Silverado upgrades???

Hello all, I am a Silverado owner and forum newbie. I just purchased a 2005 Crew cab with 5.3l and towing package, which i guess includes a 3.73 rear. Everyone knows it comes with 295 HP, and I would like to know some easy and inexpensive ways to get it as close to 400 HP as possible. I know an exhaust will help, but I do not want more than a nice moderate rumble. Another thing, got a base factory am/fm/cd/cass stereo. I would like to add some umph to the stereo, I am not opposed to removing the factory, but I hear you loose some functionality of the lights dimming, and the exterior coming on at night when you open the doors. I am also looking for some subwoofer solutions either for under or behind the back seat. Finally I have read the posts about the DIR, I do not have stereing wheel controls, has anyone purchased a wheel, and had a dealership successfully install it, I am not electronically savvy. Sorry to be long winded, but I really am looking to hook up my truck.
Thanks

Hello all, I am a Silverado owner and forum newbie. I just purchased a 2005 Crew cab with 5.3l and towing package, which i guess includes a 3.73 rear. Everyone knows it comes with 295 HP, and I would like to know some easy and inexpensive ways to get it as close to 400 HP as possible. I know an exhaust will help, but I do not want more than a nice moderate rumble. Another thing, got a base factory am/fm/cd/cass stereo. I would like to add some umph to the stereo, I am not opposed to removing the factory, but I hear you loose some functionality of the lights dimming, and the exterior coming on at night when you open the doors. I am also looking for some subwoofer solutions either for under or behind the back seat. Finally I have read the posts about the DIR, I do not have stereing wheel controls, has anyone purchased a wheel, and had a dealership successfully install it, I am not electronically savvy. Sorry to be long winded, but I really am looking to hook up my truck.
Thanks

There is no real "Cheap" way to add 110 hp to a 323 engine.
400 hp is going to be a tall order on an engine this size without some serious parts replacement. (Namely heads and a cam, on top of intake, injectors and exhaust,MAF, plus a PCM reprogramming) I'd keep it simple for starters, FIPK, cat back exhaust, etc. As for the steroe stuff, That's not my cup of tea, so hopefully someone else will chime in and let you know. Ther's a series of articles in "Chevy High Performance" about them doing these same upgrades on 5.3, and they're puching it to the mid 300's now. www.chevyhiperformance.com Punch in "Red Dog" in the search engine, or look in the tech articles.

Two suggestions for 400HP
1)supercharger, to be specific a Radix system by Magnacharger (http://magnacharger.com/gmtruckradix.htm)
2)turbocharger, to be specific an STS Turbo system (http://ststurbo.com/) with upgrade options

Either will get you VERY close to 400 RWHP if not more. To get to 400 naturally aspirated will involve major engine modifications. Check out www.performancetrucks.net for more info.

As for the Radio, your options will be greatly improved if the face of your radio DOES NOT have the letters RDS on it. But, if it does, you can get an adapter for aftermarket although it is pricey.

As for the subs, 10" downfire seems to be the most popular here. There are some premade boxes outhere. Most people here end up making their own (ask for pics or do a search).

Lastly, Forget about adding the steering wheel controls, unless money is of no concern. The trucks harness is not prewired for the controls and adding takes time and money.



Go Colts!

Two suggestions for 400HP
1)supercharger, to be specific a Radix system by Magnacharger (http://magnacharger.com/gmtruckradix.htm)
2)turbocharger, to be specific an STS Turbo system (http://ststurbo.com/) with upgrade options

Either will get you VERY close to 400 RWHP if not more. To get to 400 naturally aspirated will involve major engine modifications. Check out www.performancetrucks.net for more info.

As for the Radio, your options will be greatly improved if the face of your radio DOES NOT have the letters RDS on it. But, if it does, you can get an adapter for aftermarket although it is pricey.

As for the subs, 10" downfire seems to be the most popular here. There are some premade boxes outhere. Most people here end up making their own (ask for pics or do a search).

Lastly, Forget about adding the steering wheel controls, unless money is of no concern. The trucks harness is not prewired for the controls and adding takes time and money.



Go Colts!


While all this is true, it still does not fall into the category of "Cheap"

There's an old saying. "Horsepower costs money. How fast do you want to go?"

