5.3 basic mods?

Frankhenrylee · Dec 28, 2010

Hey guys whassup! I just got a 2002 Tahoe 4x4 w/5.3 and was wondering about some things I can do to boost performance? I like stuff that is tried and true so hit me with your best proven upgrades and mods for everyday street use.

Volant1 · Dec 28, 2010

Intake, exhaust and a programmer or tune and the 3 most common mods

Physh1 · Dec 28, 2010

Cat-back exhaust...intake...custom tune (ie...BlackBear)

blueflamed03 · Dec 28, 2010

replace just the muffler IMHO, the exhaust is already ample for a 5.3, so just replace muffler.
headers, just keep primaries to 1 5/8", and CAI and custom tune like Black Bear.

Frankhenrylee · Dec 28, 2010

I was looking into the Black Bear tuning where they send you the cable and you record your info and send it back. Has anyone else done this and how much of a difference did it make?

blueflamed03 · Dec 28, 2010

I did an in person tune at an event, but between stock and tuned, NIGHT and day.

Physh1 · Dec 28, 2010

One more thing...corvette servo for the transmission.

Frankhenrylee said:
I was looking into the Black Bear tuning where they send you the cable and you record your info and send it back. Has anyone else done this and how much of a difference did it make?

It makes a HUGE difference in drivability. Reduces torque management, optimizes for octane preference, makes shifts firmer, etc...well worth the money.

waxworkz · Dec 28, 2010

Physh1 said:
One more thing...corvette servo for the transmission.

It makes a HUGE difference in drivability. Reduces torque management, optimizes for octane preference, makes shifts firmer, etc...well worth the money.

excuse the stupid question, but how much better than a programable tuner is this? i have a power chips octane preference tuner but everything only works at WOT. does a tune such as the BB work through out the power band?

Physh1 · Dec 29, 2010

Well, simply put you can have the BlackBear tune to your liking. There is so much more flexibility in a custom tune than any handheld offers. There are lifetime updates & retunes as well with BlackBear.

You can now do a cable tune where you send actual feedback from your truck to BlackBear & he'll fine tune your tune to your readings.

The BlackBear tune is something you'll see good increases across the board in. Handheld tuners scratch the surface...barely...BlackBear tunes change the ingredients.

It's totally worth it...I've used handhelds in the past...there is no comparison.

Cameron

bottomline2000 · Dec 29, 2010

The blackbear tune seems to cover all bases. I got mine done in person and at first I couldn't really tell a difference. After some miles the tune started to come around and the computer was giving me more and more power. I have a shift kit in my trans and it was always shifting hard when I didn't want it to. After the tune the firmness is dependent on the amount of throttle so I can make the truck shift like stock or full throttle it and it just bang gears. I reduced my engine torque management (big power killer in the NBS trucks) to 0 and got the high octane tune. converting to Efans will net you free power and the tune can activate your computer pin/s to operate them. I'm also getting around 15mpg city too. hard to find anything for the price to net you as much power. my truck is stock except the tune and trans and I've run 6.0 escalades up to their speed limiter and shot past them so I'm happy lol.

waxworkz · Dec 29, 2010

ok guess its time to start saving for a BB tune. is there anything close to this in the los angeles area?

Physh1 · Dec 29, 2010

BlackBear is in Temecula...

solored · Dec 29, 2010

I just did a AFE CAI, MSD 8.5mm plug wires, and Grantelli MAF sensor, and I kinda did it all at once, added the MAF last, and I noticed a little bit of increase, but more/cleaner throttle response. I only did the MAF because my truck is around the 220000km mark and hasnt had a MAF replace, and picked this one up cheap. But with all 3 mods, I have noticed an increase in MPG, throttle response, more pick up and go, with a bit more power. I also have the SuperChip FlashPaq BUT I am going to be getting the BB tune.

tybardy · Dec 29, 2010

here is my list...

1st - short ram intake (AEM or K&N would be my recomendation, but you can do it for cheaper youself) (roughly $250 - #300 for the name brand shit, about $150 for the DIY)

2nd - straight thru design muffler (not a flowmaster) (roughly $100-$150)

3rd - Tune (Black Bear FTW) ($300 IIRC for the custom cord tune)

4th - headers ($500 for the LPPs or Pacesetters)

5th - electric fans (I forget how much)

6th - retune (w/ black bear, its free)

7th - Cam (depends, but several hundred dollars)

8th - retune

9th - blower (******* expensive)

---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:21 AM ----------

oh yea

10th retune (black bear is gonna kill me for offering their retune!)

---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 AM ----------

BTW - you can have BB do a custom tune without beinng in person....

Frankhenrylee · Dec 29, 2010

I've put throttle body spacers on my last couple of trucks. The Dodge 5.9 got better mileage, but the Chevy 5.7 didn't seem to benefit as much. Has anyone tested one of these out on their 5.3?

tybardy · Dec 29, 2010

TB Spacer is a waste of money... 100% waste of money

send me the money and I will promise you the same HP gain

Frankhenrylee · Dec 29, 2010

I kind of thought so. What about electric fans? I was thinking about doing one of those and having the BB tune to run it. It seems to me the BB tune is the best bang for the buck. I'm thinking a Volant, a Flowmaster 70 series, a fan, and a custom tune. Maybe rig up a homemade ram air scoop for the Volant. Actually, my truck is probably not far off of a regular tune up either.

tybardy · Dec 29, 2010

e-fans are good, especially if you live in a hot climate... my fan runs full time for 4-6 months a year and it draggs on my motor....

if you have the change, do all those mods prior to the tune. you will need a small upgrade to your alternator for the e-fans...

blueflamed03 · Dec 29, 2010

but get ready in case your one of the few that does have e-fan issues.
Some do, some dont.

Frankhenrylee · Dec 29, 2010

What about the corvette servo, what does that do? Does it still drive smooth? Also, what alternator upgrade you talkin bout?

5.3 basic mods?

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