i need more power

GMC8.1 · May 21, 2003

Don't get me wrong, the 496 has lots of power as it is, but I am looking for some more oomph when towing. We tow a 27' fifth wheel and I am hoping there is something out there that will add that little extra when crossing the mountains.

I've already added a K&N FIPK and dual exhaust, but is there a chip or module out there that works well when towing?

Is there one that works with the Allison?

Shaners · May 21, 2003

Hypertech, Jet and SuperChips all make programmers for the 8.1L/Ally combo. From what I've read, it seems that SuperChips has the most versital unit.

k1500chevy97 · May 21, 2003

I would suggest NOS !!!!

k1500chevy97 · May 21, 2003

Have you considered a supercharger ?

They can add around 130-150 more HP and around 150 more lbft

Throw an intercooler on that thing and you are talking another 30hp and 40 lbft

WEFs99 · May 21, 2003

That 8.1 has got to pull the 5th wheel around effortlessly. IMHO any mods except for what you've already done will just make the fuel mileage worse.

BlackSilver · May 21, 2003

Trade it for a Duramax!

We pull a 28' 5th-wheel and I haven't met a mountain grade yet that we didn't pull at freeway speed, with oomph to spare if we put the hammer down.

8100HD · May 21, 2003

Got an 8.1 with U*P*D intake, DirectHits ignition, The Other Guys headers, Descreened MAFS, and Superchips programming(had a Jet stage II chip....worthless compared to SC). Sitting right around 425hp and 550+ft/lbs. Rolling 35's and getting 14 mpg on the highway empty, around 10 towing with 6K on the hook. Definetly has the power to pull the hills. Contact TByrne for any of these mods, he knows how to make these truck move.

Tucson_02Silverado · May 21, 2003

Supercharger is about your only option. NOS is too expensive for towing duties, it'll also produce too much heat on extended uses.

Maybe make sure the waste tank is completely dumped and you run the potable/drinking tank(s) at half. Most are rear tanked so that'll alleviate the aft axle weight. Start thinking general weight savings everywhere in the trailer. Like the TV 27"-35"? An LCD or Plasma TV will cut a lot of weight (relatively of course). Microwave and gas oven? Combo Microwave/Convection oven instead. Stuff like that.

Don't really want to make anysacrafices? Start looking at a 4500 or 6500 series and you probably wanted a bigger trailer anyways.

BDBWTE · May 22, 2003

Don't get me wrong, the 496 has lots of power as it is, but I am looking for some more oomph when towing. We tow a 27' fifth wheel and I am hoping there is something out there that will add that little extra when crossing the mountains.

I've already added a K&N FIPK and dual exhaust, but is there a chip or module out there that works well when towing?

Is there one that works with the Allison?

Sound like to me you need a Camaro. If you want more omph as you call it in your 496 then you probably want to pull to much weight to fast. but if you must have more power I would drop a Crower cam in the b!tch and be done. Anymore power than that and you need to get a bigger truck or come to the realization that the truck isn't going to accelerate the same loaded as unloaded.

JimWilson · May 28, 2003

Trade it for a Duramax!

We pull a 28' 5th-wheel and I haven't met a mountain grade yet that we didn't pull at freeway speed, with oomph to spare if we put the hammer down.

Oh really? Well, try going about 20-25 miles north of Route 80 on Route 487, near Benton PA. There's a hill leading up to the Ricketts Glen SP that's an 18% grade for almost 3 miles! I dare you to go up that sucker at even 35 MPH towing your trailer!

GMC8.1 · May 28, 2003

I'm just looking for a bit more to help keep it in OD or even 4th on most situations and to keep up the our friend's 30' class c who is also pulling the boat. He walks away from me and he's carrying alot more gross combined weight than I do.