beef up 5.3 or zz383?

[blindmouse]

First , let me admit to being a complete idiot.
I have a 2002 Avalanche 1500 4x4 with a stock 5.3L LS1 motor and it doesn't tow the way I would like it to.
I would like to increase my torque at low rpm's without breaking the bank. What would be the best way to do this?
Also,I have a ZZ383 Crate motor that I purchased for another project that is an option I could install in this truck.
What would be required to install this motor in the Avalanche? Would it be worth it?
Thanks for any help.
Blind Mouse

[konigandy6]

First of all, while the 5.3 is an LS based small block, it is not an LS1.

Secondly, those are fantastic engines, and have plenty of power that you can squeeze out. I guess when you say, "break the bank" we would need to know how much would be too much.

Mild cam, head porting, CAI, exhaust, tune, etc... This should net you fantastic results without costing an arm and a leg, and most of this, pending your technical know how, can be done in your garage.

[0verkill]

The best way I could see is a cam kit and a good tune you could do it for less then $1000

[Firebirdjones]

Start simple. Do a nice catback exhaust, cold air intake setup, then send the computer to Frost for a mail order tune and see how you like it.

Probably find an easy 30 hp and tq out of it just doing those things and you won't break the bank. The tune alone will improve shifting too when Frost is done with the trans tables. It will feel like a completely different truck.

Only after these things are done would I dig deeper into the truck (that is if you aren't happy yet) because things start getting more expensive now.

[04yellowjacket]

5.3 is not a ls1 350. but it is a 327, and it does have the ls1 block and cylinder bore. a cammed 5.3 makes very good hp down low. and the ls1 cam works very well in a stock 5.3. I have seen the ls1 cam in them and a 100 shot and run very good times at the track.

[konigandy6]

5.3 is not a ls1 350. but it is a 327, and it does have the ls1 block and cylinder bore. a cammed 5.3 makes very good hp down low. and the ls1 cam works very well in a stock 5.3. I have seen the ls1 cam in them and a 100 shot and run very good times at the track.

5.3 is a 325

LS1 is a 346

GM gets weird with displacements.

[REVNORR82]

That zz383 is a complete different motor set up than what you got stick with the 5.3 exhaust and a tune will do wonders look at gears also set of 3.73 gears will make a world of difference in towing also i do believe the avalanche is a bit heavier than a silverado so that factors in on towing and running an oversized tire will also.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[SteveC]

The best way I could see is a cam kit and a good tune you could do it for less then $1000

+1 on this.

SteveC

[pajeff02]

OP hasn't been back on the site since 10/14/12.

[SteveC]

OP hasn't been back on the site since 10/14/12.

I wonder why?

SteveC

[pajeff02]

OP certainly received some good feedback from our membership and the first 3 replies were all the same day the thread was posted. Hard to tell....

[konigandy6]

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[Firebirdjones]

My guess,
He was happy with the advice given, picked a direction and found something that satisfied.

[konigandy6]

Another happy customer. But we need to shoot for return visits lol

[pajeff02]