Looking For Me Power From My 5.3?

[DcRacer35]

Hey guys, long time reader and first time poster here! Anyways i have a 2004 2WD GMC Sierra with the 5.3 SLE package. I recently put a set of 22" Wheels on it. They look great, but the problem is that i just dont have near as much torque as before with the 16's that was on it. Used to i could break them loose at a 30 MPH with no problem. I also have a K&N Drop in filter, not that it has any influence here just for future reference. So guys what can i do to get my power back? could i change the gear ratios so that it would reflect stock performance? Any and advice will be takin in to consideration, thanks for the help guys!

 

-Drew

 

Truck has since been fitted with a Billet Grill and tail lights and Flow master super turbo exhaust!

[Stevens03]

Figure out what gears you have and let us know. If you have 3.42's then yes a gear swap would be a good move. I'd suggest 4.10's if you don't already have them. But if you have 3.73's, then 4.10's wouldn't be enough of a change to justify the cost. Your next option is a custom tune which will yield decent power increase.

[Stevens03]

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[DcRacer35]

Hrm, how do i determine what gears are already in there?

[Ranger]

Look in your glovebox at that list of codes....It'll start with a G and you'll probably have either 3.42s which is GU6 or 3.73s which is GT4.

[J-man67]

I'd go with a 4.10 or 4.30

[DcRacer35]

So when and if i change the gear ratios what kind of improvements can i expect?Will said improvements be significant?

[Stevens03]

If your going from 3.42's to 4.10's, it will be a significant improvement, but still you need some kind of program or custom tune to do the gear swap so the pcm/speedo reads correctly. And while your at it, the custom tune will give you an even better performance gain, so it's a win/win situation.

[DcRacer35]

If your going from 3.42's to 4.10's, it will be a significant improvement, but still you need some kind of program or custom tune to do the gear swap so the pcm/speedo reads correctly. And while your at it, the custom tune will give you an even better performance gain, so it's a win/win situation.

 

Awesome, you've and the otheres have been a huge help. Any particular tune you can recommend?

[Stevens03]

Blackbear or Wheatley on the left side. They are site sponsors and both are awesome!

[spikesputnik]

Man, would I like a 3.73 too; my 3.42's kinda hobbles a 5.3, IMO, esp with 4l60.

 

Which brings to mind a casual observation, correct me if I'm wrong here, and durability concerns asside- it seems that GM often pairs lower output engines (5.3) with 4 sp trannys, and puts with bigger HP and torque engines(6.0,6.2) a 6 speed, BUT those engines are in much less need of mechanical advantage of that tranny, regardless of rear end....

 

I know there is a marketing factor here- putting an expensive tranny in a less expensive/smaller engined truck makes it less "sellable", and conversely, anyone getting a loaded and big-engined truck doesn't want a run of the mill tranny, even if their engine has the beans to deal with a 2 speed. I'm just looking at it from a "what motor needs what tranny" stand point. Now if major towing is involved, or if they(GM) figure the 4l60 would grenade with more motor, all of this line of thinking is mute.

[spikesputnik]

Blackbear or Wheatley on the left side. They are site sponsors and both are awesome!

Yup. I'm very pleased with my tune done yesterday- best couple of bucks I've spent in a while . Thanks Justin!!!

And while a tune can definately make the most of what you got, it can not overcome 1 liter displacement , 2 fewer gears or wacky rear end ratios.

[DcRacer35]

hey guys bad news maybe? i just looked and on the first column few lines down it says GT4 :/ so what now?

[Ranger]

Well I'd just do the tune then...I have 33" tires and when I did my tune it woke it up quite a bit, not so sluggish anymore...If you got 4.30 or above you have to change the carrier which is another 100 or so I think...

[blackvmax07]

hey man i had the exact problem you are havin with my old truck, my truck had 342s and i put 22's on it and it was a turd off the line. So i ordered a Nelson Performance tune and put in 373's and i could spin half way through 1st, so it was a HUGE improvement. It was a full second difference in the 1/4mile. So thats wat i would do if i was you, good luck