97 C1500 5.7

[best97obs]

Hey yall, I came here today because I want to get a little more power out of my 5.7. I want to maybe put a cam in it but other than that anything (that isn't super expensive please) that can get some more power out of it.

 

[Schurkey]

Verify that you have all the horsies that GM put under the hood to begin with.

Verify fuel pressure.

Connect a scan tool, look for "codes" but more important, look at fuel trims, misfire counts, spark advance and knock counts.

Proper and complete tune-up. Cranking compression test. Verify distributor condition, (Vortecs are known to wear the distributor gear and distributor shaft bushings) inspect cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs--replace as needed. Verify distributor synch with crank sensor ("Cam retard".) Assure that the catalysts are not plugged or getting restricted. Probably fresh O2 sensors depending on age/mileage. Verify EGR operation.

Might as well start thinking about the electric-solenoid injector upgrade instead of the stock poppet-style; although depending on your power goals you may need bigger injectors than stock.

Expect to do computer tuning. I can't help with that at all.