New Vortec Engine Power

chevy4x4trucks · September 5, 2001

I was just wondering what are some ways that people have pumped some more horsepower and torque from the engines in the newer trucks. I have a 4.8 liter v8 and want some more power. What are the best ways to give it the power w/o spending a lot of money aside from a drop in air filter, new exhaust, etc?

Pastmaster · September 5, 2001

The best way to get the most hp and torque is with a supercharger. You can get a nice setup for about ?. Otherwise I'd go with a FIPK and a Chip and a Exhuast. All that would probably set you back ?-?.

DigUout · September 6, 2001

I agree that a supercharger is the best (and only) way to add HP and torque, but I think ? is a lot of money.

The K&N FIPK will help and compliment your new exhaust but I'd also try some headers from Hooker, Edelbrock or JBA and definately ceramic coated. I think Friz is the one to ask about headers. A Hypertech 3 programmer may help. Jacobs ignition systems seem to be highly regarded by those that have them and they have a money back guarantee. There is always a gear swap, especially if you move forward with a lift. Some have touted great results just by going with K&N air filter and Mobil 1.

Most of these suggestions will help at higher RPM's and cost you in the low range. Truly the one thing that will help and be worth the money is the supercharger and as expensive as it is, I imagine it'll cost you even more in the long run via speeding tickets, higher insurance rates, etc. Plus if you're still under warranty, you may want to find out what bolt ons will void that warranty.

HiG4s · September 8, 2001

Quote: from chevy4x4trucks on 2:08 pm on Sep. 5, 2001
I was just wondering what are some ways that people have pumped some more horsepower and torque from the engines in the newer trucks. I have a 4.8 liter v8 and want some more power. What are the best ways to give it the power w/o spending a lot of money aside from a drop in air filter, new exhaust, etc?

When you say more power, do you mean acceleration, or pulling power. Is gas mileage a consideration. Superchargers suck up the gas.

I would suggest a cam, aftermarket MAF, and having the engine reprogrammed (you don't actually need to replace the chip on the new GM vehicles) K&N filter and exhuast before those things. And if it is all about accelleration to you, if you have an automatic go to 3200 rpm stall converter, and 4:11 rear end will give you a pretty quick truck.

Also your 4.8 is the same a 5.3 with a shorter crank throw. Get a 5.3 crank.

September 9, 2001

I have run many different brands of headers. I was always trying to save a buck and buying the cheaper brands. Every brand that I used except Hooker were trash.

If you buy, spend the money for the good stuff. I'm sure that there are other brands out there as good as Hooker, I certainly haven't tried them all.

Pastmaster · September 10, 2001

Doug Thorley's are a good brand. I don't know whether they make any for the new Vortec's...

chevy4x4trucks · September 10, 2001

I know that JBA makes a good ceramic coated header, last i saw they were running for about 600, they are on my list of things to get, just as soon as I get the money for them

76BBSub · September 10, 2001

I've had good luck with Hooker Headers, and pretty good luck with DynoMax, although I had to clean up some pretty rough welds inside the collector on my Suburban headers before installing them. Also, the Hooker Super Comps are about ? while DynoMax CeramCoats are ?. Don't know how much the Hooker Competition headers, they are closer to the DynoMax price.

Jeff