We pull the Buick with a 2008 Chevy Silverado with the small V8. We have added a K&N filter and cold intake, but it still needs a little more power to pull the big trailer. Any suggestions for performance add ons that won't break the budget? What about a chip? Any recommendations? Thanks.
I was going to say research chips. Probably a forum somewhere with guys that are fixing up their chevy trucks. The small V8 may just not have the torque that you desire, and short of spending some money and killing the mileage, don't know that there is a lot to do. The chip is probably going to help though. Most guys that I know that have done this to their trucks have been happy.
Take it to a dealer and have them re-flash the pcm to help with towing maybe.Is it a 1500 with wich engine I go to a gm school Ill ask my teacher what can be done.
I don't know about cost effective, but there are a lot of option for the LS motors. You can even buy a stroker crank, if you want. About the most effective way to get good towing power would be a centrifugal kit, but it is a lot of $$. Like any other motor the cheap stuff will get you a few hp, but not significantly more torque. From what I've read, the factory exhaust manifolds are so good that headers don't even really help. There are a couple trucks out there running in the 12's with the 5.3 naturally aspirated, but I would assume they have a lot of work done.
I have a 2008 Sierra crewcab with the "medium" v8 (4.8-5.3-6.0 options) and I added the K&N factory style replacement as well as a flowmaster 50 series SUV muffler which made a difference & works well. I am in El paso TX and drove to Albuquerque NM to get my 69 Skylark with a slightly oversized trailer and had absolutely no trouble with the hills(my truck has 3:73's) but fuel consumtion was high....maybe this would work for you. Apart from towing.... get 16.5MPG city and 21-22 on the highway.
Thanks for the info. I was wondering about the exhaust change. I have added the K&N. The truck pulls the trailer and car ok on open road, but just needs a little extra. Maybe I'll find a chip and exhaust and that will help.
Sure thing..if you decide to go with the flowmaster make sure it is the 50 series Delta flow Suv..the regular 40 & 50 series resonate in the cab a lot( I had to pay to get it changed out)..the suv is much better and it did help but keep in mind that these engines( 4.8 & 5.3) have to be revved in order to get torque numbers up...only the 6.0 is a brute but it really burns up the fuel.
Put a 455 in it and i will guaruntee you'll have no shortage of torque. :laugh: But for a little extra power i would look for a cat back exhaust for that truck, theres bound to be someone who makes one.
