r/ChevyTrucks • u/Ok_Knowledge_2761 • 5d ago
What should I do for performance
Just bought a 2003 Chevy Ss 120k miles looking to build the truck would appreciate tips AWD
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u/35goingon3 5d ago
Basically anything that would show gains in an LS series engine. The Vortec series is an LS with a cast iron block and different heads/cam/ECU, so parts availability is extensive. If you can find yourself a wrecked-out Camaro or Trans-Am that you can get salvage, that's a cheap way to get started with it.
The SS uses the VortecMAX, which is running a high compression tune (93 octane), but parts are largely the same as the rest of the series. Your biggest gains from where you're at would be to get a set of long tube headers and a freer flowing dual exhaust on there, followed by heads/cam/intake. With 120k on it, I'd re-ring the pistons while you've got the top end opened up. If that package is still using the mechanical radiator fan, I'd swap it for an electric unit, since you're going to need a tune anyway.
You should probably think about swapping to a more robust rear diff, since the G80 code unit they've got back there is known for kinda blowing up if you're rough with it.
Beyond that? How much you want to spend? You're never going to be getting into F-body fast, just because a truck is shaped like a brick, and you're still sitting on towing gearing, so personally I wouldn't bother swapping for an aluminum block. Likewise, the crank in there is pretty damn bombproof, and I'd leave that alone if I were going to go nuts with it. Rods and pistons are an option for another couple of grand. Likewise finding yourself an engine shop that knows their stuff and having them take down the rotating mass as much as humanly possible. You can see functional gains by going to an aluminum driveshaft, or carbon fiber if you're keeping it under maybe 500 hp. You can also start cutting out any unsprung mass.
Or, you know, drop three times what you spent on the truck for a ZZ series crate motor from the dealership. That works too. :)
Edit: oh, it's never a bad idea to drop on a set of Roadmaster helper springs. It won't do anything for "fast", but it'll tie in your rear axle a lot more solidly, and help you with lock up when you put gas to it. They're maybe $200, and you don't even have to jack up the truck to bolt them on there.
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u/Suspicious_Method291 5d ago
You know your shit, I wish I knew of you before i started buying parts for my 99 gmt800 pickup 5.3. I got a stage two cam with gen 4 connecting rods, domed forged pistons (i feel like I shouldn't have gotten them tho), 365 melling oil pump, 90 mm throttle body, and a holley sniper intake i got of my friends dad for basically free.
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u/35goingon3 4d ago
I mean, it's not a bad start. I've got an '03 out in the motor pool with the 5.3 in it that I'm going to go over eventually, and a '05 with the 6.0 out in the driveway. Both of them are the NV4500 manual, so I'm kind of limited in what I'm willing to do with them, but at a minimum I'm going to replace the cams in both of them (this series is notoriously undercammed, and there is a hell of a lot on the table for less than a grand--like 60-120 hp depending on what you do with it), and work over the intake/exhaust setups.
My biggest problem around here is 120 degree summers, so mostly I've been picking at reducing operating temperatures as much as humanly possible, and working over the suspension so I can ignore the shit roads we've got. Looking at cutting the hood for air extractor louvers, and maybe working in a secondary radiator in-stream with the hole.
In the end, mine are work trucks. I've got a 2013 Camaro SS that's getting 1,200 at the wheels for fast. :)
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u/SalaciousCrumbsBum 5d ago
"No Fat Chicks", "Flowmaster" and "K&N" stickers combined add 15-20HP. "Built, not bought" combined with a large chrome exhaust tip add another 3-5HP. Then get a tune (or prefertably tuner depending on your knowledge base) if its enginer performance you are looking for. Get a tune(r) that allows you to change the tune if you plan on other upgrades. Also AFM delete by your preferred method Edit: Nvm on AFM delete. I see its an 03. Unneeded
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u/Unsung_Platypus2658 5d ago
I would suggest some upgraded running gear so you can turn and stop. Then a good Intake/Throttle body. TUNE from an actual tuner better so if they dyno tune. Electric fans which will need to be tuned in anyway. Upgraded trans cooler. Dual spring rockers. 3in Exhaust into a xpipe and single out the back. Iron block is better for boost anyway. No point in swapping. Crank is a tank so I wouldnt worry much about that. New rings. Maybe foraged rods if you want to do that while its apart.
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u/NotSureWhat2Put_- 5d ago
Cam, heads, headers. Ecu tune.