Newbie looking for ideas

[Juan83]

So I finally got my first Tahoe with a 5.3 in it. I purchased it with a dead lifter, so my idea was to make some minor upgrades for added gitty up while I’m in there replacing the lifter. I was thinking mild cam, getting the heads redone, CAI, AFM delete, etc. I don’t want to break the bank, but I am working with about 3500 or less

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Please tell us what year your Tahoe is, and what the trim level is. This information will be required, in order for the great folks here to chime in with suggestions for you to consider.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.


Others here will chime in with suggestions. IMO, I am planning on keeping mine stock except to schedule a trip to BBP and have them tune the rig. Less than $3500 for sure. They are a sponsor here and I would check their web site for sure.

Please supply pics and info of the rig.

 

[swathdiver]

So I finally got my first Tahoe with a 5.3 in it. I purchased it with a dead lifter, so my idea was to make some minor upgrades for added gitty up while I’m in there replacing the lifter. I was thinking mild cam, getting the heads redone, CAI, AFM delete, etc. I don’t want to break the bank, but I am working with about 3500 or less

Welcome Darryl! That's plenty to do an AFM delete with some extra goodies as long as the short block is good, no cam bearings needed, etc.

What year is it? RWD or 4x4?

 

[Leevon]

I think you're right on for the budget. Call texas speed for a dod delete / cam kit.

 

[Juan83]

Welcome Darryl! That's plenty to do an AFM delete with some extra goodies as long as the short block is good, no cam bearings needed, etc.

What year is it? RWD or 4x4?

Its a 2007 and it is 4x4. As far as I can tell everything is good except for the dead lifter on cylinder 4. Seems to be a common problem. My main thing right now is getting quality replacements with the most bang for the buck. I'm hearing BTR or TSP is the way to go for the cam. Its going to be a semi-daily driver, but I still want to get more power.

 

[wjburken]

Welcome to the forum from Iowa.

 

[Juan83]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Please tell us what year your Tahoe is, and what the trim level is. This information will be required, in order for the great folks here to chime in with suggestions for you to consider.

Ok thank you

 

[Juan83]

My Tahoe is a 2007 with LTZ trim and 4x4..it’s the flex fuel model also

 

[swathdiver]

Its a 2007 and it is 4x4. As far as I can tell everything is good except for the dead lifter on cylinder 4. Seems to be a common problem. My main thing right now is getting quality replacements with the most bang for the buck. I'm hearing BTR or TSP is the way to go for the cam. Its going to be a semi-daily driver, but I still want to get more power.

Chris, @iamdub will be along shortly, he recently put a cam in his 2008 and it makes more power and gets better mileage than the original with AFM! Save for the camshaft, use all GM OE parts wherever possible, these trucks do not like aftermarket parts.

 

[thompsoj22]

Chris, @iamdub will be along shortly, he recently put a cam in his 2008 and it makes more power and gets better mileage than the original with AFM! Save for the camshaft, use all GM OE parts wherever possible, these trucks do not like aftermarket parts.

This is some of the best advice any new member will get in regard to reliability/longevity! I hope they use it.

 

[thompsoj22]

So I finally got my first Tahoe with a 5.3 in it. I purchased it with a dead lifter, so my idea was to make some minor upgrades for added gitty up while I’m in there replacing the lifter. I was thinking mild cam, getting the heads redone, CAI, AFM delete, etc. I don’t want to break the bank, but I am working with about 3500 or less

Welcome! your in the right forum to "successfully" complete your repairs/improvements. Your CAI accessory has the same performance improvement as a chrome exhaust tip, Spend those dollars elsewhere. Oops, showing my age again! Congrats on the new ride, You made a great choice to get one with some needed repairs and then doing them yourself.

 

[iamdub]

So I finally got my first Tahoe with a 5.3 in it. I purchased it with a dead lifter, so my idea was to make some minor upgrades for added gitty up while I’m in there replacing the lifter. I was thinking mild cam, getting the heads redone, CAI, AFM delete, etc. I don’t want to break the bank, but I am working with about 3500 or less

You can go far with that budget. Actually, if you were so inclined, you might consider shopping for a 6.0 (LY6 or L96). It'd be a quick bolt-in ~40HP/40TQ in stock form. With a good tune for the engine and trans, you'd get a little more power and better drivability and it shouldn't hurt the trans if it's in good shape.

If you're keeping the 5.3 and deleting AFM, you can get ideas from members that have build threads on this such as @Just Fishing and myself. There are other recent ones but I'm drawing a blank on their user names at the moment.

My AFM delete-turned-upgrade starts on Page 48 of my build thread. >HERE<

 

[Juan83]

You can go far with that budget. Actually, if you were so inclined, you might consider shopping for a 6.0 (LY6 or L96). It'd be a quick bolt-in ~40HP/40TQ in stock form. With a good tune for the engine and trans, you'd get a little more power and better drivability and it shouldn't hurt the trans if it's in good shape.

If you're keeping the 5.3 and deleting AFM, you can get ideas from members that have build threads on this such as @Just Fishing and myself. There are other recent ones but I'm drawing a blank on their user names at the moment.

My AFM delete-turned-upgrade starts on Page 48 of my build thread. >HERE<

Thank you. I been reading through your build that’s good work! I plan on keeping my 5.3

 

[Juan83]

It’s too hard to find a 6.0 around here right now. And although it’s not a daily driver I do plan on putting it on the highway..that’s what I need the ideas for. I like your setup though!