Silverado upgrades???

[cdemato]

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

[LongIslander26]

Originally Posted by cdemato

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.

[nineball481]

Two suggestions for 400HP
1)supercharger, to be specific a Radix system by Magnacharger
2)turbocharger, to be specific an STS Turbo system 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!

[LongIslander26]

Originally Posted by nineball481

Two suggestions for 400HP
1)supercharger, to be specific a Radix system by Magnacharger
2)turbocharger, to be specific an STS Turbo system 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?"

[nineball481]

$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.

[LongIslander26]

Originally Posted by nineball481

$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!

[Slowprocess]

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.

[cdemato]

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.

[nineball481]

Originally Posted by cdemato

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.

[BlenderWizard]

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

[elroy74]

Originally Posted by cdemato

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.

[Slowprocess]

Originally Posted by elroy74

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?

[jeverett]

I dont think your audio will make you faster

[BlenderWizard]

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.

[misfitt006]

Originally Posted by BlenderWizard

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!!