What similar mods did you choose and how do you like it?


I've been doing quite a bit of research and believe I have made a decision. I'm not doing a Whipple but instead something like this:


Test Motor #2-Mild LM7 5.3-Liter
Block: Stock
Crank: Stock
Rods: Stock
Pistons: Stock
Cam: Trick Flow Specialties .575 lift, 220/224 duration split, 112-degree LSA
Heads: TEA Stage 1 CNC 5.3-liter
Intake: Stock
TB: Accufab 78 mm
Headers: QTP 1¾-inch long-tube
Peak Power: 436 hp at 6,200 rpm
Peak Torque: 410 lb-ft at 5,100 rpm
Torque Curve: Exceeded 375 lb-ft of torque from 3,800-6,100 rpm


to this


Test Motor #3-Wild LM7 5.3-Liter

Block: Stock
Crank: Stock
Rods: Stock
Pistons: Stock 4.8-liter (flat-top)
Cam: COMP XR281HR .571/.573 lift, 228/230 duration split, 112 LSA
Heads: TFS GenX 205
Intake: FAST LSXR
TB: FAST 102 mm
Headers: QTP 1¾-inch long-yube
Peak Power: 501 hp at 6,500 rpm
Peak Torque: 452 lb-ft at 5,400 rpm
Torque Curve: Exceeded 425 lb-ft of torque from 4,200-6,100 rpm


I really don't want to get into the internals to far so I rather not do pistons. Curious who has similar mods and your opinion of your mods, happy or not? Do anything different?
I want to keep it a DD conserving mileage best as possible on highway so not sure what gear work if any should be done, but low stop light torque and acceleration is main desire, try to retain highway MPG best as can if possible.
Not a track truck as I plan to raise it 5-7 in as well with 20" and mud road tires. Tow here and there, may bag it for that.


So what have you done and what are you getting for results?
Anything based on what I would like need to changed or what would you recommend?


Completely stock right now along with mods i'll probably buy an HP Tuner or similar.


Thanks

 

Your 2012 is likely a LC9 motor, so aluminum with flat top pistons and 243/799 heads. Those heads are some of the best flowing heads you can have.

You'll need a DOD/AFM delete kit if you plan to change the camshaft and you won't need to upgrade the intake or throttle body. They stock intake flows great and makes good power already.

 

Those cams really arent truck friendly... I had a similar cam 222/224 .566/.568 112 comp xr275hr.... Put 348 to the ground but in my lifted silverado it was a dog down low, swapped in a tb converter but wasnt much better.... Honestly get a cam speced for it.... 5.3 may be better, but it definitely had a bunch of top end....

 

Correct LC9 Al checked the tag, should have done that first I don't even know why I thought regular 5.3 guessing something I read when this mod bug crawled up my ****.


So what do you guys recommend who should I talk to? I'd like to help it along as best as possible performance wise. Predator tune just wasn't enough for me when I tried it.
Sounds like could be cheaper then for what I want and couldn't have blown it with a Whipple or is that my best option with AFM delete? I should have checked Trans too, hopefully that is better off like I thought.


So exhaust for flow a tune maybe spec'd cam (who can do that anyone on here) haven't found good local guy yet

 

With a 2012 LC9 you have vvt and afm.... Keep the vvt and get a cam designed for it, i have a thread about vvt cams, guy told me about some vvt cams that are doing really impressive things.... Granted in a camaro, but dont see why the 5.3 would be that much different... Defintely need exhaust and a tune with any cam and get rid of the dod.... Lifters are problematic as hell!!! You probably have a 6l80 so as far as trans you ae good....

 

I check your thread Wolftrk99, I see what you mean. I don't know if that will one will work on 5.3 but found a couple more as well.
Seems as tho I need to get a reputable tuner to check out truck and see where I need part mod replacement to gain what I'm looking for.
Any idea what just exhaust and cam will add for power?