2004 Z71 w/ tow pkg &moded eng. What can I tow?

[kelobro]

The truck has 150,000 miles on it. It had the LM7 engine with leaky heads so I had to replace the motor. I replaced it with another LM7 with the following modifications:

 

- Bored out to 5.7L

- 6.0L aluminum heads with 2.0 intake valves, I believe 1.55 exhaust (317 casting)

- KB flat top pistons

- Heads milled, 10.1 to 1 compression

- upgraded "blue" valve springs

- Floating piston pins, no piston slap, quieter motor

- Stock LM7 cam (for now)

- 25% reduction racing harmonic balancer

- aftermarket water pump, still belt driven

- Premium fuel only due to compression increase

 

The truck has 3.73 gears, and towing package. Couldn't modify the engine too much without a serious retune. A custom tune might be performed before I tow. It has significantly better torque/acceleration than stock. Guessing the engine now has roughly 360 HP & 370 TQ as is.

 

I'm about to tow a 7(w) x 18(L) x8(h) Trailer full of my possessions from the east cost to Arizona with the Z71. Stock the truck should tow roughly 8800 lbs off the bumper. Does the more powerful engine make a difference?

 

 

[Chris]

In the eyes of the law NO. It may pull its rated weight easier. Doesnt matter how much you modify, you can not legally tow more than the truck is rated for

[Nathan79]

Sounds like it can roughly tow about 8800lb.....

[kelobro]

In the eyes of the law NO. It may pull its rated weight easier. Doesnt matter how much you modify, you can not legally tow more than the truck is rated for

 

Californians... Please cite all state and federal laws that would apply.

[redwngr]

Tow rating is not just about horsepower.

[twotoejoe]

Tow rating is not just about horsepower.

Exactly! Tow rating has more to do with stopping than with pulling. And the strength of the frame, etc. And then torque more than horsepower. That's why a diesel engine with a lot less hp in the same truck has a higher tow rating.