2006 Vortec Max advice/recommendations

Matt Pagnozzi · September 2, 2015

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a 2006 GMC Sierra SLT 4x4 with the Vortec Max Package. It has 79,000 miles on it. It has a lift and exhaust however I don't know the brand of either or how high the lift is exactly (I think its a 6" lift). It has brand new 35" Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires on 18" wheels. I am looking for some input about:

What CAI would you recommend? It is stock right now. I am leaning towards Volant or Banks or K&N...

If I tune it, it sounds like Black Bear is the way to go from what I have read. And they are coming to Phoenix in October so I could see them in person. What do you guys recommend?

Maybe some headers. Will they help any performance or MPGs or do they simply sound better? I think they will do all three?

I'm not looking to get super expensive or after crazy performance. I'm looking to improve some low end performance and possibly increase some MPGs. It sounds like you either get one or the other, but I have read about how a tune and simply helping the engine breathe may get both....

This will be my daily driver so reliability is important too..

thanks for any advice!!!

Chris · September 2, 2015

No MPG's with that engine. I have it in 2wd with 3.42 gears and this is my average. Also those tires will kill mileage. Headers will add a bit of performance.

Stevens03 · September 2, 2015

Having had a 2007 Vmax, Black bear tuning is a must. He does an awesome job. If your lucky, you can go to one of his tune meets and have your truck tuned in person. Check them out on his website and see if your close enough. Magnaflow is a better choice I think for the exhaust too and GM's performance intake works nice too.

Congrats, and Throw up some photos when you get a chance.

kstruckcountry · September 2, 2015

In my opinion, AirAid MIT, Magnaflow muffler and Black bear tune is a perfect combo. Have had this setup for over 2 years.

I'll add, you're best off ignoring mpg in a lifted pickup. But, the way you drive will make a bigger impact than any modification you try to improve it with.

Badass69 · September 2, 2015

Start saving money for a new 4L70E or a 4L80E swap. Lift kit with a tune and stock gears especially it won't last very long.

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Stevens03 · September 2, 2015

The 4L70e is just fine as long as your not beating on it. I towed with mine almost every weekend (6000 lbs) and never had an issue. The 4L70e is an HD version of the 4L60e and works just fine in that truck.

Badass69 · September 2, 2015

The 4L70e is just fine as long as your not beating on it. I towed with mine almost every weekend (6000 lbs) and never had an issue. The 4L70e is an HD version of the 4L60e and works just fine in that truck.

It's marginally... and I mean marginally stronger than a 60E. With near 80000 miles, a lift on the truck with 35s and no previous history... good luck.

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kstruckcountry · September 2, 2015

Everyone talks about these 4L80 swaps but there is only 1 I know of on this forum; and he is a very talented mechanic, and it's a 2wd pickup. Not a viable option for most people.

Chris · September 2, 2015

That is true. I have researched and a 65e/70e built right is sufficient for most people. An 80e is be done to a track rat where you are running boost and abusing it. It requires a custom crossmember, new wiring, a tune, and new driveshaft. That is just on 2wd.

wilsonz71 · September 3, 2015

For headers I highly recommend speed engineering stainless long tubes. Great bang for your buck. I run them on my 06 LQ9 vmax clone. You'll need to tune out the rear o2 sensors so a tune is a must. I hear great things about black bear obviously, but I'm running a custom tune with HP tuners. K&N intake seems to work well for me. Don't expect much for fuel economy, your truck sounds similar to mine. 6" lift, 35" tires, 4:10 gears... I'm running roughly 10-11 mpg but some of that is due to my camshaft.

As for transmissions, a well built 60/65/70E should hold. That being said I'm on my fourth. Two were stock with vette servos, one was a performabuilt that got taken out due to a converter failure. Finally got it back together with a new fti stall converter, performabuilt 65e, and a trucool 40k cooler and it seems to be holding up nice.

80e swaps are nice for 2wd trucks, they're pretty simple. A lot more work for a 4wd truck.

maplesig · September 3, 2015

Airaid MIT for the CAI with the synthetic filter- no oil

Matt Pagnozzi · September 4, 2015

Thanks for all of the info! I'm leaning towards an Airaid CAI, especially since they are in the Phoenix area where I live. I need to find out what muffler the dealer had put on before I bought it. I like the sound (its not factory) and may leave it if it is a good one. If not, I had Magnaflow on a 2004 Escalade that I had that had the 6.0 and I really liked it, so I'm leaning that route too. And hopefully I can do the Black Bear tune when they come to Phoenix in October. I know that with a lift, 35s, and a 6.0 you aren't going to get great mileage, however I want to help the motor breath and get the best performance and mileage without ditching the lift and tires.

GuyGene · September 4, 2015

Now hold on, Gaps. We just gotta see ye truck!

Matt Pagnozzi · September 6, 2015

That is my 2006 GMC Sierra Work Truck next to it. I have always said that if I could find the 4 door version of it I would buy it. It had 113,000 miles on the 4.3L V6, 4X4, roll down windows, and 33" BFG A/Ts. I traded it in to get the Vortex Max. It was a great truck and I put 110,000 of those miles on myself. I hope this Vortex Max will be just as good of a truck!