What are some good engine and drivetrain upgrades?

ChuckTaylors27 · January 9, 2019

Hey guys, I want to work on my truck and upgrade it but i dont know what i should do. What are some things you have done to your engine and drive train to enhance performance and add durability?

*I drive a 2014 LTZ 5.3

DenaliX14 · January 9, 2019

CAI, larger or ported TB, Port Intake Manifold, or larger, Headers and full exhaust and a tune.

You can swap the L83 intake manifold with a L86 and use a larger TB. (throttle body). That will bump you up considerably.

Or just say F it and get a procharger or whipple and be done.

Grumpy Bear · January 10, 2019

10 hours ago, ChuckTaylors27 said:

Hey guys, I want to work on my truck and upgrade it but i dont know what i should do. What are some things you have done to your engine and drive train to enhance performance and add durability?

Eliminate the transmission thermal bypass valve either by replacement with an elimination adaptor or by modification of the stock thermostats internals. Or use the eliminator and an Improved racing unit shown below. Idea is to say below 180 F but have a floor something over 100 F. More coolers if needed. Be creative but control heat. Red Line D6 fluid is a big help. PML alloy pan, 8 quart.

Run the cooler 192 F Cadillac/Camaro thermostat. The part number is. 12674634 (water)

Control oil sump temperatures so something between 190-212 F. Improved has a thermostat and coolers for this.

In short...heat management.

Nitrousbird · January 10, 2019

Toss a Supercharger on her. If you want to make a real difference in how the truck performs, that will do it.

DenaliX14 · January 10, 2019

In hindsight I should've just thrown on a Whipple or pro charger. Instead I'm chasing the naturally aspired rabbit hole which won't yield as much power but cost just the same. At this point if I go forced induction i'll have to spend even more on transmission and rotating assembly.