Best Mods For 2500 6.0

[Rhemy Sauter]

I have a 2018 2500 Silverado with the 6.0 gas engine. I tow horses periodically (hoping to invest in a gooseneck trailer soon). What are the best mods to increase power and efficiency. Not looking for anything crazy but would like a bit more power as I have to go up and down hills a lot. Thanks for y'all's help in advance!

[CamGTP]

Honestly you have very few options because most things require a lot of work to be done. Plus you need someone really knowledgeable with engine work and tuning those computers in that generation truck.

 

A handheld tuner is about the only thing you can do. Various companies sell them and to get the most out of them you need to run 91+ octane fuel so that the engine will not spark knock and have all available power. The heavy duty trucks are handicapped a lot in stock form, slow to respond and all that. They do this for emissions reasons and because they want everyone to be able to drive it for 200,000+ miles.

 

Next would be gears. Changing gear ratios is very costly but offers way more grunt when towing. You will lower fuel mileage as the engine runs higher rpm at cruising speeds.

 

Very involved would be camshaft swaps for more power or bolting on a supercharger kit. Making a heavy duty truck like that more fuel efficient will be super hard. Drive slower, remove extra weight when driving around. Use quality tires, no mud boggers or super offroad tires.

[newdude]

Trade it for a Duramax.  You will gain both power (quite a bit) and efficiency empty and towing.  

 

Adding power to the 6.0 won't get you efficiency, that's for sure.  

Edited January 8, 2025 by newdude