Best bang for buck mods to wake up vortec

burbalious · Feb 7, 2019

Looking for some mods to wake up my suburban. Getting ready to build up an engine on the side for when the current one goes out. It is the vortec 350, already have some headers lined up. What else should be put in for daily driving. Fuel economy is already out of the picture.

letitsnow · Feb 10, 2019

Blackbear tuned computer, true dual exhaust, open/aftermarket intake.

I also eliminated the egr and cats from mine. Runs really good, tows nicely, and still gets the same mpg that it did before (15 empty/7-9 towing) - even though the motor only has 2000 miles on it, I cranked the front torsion bars up some and removed the front plastic air dam.

A search might turn up other options, depending how far you would like to go.

df2x4 · Feb 10, 2019

If you do put on an aftermarket intake (personally I believe the factory one is just fine) keep in mind that Volant is the only company who makes one with a sealed airbox. The rest are open box designs and will raise your intake air temps pretty significantly.

Supercharged111 · Feb 10, 2019

This. I logged MAP and IAT stock, with lid removed, and no filter. The intake is a little restrictive over 3000 RPM, but all the timing that got pulled when the tract sucked hot air completely negated any flow gains. Get a tune and lose the tiny head pipes on the exhaust, those will be your biggest gains.

454cid · Feb 10, 2019

If you have a 350, remember that your intake was designed to handle the 454.

Edit: Ok, they're not exactly the same since the throttle bodies are in different positions, but the the air box itself and MAF are identical.

letitsnow · Feb 10, 2019

These guys are probably right about the intake - not best "bang for buck". Opening up the intake seemed to help mine while towing my camper, but there are so many variables...

Supercharged111 · Feb 10, 2019

letitsnow said:
These guys are probably right about the intake - not best "bang for buck". Opening up the intake seemed to help mine while towing my camper, but there are so many variables...

There is absolutely airflow to be gained, just have to make sure it's cool air.

BOTTLEDZ28 · Feb 11, 2019

A tune and a set of gears will wake up the Burb. I suggest NOT using a cheap China spider injection setup when you do your rebuild either. Spend the money and get a Delco/Delphi one. A lot of guys skimp out here and but the $85 ebay ones and quickly regret it.

SuperTramp · Feb 14, 2019

letitsnow said:
Blackbear tuned computer, true dual exhaust, open/aftermarket intake.

I also eliminated the egr and cats from mine. Runs really good, tows nicely, and still gets the same mpg that it did before (15 empty/7-9 towing) - even though the motor only has 2000 miles on it, I cranked the front torsion bars up some and removed the front plastic air dam.

A search might turn up other options, depending how far you would like to go.

If I may add a question regarding headers; any suggestions for the best value headers (brand, tube size) for the 350 (1998 k2500)? It’s my understanding that a ceramic heat coating is important, so I’d imagine these headers are in the $350 plus range. Any advice on buying used headers; what to be wary about? Thx in advance.

PlayingWithTBI · Feb 14, 2019

Watch out for warped flanges or cracked welds on used headers. New ceramic coated ones are expensive. Summit Racing is always a good place to get an idea where you wanna go. IIRC Their Summit brand headers are made by Pace Setter.

https://www.summitracing.com/search...4294924068&SortBy=Default&SortOrder=Ascending

Best bang for buck mods to wake up vortec

burbalious

Newbie

letitsnow

I'm Awesome

df2x4

4L60E Destroyer

Supercharged111

Truly Awesome

454cid

Sooper Pooper

letitsnow

I'm Awesome

Supercharged111

Truly Awesome

BOTTLEDZ28

I'm Awesome

SuperTramp

Preparing truck & camper for N. American trek

PlayingWithTBI

2022 Truck of the Year

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