche...but without 4x4 I would say stick with a LS7.

The way I understand it, I would have to have the 2500 Avalanche to be able to handle the weight of the diesel.  Even the 2500's some people don't believe it would work...like anyone on this or any site would ever mislead you.  I am rethinking the whole diesel thing anyway.  The cost of the engine/tranny and the cost of diesel fuel these days makes it uneconomical.  But for the "Wow" factor...WOW!  I would be just as happy with a hi HP,hi tq gasser.  I can always wish and dream, but my truck is mostly a daily driver with the seasonal camping trips pulling a trailer.

[KY_BOB]

Well are you sure you said LS7 because EVERY other 427 besides the LS7 is a big block...just playin devils advocate.

Yes, I'm sure.

If your truck is 4x4 I would drop a Duramax w/ an Allison in it. Lots of my buddies have duramaxes and a few of them do low 13s. It is very reasonable to put a diesel engine in an Avalanche...but without 4x4 I would say stick with a LS7.

Although anything is possible with enough time and money, that is not an easy swap.  To start with, it requires a body lift to make room for the Allison trans and that's just the beginning.

[Motion427]

I might have a 6.0L LQ9 for sale. It has 10 000KM,off an 05 .
We were supose to built this one for my buddy's Silverado,but he passed away last week end
The family is not sure if they gonna have it installed or not.
I should know in a couple of week's.I'll post it if it's available.

[FlaBouy]

I might have a 6.0L LQ9 for sale. It has 10 000KM,off an 05 .
We were supose to built this one for my buddy's Silverado,but he passed away last week end
The family is not sure if they gonna have it installed or not.
I should know in a couple of week's.I'll post it if it's available.

You have PM....

[Motion427]

PM replied.

[FlaBouy]

PM replied.

Replied PM replied too... 

[k15goose]

Okay,  I've added a k&n intake and am getting it tuned at nelsonperformance on the 14th.  In the meantime I want to find a throttle body.  The 80mm that BBK makes for the vortech line thats listed second on their site only goes up to 2004.  If this isn't the one I need, do they make it?  Where else can I find one?

This is for 2008 with 6.0L.

[livewire]

I have a 5.3L and have added a Banks Power Pack with Flowmaster exhaust. This supposedly boosted the hp to around 355. It is running much better but on the hills pulling my 7,000 lb trailer it could use a little extra, still. I have 3.42 gears and am wondering if switching to 3.73's would help any.

The other thing I was told was to consider a set of Corvette heads. Any opinions?

[avalonandl]

If you are looking at heads do a cam too. Or maybe just do a cam. This will mean a complete tune though.

Avalon

[Clayhammer]

4.10 gears would be better for towing.