Hmmm.... this new development makes me think. So what exactly is possible with 300RWHP and AWD in one of these trucks? I'm just kinda looking for a quarter-mile time and any additional information that would be useful? So with 4k in one of these trucks, assuming its a 4x4 and a 5.3, whats possible in the E.T. category? I'm stuck on all-motor/nitrous since thats what I know...

 

well first off the only awd truck is the silverado ss which is extended cab short bed 6.0 auto with awd

if it was a rcsb(reg cab short bed) 4x4 with 5.3l if you had boltons, gears, stall, and cam, valve springs, pushrods i would think you would be in the high to mid 13s then add a 100shot n20 and your in the high 12s probably but n20 puts you out of budget

keep in mind that you will need a built tranny for this ( the stock tranny wont hold much extra power)

i forgot to mention earlier that a tune would be included in the boltons

 

Hrm.... Its not really like I need that kind of power, but with the Dodge getting near the point where I want to keep it, why the hell not? Sorry, I didnt really specify. I use AWD and 4x4 interchangably when I say them, sorry for the confusion. I'd probably go with spray after getting the trans (I really like avoiding the use of tranny in my statements. lol)

So what would be an advisable order of commencement here? Bolts ons (exhaust, headers, intake, et cetera), transmission & stall, gears, tuning software/tuner valvetrain (cam included), spray? Does that sound about right? If I'm getting this right, the only severely impaired component from the factory is the transmission for the most part? From what I've gathered, the engines will take any measure of well planned abuse, but the trans just gives up at the first sight of a fight eh?

 

trans is the weak link in these trucks its actually designed for a 300 crank hp motor in a 3k lb. car not a 300hp motor in a 4500 pound truck

motor can take about 8-10psi of boost or up to 125-150 shot of n2o
pistons are the weak link in the motor #7 in particular due to poor flowing intak manifold

the order i would do them is mailorder tune( will get better mileage), gears( makes the trans not have to work so hard)/rear lsd, stall, catback exhaust, LT headers and ORY( offroad y pipe) cold air intake, efans, built trans, cam/springs/pushrods w/ custom dyno tune or tuning software, underdrive pulleys, 100shot n20 w/ all bells and whistles, then some more tuning

 

Why not just take the Ranger you have, install a well built 302HO and nitrous along with a good transmission? Provided you have an 8.8" rear already, and can do the work. 11's all day and fully drivable too. Plus, the whole thing could cost under 5K if you do the work? Not to say a newer GM truck wouldn't be nicer and fully capable of the goal you have, but even a simply built 302 powered Ranger would net 14's without much effort. And you already have the Ranger, unless I read this incorrectly.

On the other hand, if 14's is the goal, buy any late model GM you like and make simple changes. Then head to the track and see it happen. I would think there are several which can run 14's effortlessly while 100% stock.

 

As far as the tranny goes I wouldnt screw around with building up a 60 or 65. I would go ahead and do an 80E swap on it with servos and a shift kit. If you go 4x4 swap in a 3/4 ton transfer case also. You can get a 60 or 65 that will hold some decent power, but there are several guys on this board that have been through more than one of them before doing an 80E swap. In my opinion I would go with the 80 because it is a much stronger platform to start with. I know with the power level you say you want it may be overkill, but for some reason none of us can seem to stay at the power level we originally intended to be at. You will roll around like that for a while get boared and start looking for more.

As far as 2wd and 4x4. I would go with the 4x4. You will have traction when ever you want it. Hell parish went 10's on stock tires. I can't even think about going from a dig or a slow roll on the street, and have to use ET streets at the track to get any kind of traction. I wish the 4x4 VMAX was around when I bought my truck. Just my .02.

 

You are correct in that the 4l80e is a much much stronger transmission, but the thing that turns many away is that horrible first gear and the power loss through a 4l80e. I think it's something crazy like 50rwhp compared to a 4l60e(don't quote me on that).

However, it doesn sound nice never having to worry about your transmission failing on you ever again.

 

LQ4=325 hp. LQ9=345 hp. Factory hp ratings through 06. VMAX is usually refering to 05/06 trucks with the LQ9. And besides the chevy ss, there is the gmc denalli line of trucks that started in 01 with the C3 having an LQ4 engine, versus the ss with the LQ9, which the denalli went to in 05. More upgrades in the gmc version, with a little less cr in the engine, (using the LQ4).
What's your budget? I have an 06 CC 4wd vmax truck and an 01 gmc excab awd truck. One has to go and right now I'm thinking the 01 stays because it's paid for. It has a built 4L65e in it currently and a turbo, with a stock LQ9 going in next week. If I can get the turbo and trans sold I will put a stock 4L65e behind the LQ9 and have it back to stock. If not, I guess it will still have a turbo and built trans. Sooooo many decisions. Sell the $28,000 vmax, or keep the $17,000 C3????????????? Who's to know???

 

By an 06 or 07 with the Vortec Max option. That will give you the 6.0 high performance, and a heavy duty trans and a bigger than normal rear axle. You could put some mods on that set up and you would have a good and fast truck. That is much easier than an engine swap. Probably in the long run, cheaper and more reliable, as well.
Or, you could find an HD with an 8.1ltr in it and have some fun.

Good Luck.

 

6.0 or nothin!

I'm happy with what I did- got a 4.8 and swapped in a 6.0 (LQ9) and matching trans. Got a looser converter and built up the trans.
Only thing I would have done differently is get 4.10 rear from the factory

What did the Lq9 have stock? 345hp? I added tuning and a catback. I have headers in the garage. She gets around for a truck. The other day there were two POS ricers racing on a 2 lane highway. They slowed down to ~10mph and hit it. I was just pissed off and flew by them. I can only imagine what they were thinking. Here they are, thinking they are fast and worried about the other fast car they are racing when this thing passes flys by them, just because he's aggravated- not because he's racing