Lack of power

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Terry Deason

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Hello to all, My 1999 Tahoe just doesn't seem to have much power. I have a 1999 z71 and a 2001 z71 and they both have more power with smaller engines. Is there a tune or such that would give this truck more pep? I have recently replaced dist. cap and button and replaced the spark plugs. What are your thoughts?
 

Eman85

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Check engine light on? Is everything under the hood factory stock? Did it have more power before and lose power?
 
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Terry Deason

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It is all stock. After driving my trucks with smaller motors the Tahoe just doesn't have much power.
 

OR VietVet

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The 99 has the 5.7 gutless V8 and may be worn out, fuel pressure problem or partially clogged cat(s) and what is the timing set at? Compression test?
 

exp500

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About the best indicator for service needed on these trucks is gas mileage. When the average drops 2 it wants something fixed. Stock ride height 5.7 motor 15-16 avg mixed city/hwy.
MO VietVet- The really gutless one were the TBI trucks 87 up.
 

OR VietVet

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About the best indicator for service needed on these trucks is gas mileage. When the average drops 2 it wants something fixed. Stock ride height 5.7 motor 15-16 avg mixed city/hwy.
MO VietVet- The really gutless one were the TBI trucks 87 up.
That 99 has the TBI. That is why I was also wondering if this lack of power just happened and had been ok before?
 

exp500

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MOVietVet- I was thinking of the 2 barrel TBI like carb, non vortec heads that was on the earlier ones. I think they were 160 HP.
 

OR VietVet

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If this is just a "feeling" of a lack of power and wants to see what can be done to increase it, well that is a whole other scenario, than the way it was presented like it lost power all of a sudden. Way different way to approach the concern. @exp500 I see what you are saying though. Comparing power between the two rigs is like apples and oranges.
 

east302

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It is all stock. After driving my trucks with smaller motors the Tahoe just doesn't have much power.
As MO and exp pointed to, is this a sudden change?

The 350 was replaced by the 5.3 which is more efficient and had more horsepower (slightly less peak torque if I remember right) so they’re different animals.

The 5.3s that I’ve had have always felt more “spirited” than the 350 vortec. Just an evolution in technology.
 
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Terry Deason

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Uh didn't misrepresent. anyway, the two trucks have 5.3 Vortec and the Tahoe has 5.7. 5.3 =327 5.7=350. So that is how I figure the Tahoe has the larger engine. I would like to have more power. Is there a tune or power adder for these trucks? Just want more power there is nothing wrong with it. At least not now. It has 72000 miles and I don't believe it is worn out.
 

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