Best power adders for towing?

Darth_Emma · March 4, 2012

I just ordered a new 2012 Silverado 2500 HD LTZ 4x4 Ext. cab. I'm considering ways to increase the power for towing. I am new to modding trucks, so I'd appreciate any pointers from you folks with more experience. I have modded a 5th gen Camaro and have some experience with that platform, but I wasn't adding power for towing to that vehicle.

I was thinking of adding headers, cold-air intake, and a supercharger to the truck. Is a supercharger a good way to improve rwhp for towing or is heat too much of an issue? I did some searching in these forums and it looks like the TVS 1900 from Magnacharger is the supercharger of choice for these trucks.

Also, do headers and perhaps an after-market exhaust add drone to these vehicles? I might keep the stock exhaust if that's the case. But, the stock truck is pretty quiet. I wouldn't mind a bit more rumble and header do that and add power.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Stevens03 · March 4, 2012

Long tube headers and a custom tune will give you a nice boost in power. If you still want more, I'd consider the supercharger after that

music · March 4, 2012

What are you towing that you feel the need for more power? For the price of all that stuff, you could buy the Dmax/Alison combo, and have it fully warranted to 5 yrs/100k. Just curious...

Darth_Emma · March 4, 2012

What are you towing that you feel the need for more power? For the price of all that stuff, you could buy the Dmax/Alison combo, and have it fully warranted to 5 yrs/100k. Just curious...

That is an excellent point. I won't be able to afford to do this until next year. I have to get a vehicle now, but the diesel is just out of reach in price right now.

But, maybe I should consider taking the 0% financing and get the diesel now.

I've never had a diesel. But, I've heard it's got better power for towing. But, I do love the torque of a supercharger on a gas engine.

I'll be towing a trailer that weighs between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs.

music · March 4, 2012

The stock 6.0 2500HD will be plenty of power for that size trailer, imho. The 6L90 6-spd will keep you in your power band nicely. If you love torque, and don't want to feel the weight of the trailer, then the Dmax is superior for towing. My FIL pulls ~12k pounds with his '06, and he can walk away from me uphill when I'm pulling a ~7k lbs camper with my 1500/5.3. The 6.0HD is ~10% more powerful than the 5.3, so that gives an idea of how much pull the Dmax has. They pull like a freight train. You can build a supercharged 6.0 that handles the extra heat, but you'll lose the GM power train warranty, and still be far shy of the Dmax.

I would either use the 6.0HD "as is" and keep the warranty intact, or I'd go to the Dmax up front.

Darth_Emma · March 4, 2012

The stock 6.0 2500HD will be plenty of power for that size trailer, imho. The 6L90 6-spd will keep you in your power band nicely. If you love torque, and don't want to feel the weight of the trailer, then the Dmax is superior for towing. My FIL pulls ~12k pounds with his '06, and he can walk away from me uphill when I'm pulling a ~7k lbs camper with my 1500/5.3. The 6.0HD is ~10% more powerful than the 5.3, so that gives an idea of how much pull the Dmax has. They pull like a freight train. You can build a supercharged 6.0 that handles the extra heat, but you'll lose the GM power train warranty, and still be far shy of the Dmax.

I would either use the 6.0HD "as is" and keep the warranty intact, or I'd go to the Dmax up front.

Thanks, that's good info to have. I should go back and reconsider ordering the Dmax.