A few years ago I was in the exact same situation. I had bought a 05 Chevy with the 5.3L auto with towing package (3.73's trans cooler). Pulling a 21ft toyhauler. Same problem, no power for hills or windy conditions.
I mulled the problem over for awhile and went a different route, diesel power. But if I had not gone diesel I would have bought a used 6.0L Chevy engine and replaced my 5.3L.
The only performance enhancement I felt that was worth the money was headers. The rest was a waste of money. The 6.0L conversion would be pricey but worth it in h.p. and torque. Plus their are more performance items available (heads, cams, etc).
I wasn't in the position either to buy a new truck but I did anyway. Don't have any regrets at all. In this market I'd think you'd be able to get a new or used diesel truck for a good price if you don't want to go hop up your 5.3L.
Just remember whatever you do you'll still have a 5.3L after all that money spent.
Check out the GM performance catalog, on page 60 they have a 327hp 347tq replacement motor for those truck.
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0ede9029#/0ede9029/62
Also I have read many of time's that the Torque Management is a killer when it come to towing, if you get the whole computer re-flashed, not a handheld programmer, I would think that would help also.
here is a web site
www.pcmforless.com
http://westers_garage.eidnet.org/INDEX2.htm
And a 4.10 or more would also help.
DaCarmack
Rv'less for now
2005 Honda TRX 400 ATV
1983 Honda 185s ATC
2004 Saturn Ion Redline (can you say sleeper)
Could have went the VMAX route, i love mine, but i think the 4.10 gears are the best part of it...i would go to 4.10 i had a 5.3 for about half a year, and i switched over to the 6L and i know how you feel with the 5.3, but i would say a switch to 4.10 will get you in better shape, they do real well on the flats at around 2200-2500rpm i think personally, and cook in the hills at 3.5K+ rpm.
Just a correction when i say cook i dont mean like a diesel, you still have us gassers beat!!!
Mike
2006 Chevy K1500 4x4 Greystone, Vortec Max 6.0L 345HP 380LB 4.10 Gears
Torsion Bars tightened, Firestone Ride Rites. Runs Wonderfully.
First year of the VortecMax power pack, and the fastest of them all!!!
msjdbman wrote: With that 6 speed overdrive you have, don`t shortchange yourself on the rear gear, because the 5.3 motor when revved up some makes great power.
4-speed 4L60 is the transmission. Unless you have a 6.2 Denali, no 6-speed available in the 1/2 tons until 2009.
I also don't see a 4.30 gear available for the 8.6 GM 10-bolt, goes straight from 4.10 to 4.56. I guess tire size will determine which way to go.
Oops...I forgot the 6 speed wasn`t available yet. I still think go the route of 4.10`s and let her rev. You`re not going to hurt it.
2008 Duramax/Allison LT2 Crew cab Standard Box. Hellwig Air Assist.
1996 Terry 27 5J
DaCarmack wrote: Check out the GM performance catalog, on page 60 they have a 327hp 347tq replacement motor for those truck.
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0ede9029#/0ede9029/62
Also I have read many of time's that the Torque Management is a killer when it come to towing, if you get the whole computer re-flashed, not a handheld programmer, I would think that would help also.
here is a web site
www.pcmforless.com
http://westers_garage.eidnet.org/INDEX2.htm
And a 4.10 or more would also help.
DaCarmack
$4000 for a crate engine that will give him an additional 12hp and 9 lb-ft of torque?
4.10 or 4.56 will help you stay in the 4000 rpm range when you are climbing and in the 3000 rpm range while cruising. I would skip the rest of the list and add a little patience. Leaving a half hour early and driving slower will help.
We pull a 7000lb. 21' fifth-wheel with our '08 Chevy 1500 and it does very well. We just finished an 1800 mile trip around CO, NM, UT and AZ and it never felt underpowered.
I'm also impressed with the suspension... we have no mods & use the stock tires.
'08 Chevy K1500 long bed 5.3L / 4.10
26' Keystone-Springdale 5th wheel
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