$5000 is cheap for 30-45% more HP, its fast too. Not to mention a novice can install both systems, and the truck will only be out of commission for half a day.

$5000 is cheap for 30-45% more HP, its fast too. Not to mention a novice can install both systems, and the truck will only be out of commission for half a day.


I guess it all depends on what HIS idea of "Cheap" is!

:dunno: :lol2:

The 6.0L swap makes that number so much easier to achieve...especially without FI. A good cam/head combo and boltons will net you some great gains with the 5.3L.

When I said cheap, I was thinking around $2k. What is a realistic estimate of increased HP with a chip, k&n filter and cat back exhaust for starters? I need more advice on my stereo!!!! thank youall for posting, your info has been very helpful.

When I said cheap, I was thinking around $2k. What is a realistic estimate of increased HP with a chip, k&n filter and cat back exhaust for starters? I need more advice on my stereo!!!! thank youall for posting, your info has been very helpful.

All that stuff should get you around 30 RWHP and cost ~$1000. Both number will vary depending on brand/style and where you buy from.

Also, there are MPG gains to be had with a forced induction. Also, doesn't the STS turbo have to be welded into the exhaust system? That would require more than novice skills, IMHO

Hello all, I am a Silverado owner and forum newbie. I just purchased a 2005 Crew cab with 5.3l and towing package, which i guess includes a 3.73 rear. Everyone knows it comes with 295 HP, and I would like to know some easy and inexpensive ways to get it as close to 400 HP as possible. I know an exhaust will help, but I do not want more than a nice moderate rumble. Another thing, got a base factory am/fm/cd/cass stereo. I would like to add some umph to the stereo, I am not opposed to removing the factory, but I hear you loose some functionality of the lights dimming, and the exterior coming on at night when you open the doors. I am also looking for some subwoofer solutions either for under or behind the back seat. Finally I have read the posts about the DIR, I do not have stereing wheel controls, has anyone purchased a wheel, and had a dealership successfully install it, I am not electronically savvy. Sorry to be long winded, but I really am looking to hook up my truck.
Thanks



i placed a k&n fipk, gibson super sport dual exhaust and a hypertech ppIII on my truck all for under 1k and it is alot a-l-o-t faster now but i want more. im thinking 4.10 gear ratio and a functional ram air for my next mod (ram air for christmas... i'll let ya'll know how that does for me)as for the audio, i bought a peripheral Aftermarket Receiver Adapter which you need if your radio has a class II databus (rds) and if it is an 05 it is. replaced my oem radio with a pioneer mp3 player CHOISE put two 10" kicker comps in a downfire box under my rear seat (ebay-$55.00 w/shipping) and a acoustic 300w rms amp pushing those, replaced my 6.5 speakers in the front doors and the 4x6 in the rear doors. sounds sooo good in the cab. its not gonna set off my neighbors alarm or anythig but i am totally pleased with it.

i placed a k&n fipk, gibson super sport dual exhaust and a hypertech ppIII on my truck all for under 1k and it is alot a-l-o-t faster now but i want more. im thinking 4.10 gear ratio and a functional ram air for my next mod (ram air for christmas... i'll let ya'll know how that does for me)as for the audio, i bought a peripheral Aftermarket Receiver Adapter which you need if your radio has a class II databus (rds) and if it is an 05 it is. replaced my oem radio with a pioneer mp3 player CHOISE put two 10" kicker comps in a downfire box under my rear seat (ebay-$55.00 w/shipping) and a acoustic 300w rms amp pushing those, replaced my 6.5 speakers in the front doors and the 4x6 in the rear doors. sounds sooo good in the cab. its not gonna set off my neighbors alarm or anythig but i am totally pleased with it.

What do you mean by functional ram air? What gears are you currently running? How fast do you want to go?

I dont think your audio will make you faster :lol:

I've always wondered if someone had backfiing subs, and they were big enough and had enough power, if they could help push the car down the road. I know I have seen some cars with some high end stereos that i could not think of any other way they were moving.

I've always wondered if someone had backfiing subs, and they were big enough and had enough power, if they could help push the car down the road. I know I have seen some cars with some high end stereos that i could not think of any other way they were moving.


yeah you get .000000002 HP for every rear firing 18" you have in your vehicle!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

And a negative .5 HP for the weight.....

