Zach’s Slow Build

[Zachm89]

Well, I couldn’t leave well enough alone. After having my truck of almost 9 years stolen, I picked up a 2003 Yukon SLT as a commuter. I managed to leave my diesel truck alone for the most part but now that I’m back in something with an LS platform the mod bug has hit me again.

In about 2 months of ownership I’ve only done a few minor things including a corsa sport catback, tune and brakes.

Next up on my list was going to be long tube headers and y pipe and lowering. But.....I have a 2019 6.0L just sitting here that was originally going to go into my 78 Camaro that is now unfortunately for sale. So, the Yukon is getting a 6.0 swap, cam, headers, etc.

It’s an L59 flex fuel truck so to my understanding it already has larger than normal injectors than a straight gasoline truck so I don’t think I’ll need to spend any money there, for now.

Right now I’m stuck between a couple of cam options. The BTR stage 4 truck cam or the Tick Performance torqueMAX stage 4. But I’m also open to other suggestions. Eventually this truck might get a roots blower, either an LSA or TVS2300. So I need to keep that in mind if I don’t want to change cams later on down the road. I just don’t want to lose any low end for now with just the cam as the blower will be much later down the road.

I’ll also be doing what I can to protect the 60e for as long as I can with a trucool 40k cooler, corvette servo and maybe a shift kit if I decide to dive into the trans more. Eventually when the 60e inevitably dies I’m just going to skip the headache and 80e swap it and never worry about the trans again.

Other things that are on a NEED to do list are rear springs (I’d like something slightly lower than stock just to level it with the front), new shocks all around which will probably be bilstein 4600s on all 4 corners and definitely wheels and tires as I’m currently rocking stock 16s that look like crap.

Anyway, if you’ve made it through all of that and have any input or suggestions I’m all ears. I’m definitely not new to the performance world but my last few builds were more all out performance and going fast minded where as this will remain a daily driver, at least until I get back into another diesel but who knows when that will be.

Just a little teaser of the nutty weather we got here in Texas last week. The corsa was installed the same day this picture was taken

 

[Jimmyy]

Nice clean looking Yukon, for being in the rust belt. Lol

 

[Zachm89]

Nice clean looking Yukon, for being in the rust belt. Lol

Im in far north east Texas sir, not much of rust problem here fortunately!

 

[Jimmyy]

Just having fun. As someone from the true rust belt. My Yukon started and spent its 1st 10 years in Texas. That 10 years is the difference between a solid truck and fenders flapping in the wind.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I've done similar build to what you want to do. I've done a 6.0--Non FF motor--swap in my 03 Tahoe--Same color too--I've done a BTR stage 3, 1 3/4 long tubes, 3,000 stall with shift kit and vette servo. Of course it had to be rebuilt--4l60e-- with some better parts. Also put a trans cooler in there. I'm lowered with Bilstein 4600's too. Check out my build page.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Here's a cold start. It has an MBRP 3" muffler with the LT's.

 

[07Burb]

Clean Yukon, Zach

 

[Rocket Man]

Nice. We love watching other people spend money. Carry on.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Nice. We love watching other people spend money. Carry on.

HELL YEAH!!

 

[Zachm89]

@Tonyrodz I've definitely scrolled through your build thread, very similar path Im going to be taking from the start. That MBRP muffler sounds great! I almost went with one until I found the Corsa for a "decent" price. Ill most likely have to add a resonator or high flow cats to tame the corsa down a bit once I throw the headers on. I had a corsa sport on my procharged SSS back in the day and holy hell it was a screamer.

I also have to get one of those clusters with the trans temp gauge! My last 3 vehicles have had one and I dont like not being able to monitor the trans temp in the Yukon

 

[Zachm89]

repost

 

[Zachm89]

Clean Yukon, Zach

Clean-ISH. Its not too bad for its age for sure. Just need some lovin. Thanks!

 

[Zachm89]

Nice. We love watching other people spend money. Carry on.

LOL Well that's good because I love spending money, that I don't have, or that I shouldn't spend! Which is why this will likely be a slow ass process. I just can't stand driving a stock vehicle. It's against my religion.

 

[Zachm89]

I'll get some pictures of the motor and more of the Yukon when I can. The engine is currently on a stand wrapped up as a short block. I need to get it to the machine shop for new bearings. But other than that, its cleant!

 

[Tonyrodz]

I'll get some pictures of the motor and more of the Yukon when I can. The engine is currently on a stand wrapped up as a short block. I need to get it to the machine shop for new bearings. But other than that, its cleant!

Nice. Do you have any cold start videos? I'm really curious how that Corsa sounds. I'm also interested if you go with the stage 4 truck cam. I almost went that route myself--but the guy talked me out of it. Have you considered going with a convertor? If so, have an idea of what stall? With that trans temp gauge--I love pnp upgrades

 

[Zachm89]

Nice. Do you have any cold start videos? I'm really curious how that Corsa sounds. I'm also interested if you go with the stage 4 truck cam. I almost went that route myself--but the guy talked me out of it. Have you considered going with a convertor? If so, have an idea of what stall? With that trans temp gauge--I love pnp upgrades

I’m leaning more towards the tick performance stage 4 over the BTR. Solely because I’ve had two cams from Tick in the past and have always had good results and awesome customer service. Definitely going to do a converter while the engine is out, probably something in the 2600-2800 range. I’ve had 3000-3400 converters in past vehicles and they were a bit much for my taste for a daily driver.

I’ll get you a video of the corsa. It’s very tame with the stock manifolds and cats. I might have a video around somewhere of my old SSS with the corsa on it.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I’m leaning more towards the tick performance stage 4 over the BTR. Solely because I’ve had two cams from Tick in the past and have always had good results and awesome customer service. Definitely going to do a converter while the engine is out, probably something in the 2600-2800 range. I’ve had 3000-3400 converters in past vehicles and they were a bit much for my taste for a daily driver.

I’ll get you a video of the corsa. It’s very tame with the stock manifolds and cats. I might have a video around somewhere of my old SSS with the corsa on it.

Nice, thx! Can't wait

 

[Zachm89]

@Tonyrodz heres a short little start up of the Yukon. All my old truck videos are in Photobucket jail until I give them money. Can’t believe everyone used to use that garbage ass site for pictures.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aazyRvURUWhaqxS29

 

[Zachm89]

Is there an easier way to upload videos that I’m missing? When I go to attach a file it only pulls up pictures, won’t let me select videos. I is noob

 

[Tonyrodz]

Is there an easier way to upload videos that I’m missing? When I go to attach a file it only pulls up pictures, won’t let me select videos. I is noob

Best way is to upload to yt, then share the link.

Just hit the little "pic" icon, then copy and paste--or hit the "Share" on yt--it'll show the vid. Like how my cold start vid showed.