5.3L engine upgrades

Hey I own a 1999 GMC Sierra 5.3L. I'm wanting more power and a better 0-60mph. time. I'm wanting to install better pistons and a truck power cam from crane cams. Will this give me a noticeable hp. gain that I will feel or will it be a waste of time? If its a good idea what type of pistons do you reccomend and where can I get them. Any other mods that you think will be very good for my engine any reccomendations are appreciated. Thanks

Does your 5.3 have a slight tick until warmed up? I have a 99 5.3 that ticks very slightly until the motor is warm, and the mechanic told me that all the LS series motors do it, especially the LS1, but these are LS3's. Just wonderin thanks

Truck motors are not LS3's. There is no LS3 V8
The LS1 is a 5.7L engine
The LS2 is a 6.0L engine
The LS7 is a 7.0L engine Corvette Z06
fyi - The LS1,LS2 and LS7 all require synthetic oil


The 5.3 is a similar design but not a LS series motor. Just like the 305 and 350 were similar.

my 5.3 is a LM7 rpo

fyi - - LS1, LS,2 etc are the engine option codes. I had a 2002 Trans Am LS1 and a 2001 GMC LM7m there was not ticking in my engines.


The engines in my 2 vehciles below don't make any noise.
Mike
2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6L
2004 GMC Sierra SLT E. Cab Z71 5.3L

As to the ? on hotrodding the 5.3L. Doubt what you would do would pay any dividends. A super charger would be the most bang for the buck and you would not have to rear into the engine.

The Vortech supercharging system for the 1999 5.3 GM light truck will impress you with the obvious attention to detail and fully integrated appearance. Increase your horsepower to 371 and torque to 387 ft/lbs to help you pull you, your passengers and your toys over the hill or around the corner. Please note that Vortech does not offer programming for alternatively fueled vehicles (trucks with a Z in the 8th digit of the VIN).

Adds 101 horsepower

Does your 5.3 have a slight tick until warmed up? I have a 99 5.3 that ticks very slightly until the motor is warm, and the mechanic told me that all the LS series motors do it, especially the LS1, but these are LS3's. Just wonderin thanks

Have a SLE 2002 5.3 that has the "ticking" sound until warmed up.....so don't feel like the Lone Ranger.....

The best HP gain for the 5.3L engine is a good tune. There are many performance shops that can tune your vehicle for you. There is a lot of potential in the stock 5.3L engine and to release it all you need is a cold air intake, a mild camshaft and a good tune from a knowledgable tuner. Over on LS1truck.com are a few guys running mid 12s in a bolt on only RCSB truck.