What do you mean by functional ram air? What gears are you currently running? How fast do you want to go?


i mean a ram air hood that forces air into the throttle body, some posers just add the hood, or even just the scoops for looks. and i was simply giving my input to the dude that started this thread about my audio. i am currently running the stock gears, i just wanna increase my off the line time without sacrificing my high end speed....is that even possible???

i mean a ram air hood that forces air into the throttle body, some posers just add the hood, or even just the scoops for looks. and i was simply giving my input to the dude that started this thread about my audio. i am currently running the stock gears, i just wanna increase my off the line time without sacrificing my high end speed....is that even possible???


That's usually a "Can't have your cake and eat it too" situation. The overdrive trannies allowed lower gears and good top end rpm's, but, you have to decide which you want more of. Good launch gears will give you better acceleration, but you'll be cruising at higher rpm's at highway speed, and vice versa.

That's usually a "Can't have your cake and eat it too" situation. The overdrive trannies allowed lower gears and good top end rpm's, but, you have to decide which you want more of. Good launch gears will give you better acceleration, but you'll be cruising at higher rpm's at highway speed, and vice versa.


WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

WHICH DO YOU PREFER?


I do alot of highway driving, so I prefer the better top end. You have to honestly evaluate how and where you drive, and which is more important to YOU. If you live in area with alot of stop and go driving, you may want to opt for the better take-off. If you're like me and live in the boonies where everything is 30 or 40 miles away, than the better top end may be for you, for the better mileage and less wear and tear on the motor. (Lower rpms) :smile:

Hey I have a 04 chevy 4x4 reg cab half ton. Stereo wise I did have a 15" kicker comp. in a sealed box behind the passenger seat. I built the box myself. I used a inverter to change speaker level to line level for a Profile A1200. It throbbed pretty good. I then removed that and got 4 12" legacy subs and built a bandpass box out of marine grade plywood and bolted it to the bed, and vented it into the cab. It throbs really hard now. My truck is a long bed, and I had a toolbox where the subs are now, so I figured I was just trading spaces. I still have 6 foot of bed, and can still put a sheet of wood back there, just have to strap it in, or set it on top of the closed tailgate. good luck.

you guys are killing me, the reason for the subs is to weigh down the back of my truck while i take off like a rocket. I would like to thank everyone so far that has posted, especially elroy74. I am not looking to shake the street either, but i like clean loud music. Elroy did you do the mods to your truck yourself, or have them done by a mechanic? I am not mechanically inclined, I am a computer nerd, so I need others to do my work, and am trying to get an idea for labor. If anyone lives in the Tampabay area, feel free to offer me your services.

you guys are killing me, the reason for the subs is to weigh down the back of my truck while i take off like a rocket. I would like to thank everyone so far that has posted, especially elroy74. I am not looking to shake the street either, but i like clean loud music. Elroy did you do the mods to your truck yourself, or have them done by a mechanic? I am not mechanically inclined, I am a computer nerd, so I need others to do my work, and am trying to get an idea for labor. If anyone lives in the Tampabay area, feel free to offer me your services.


WELL, I LIVE IN ORLANDO....COME ON UP LOL I DID MINE, IT WAS FAIRLY EASY. IF YOU WANT TO HAVE IT DONE BY PRO'S IT WILL PROBLY RUN U AROUND $100/ THATS ONLY A GUESS. ANY RATE LET US KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT.

If you guys hook up ,can i come watch you work on the truck ? I want to know how to do this stuff too. :)

The only way of installing subs in the extended/crew cab is under the back seat with this system you want to add a sloc and amp. The sloc reduces the voltage to 1.5 wich is better than replacing the head unit. A JL audio 500 mono hooked to two MTX 8000 10"s will do you wonders this is if you do not want to loose any passenger space.Had it in my truck but sold the amp I still have the speakers for sale on ebay now. If you remove the factory head unit you will loose a whole lot of functions if you have an alarm it is programmed through it most everything in truck goes through it I found. My wifes Monte the oil life sysor and more is in the radio. I installed subs and XM onto it by using am FM modulator. Any other questions about the Sytem email me [email protected]