2009 Suburban Performance Mods

[squirrelnutz]

Hey folks, I am new to the site but spend a fair bit of time browsing the forums. I am struggling a bit with the performance of my stock 2009 Suburban LT 4x4. It has the 5.3L with AFM, 6 speed trans, and 3.42 rear end. Under normal driving the experience is fine although a bit more get up and go would be nice. My real complaint is the towing experience. I often tow a 14ft v-nose cargo trailer (and sometimes a 30ft RV but not at the speeds mentioned below) that weighs between 2500-3000lbs. Highway driving with the suburban while towing is painful. It is difficult to maintain 65-70mph without having the truck downshift into 4th gear and often the tranny floats between 4th and 5th gear. I previoulsy owned a 2006 Suburban LTZ with the 6.0l (LQ4) and the power was awesome. Where I am struggling is where to invest the $$$ to get more power. I was hoping that there was an option for the 6.2L in a Yukon XL (non Denali) but a trip to the dealer this week confirmed that this isn't an option. I want to stay away from the Denali due to the AWD (I want selectable 4x4) and the autoride supsection (I went through an expensive rebuild in my 2006). I have read good posts about performance mods for CAI and cat-back exhaust plus custom tune (Black Bear Performance) but I want to know if I am still going to be disappointed with the updates when it comes to towing. It also sounds like there are less tuning options available with the 5.3L w/AFM and six speed tranny. I really want this burban to perform more like a truck and less like a soccer mom's ride. And before you ask a pickup is not an option. I really don't have a use for a pickup plus i haul aroudn three kids, the wife, and two dogs. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[RyanbabZ71]

Do you tow using M where you can select the gears you want?

 

 

Ryan

 

 

[SILVERADOSC540]

This may fit the bill, if you can afford the bill...352hp 382lb-ft 3.73 gears

http://www.chevrolet.com/suburban-three-quarter-ton-suv.html

[squirrelnutz]

I did inquire about a 2013 2500. It looks like they still ship with the 6.0l and not the 6.2l. Any idea why?

[squirrelnutz]

Do you tow using M where you can select the gears you want? Ryan

The problem is that you cannot maintain 65mph in 5th gear so you have to downshift to 4th gear which runs right around 3000rpm to maintain 65-70mph.

[SILVERADOSC540]

 

I did inquire about a 2013 2500. It looks like they still ship with the 6.0l and not the 6.2l. Any idea why?

I'm not positive but I think the 2500 silvy gasser is also running the 6.0. A few guesses ( only guesses before I get pounded on here) would be lower compression, thicker sidewalls and very similar torque specs. I have the 3.73's with a six speed and it feels a lot like my last two trucks with 4.10's and four speeds.

[squirrelnutz]

I'm not positive but I think the 2500 silvy gasser is also running the 6.0. A few guesses ( only guesses before I get pounded on here) would be lower compression, thicker sidewalls and very similar torque specs. I have the 3.73's with a six speed and it feels a lot like my last two trucks with 4.10's and four speeds.

What about a low boost super charger? Did you do any engine mods beyond the super charger setup on you silverado?

[Chris]

His truck was bought as is from the dealer. Supercharger, exhaust, and suspension upgrades

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

 

 

[SILVERADOSC540]

What about a low boost super charger? Did you do any engine mods beyond the super charger setup on you silverado?

The mods to my truck aren't extensive as Chris stated. Custom tune, increased flow injectors, intake, exhaust and TVS1900 supercharger. You could definitely go that route, Callaway also has an SC450 based on the 5.3. It's available in the Silvy, Avalanche Suburban and Tahoe. Edelbrock makes an EForce kit for the 5.3, and Magnacharger's TVS1900 is basically my setup. I guess if I were you my only reservations would be gearing and suspension. If it's an occasional tow, go for it, You'll love the additional power, available right from idle on up. If you tow regularly, the 3.73's and a little stiffer setup are hard to beat. f you decide to do the mods I know that BlackBear has done many of these to their own vehicles, and can give you ideas as to what you'll need. Pretty sure they are vendors for most systems out their as well and can certainly provide the right tune and great advice. Member JennaBear on here. Of course there's always this...