Help With My 04

Chris · September 20, 2008

i have an 04 sierra, i need to do something to it. more power better looks, something. i have the 4.8 with just a k&n filter. what r the best spark plugs and wires to use and how do i add quick power with out a supercharger or happy gas. its and extended cab 2wd and i want to lower it but im also gonna have all terrain tires on it. i know its stupid but i live in nw florida near pensacola and it rains a lot. but any ideas on lowering kits and 20 inch wheels maybe 22's. ans is an escalade gauge cluster a direct fit

merlin5577 · September 20, 2008

i have an 04 sierra, i need to do something to it. more power better looks, something. i have the 4.8 with just a k&n filter. what r the best spark plugs and wires to use

IMO MSD wires with Bosch plugs.

and how do i add quick power with out a supercharger or happy gas.

IMO LS6 Heads, Camshaft, intake, complete exhaust and a custom tune.

its and extended cab 2wd and i want to lower it but im also gonna have all terrain tires on it. i know its stupid but i live in nw florida near pensacola and it rains a lot. but any ideas on lowering kits and 20 inch wheels maybe 22's. ans is an escalade gauge cluster a direct fit

The rest your on your own. Hopefully someone with experience in lowering will chime in soon.

Chris · September 20, 2008

WELL I WAS THINKIN ABOUT DROPPIN IN AN LS6 OR A LS7 BIT WILL LS6 HEADS AND CAM AND INTAKE BOLT RIGHT UP ON A 4.8

merlin5577 · September 20, 2008

WELL I WAS THINKIN ABOUT DROPPIN IN AN LS6 OR A LS7 BIT WILL LS6 HEADS AND CAM AND INTAKE BOLT RIGHT UP ON A 4.8

An LS6 will easily bolt right in. The LS7 will bolt in but need modifications for the programming and dry sump oil system.

Most Gen III small block parts will interchange. LS6 components will bolt on to the 4.8 but you will need to upgrade the exhaust and custon tune the computer.

merlin5577 · September 20, 2008

How much are you looking to spend?

03silverado · September 20, 2008

escalade cluster will bolt right in.

66nova · September 20, 2008

How much do you want to spend? How much power do you want? How low do you want to go?

Personally, if I was want a lot more power I would not waste my time or money on the 4.8l. I would find a good 6.0.

But, I am making the assumption that you do not want to spend a ton based on the fact you don't want to put a blower of some sort on it. I understand I could be way off, but if this is the case and you want to work with what you have, then Headers, Exhaust, and a Black Bear tune. It will feel like a new truck.

As far as lowering, it depends on how low you want to roll. I love my 2/4 drop in my 95. It gives it a clean look, lets the tires fill the fender wells and is still very drivable.

Chris · September 20, 2008

u r right i dont really want to spend 14000 on an ls7 and i kinda want to keep it na and use what i have that way when i sell it i can cuz its still a 4.8

Big_D · September 20, 2008

i would say the best performance/bang for your buck, you should get a custom tune. Huge difference, night and day. just search custom tune. most guys tend to go with these 3(majority guys, not trying to piss people off). It improves power, torque, shift points you can feel, and mileage too if you can resist the urge to keep the pedal from the floor.... also can easily hit rev limiter doing a brakestand For me i went with wheatley, took a while to respond but i just gave him a general idea of what mods i've done, VIN #, what octane i wanted(went 91), rear end ratio, said firm shifting(not bang into gear shifting). He shipped me a new computer for $400. he said i would get the core charge back if i shipped him my old one, but i just kept it. $100 i think....

http://www.blackbearperformance.com/ (justin)

http://www.gowheatley.com/ (charlie wheatley)

http://www.nelsonperformance.com/

02slt · September 20, 2008

in most cases the depth of your pockets will determine how much power you'll end up with.

Intake/Headers/exhaust is a good place to start

Chris · September 20, 2008

can i run an ls6 intake with the stock heads

merlin5577 · September 20, 2008

can i run an ls6 intake with the stock heads

Yes, but your fuel rails will not work. You will need the rails from the LS6.

66nova · September 21, 2008

can i run an ls6 intake with the stock heads

Sure! You could run one, but why would you want to? For the work and expense what are you expecting to gain. I really doubt you see any positive gains from an LS6 intake without changing some internals(cam, displacement, heads, etc).

What are your goals? How much power are you looking for? What kind of budget? We can give you a better idea of things to do if you answer some of these questions.

For me personally, I would not put a lot of effort into a 4.8l. I would really focus on bolt-ons (CAI, Headers, Exhaust, and a Tune). For around 1500 or maybe less you could make that truck feel like a different animal.

Or if you are looking for more than that, I would search for a salvaged 6.0l put a cam in it and you'll have a lot more motor then you will ever get from a 4.8.