Lost some Juice

Hey Fellas, I have a 2000 Silverado with the 5.3 When I first got her she had good power, now after 91,000 miles she seems to have lost some juice.

Any tips to boost horsepower and performance?

What is the stock horsepower for the 5.3?

Thanks, BOWTIE POWER!!

Stock HP for the 5.3 is 295

Sounds like time for a tune up: plugs, wires, etc. Check your manual for what else you should change.

Same deal here for me, only mines just the 4.3. It's lost what feels like a great deal of power. When I got it, it had 19,000 miles on it. And it would smoke the tires a good 50 to 75 feet on dry pavement without a breakstand, and run 0-60s in 8-9 seconds. Now it'll barely spin the tires in freakin wet weather! Last time I did a 0-60 it was 12.5 seconds. What the hell?

A general tune up is in order and don't forget to change your fuel filter. I'd also have the tranny serviced since you guys seem to be driving hard and the fluid has probably lost some viscocity. This may also explain why less power is reaching the wheels.

hehe, guess what you guys forgot? Change you timing gear and chain! You won't believe the amount of power you lose when thse get stretched out.

I changed the fuel filter again about 1000 miles ago. I run Mobil 1 sythetic and am good about keeping it fresh. It's got new plugs, cap and rotor.. but not wires. It's got 50k+ on it and the tranny and differiential fluid have probably never been changed, at least not since I've had it for the last 30k. Blender, I'd bet you that it is my timing chain. I used to think that and then I'd just change my mind and think "nah, I'm stupid. Shouldn't be the chain with only 50k on it." Thats really what it feels like though, thought it might have gotten like a tooth off or something... What do chains and sprockets cost and are they too difficult to change out?

Edit: I've also got that TSB vibration crap. On light throttle (really really light) it vibrates through the accelerator pedal. It indeed sounds (and its loud) like a chain draggin on something. I think the TSB for that calls for a new timing chain tensioner or something. Anyone have any better info on that TSB?

Sorry to threadjack.

The 3-piece set (2 gears and chain) can be had at atdvance for around $70. Word of advice: get a GOOD gear puller, because those can be a total bitch to take off and get back on. Also, get the Haynes manual, as it will be invaluable.

The 3-piece set (2 gears and chain) can be had at atdvance for around $70. Word of advice: get a GOOD gear puller, because those can be a total bitch to take off and get back on. Also, get the Haynes manual, as it will be invaluble.



Thanks for all the tips fellas, I will definetly get a tune up and the works. All in good time, have to change out all the brakes first!

Appreciate it!

a quick 2 cents: the 4.3 is, as most of u know, a small block with 2 cylinders chopped off for the most part. that being said, on a small block the oil pan must be dropped to remove the timing cover. when i did my old truck, i bought a one piece pan gasket from moroso. im sure they make it for the 6 cylinder too. it was worth every penny of the 25 bucks. its rubber, uses no permatex, and has grommets to keep u from overtightening the bolts. made life much easier when it came time to reassemble the thing. just want u to go into the job prepared, its a lot easier that way.

a quick 2 cents: the 4.3 is, as most of u know, a small block with 2 cylinders chopped off for the most part.

Yep, same bore and stroke as the 350. I used to refer to them as a "350 minus 2"

NoRiceHere01, I appreciate your experiences. I dont know when I'll get around to doing the timing chain. May just run it like it is... eventually I want to get around to dropping in a 6.0L. Do you know anything that would need to be swapped out other than the motor, mounts, wire harness, all accessories and maybe the 34" radiator. I believe on the '02 you can just reflash the PCM for the 6.0. Would my fuel lines, pump, exhaust.. blah blah... work?