Best Performance Mods For 5.3 Chevy Vortec

Start Your Performance Truck Build! bit.ly/3qujUXL
When it comes to gasoline engines, there are few that can hold up to the legendary 5.3L V8. In today’s video, Dustin breaks down the BEST performance mods for your 5.3L Vortec. From simple bolt-on options, to some thiccc boy cam shafts, and many many more options, these engines can take a lot and put down some horsepower! Comment below what YOUR favorite mod for the 5.3L, and as always; like, share, and subscribe!
0:00 Intro
1:23 Overview of the LS 5.3
2:06 Intakes, Exhaust, Flash tuners; Oh My!
2:45 Thiccc Boi Cam Shafts
4:27 Manifolds and Headers
5:53 The One and Only: Forced Induction
6:48 The Ole Bottle Throttle - Nitrous Oxide
8:11 Outro
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[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Start Your Performance Truck Build! bit.ly/3qujUXL

[@PoppaLaca1957]

Hey is 5.3L a Ls Engine if so could you explain How?🤔

[@nicholasbagg8440]

@@PoppaLaca1957 the older ones are the new ones are L85’s

[@JBWorkshop90]

Can you do the 8.1

[@jasoneli3779]

Can you email me just have questions w my 5.3 if you get time thanks man

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

That afm delete is a bummer

[@grandgaming_5483]

My buddy has an 04 Silverado that was in a rollover, he sawed off the tops of the cab and made a convertible to go ripping through the woods on. That day we rode around in it was the day I swore that I’d get my hands on a Chevy for my own, because he was beating the ever-loving sh*t out of it and it never skipped a beat.

[@frankxoxo8653]

I had a 06 gmc and holy shit they're fun when you straight pipe them with long tube headers fuck I miss that truck

[@loganb7982]

I drive an 03 Silverado and for the last year I’ve been driving it with a blown head gasket so when the man says bullet proof believe it 😂

[@Sonicrules82]

Just got me an 01 2500HD with a 6.0L and I’m excited to start getting some power out of that thing! Thanks for the video!

[@user-xw7dq8vv1i]

I’m not proud to admit that I had a oil cooler gasket leaking by the oil filter and had a bunch of insane crap happening in my life and I stopped checking my oil level for a long time, almost like it was something that didn’t need to be done anymore. Obviously the first owner I bought my 2011 Chevy Silverado 5.3 Z71 must have made keeping the oil level at the correct level something he did religiously. Because my low oil level sensor doesn’t work probably because it never had to move the entire time he owned it . I had about a 173 thousand miles on my truck when while on the interstate my oil pressure went to 0 . With no extra oil in my truck anywhere and just have given my wife the debit card . I had no way to by oil. I had about 12 miles to go before reaching home. I decided to just push it all the way home doing my best to not get stopped at any red light, stop sign or in traffic. Got home and it was bone dry. Got oil and filled it up and about 75 thousand miles later still runs like a beast with absolutely 0 damage of any kind that I can find and remember it’s a AFM ENGINE

[@erikpayne8202]

Ive been looking for a video like this for weeks

[@JameGoFast27]

Just got a 2011 1500 5.3 this is perfect

[@joogie4774]

This video was meant for me, I just recently got my first vehicle which just so happens to be a 1999 Chevy Silverado 2500 gas, 5.3 v8 ls engine. This was an amazing, very informational video, thank you!

[@matthewf5707]

Congrats on the new truck man. I just got mine a few months ago and it’s got 300000 miles on it and I just had to replace the rear diff.

[@justinbryan370]

If it's a 99 2500 that should have the 6.0 engine

[@MG-ol3no]

Lm7 engine ***

[@that_one5.349]

@@MG-ol3no lm7 is 5.3, 2500s are not 5.3s. My truck is an lm7 5.3.

[@MG-ol3no]

@@that_one5.349 right. I have the same engine.

[@chrishansen7004]

Surprised these guys never talked about stall converters, gearing and intake manifolds, 5.3's really wake up in trucks with a stall and really short gears like 4.56's or 4.88's and I find it to be very pointless to cam any LS without an upgraded intake manifold too extend the rev range and more power obviously

[@thatleov]

Agreed 4.11 with a 3200 circle d stall.

[@lucidops4565]

@@thatleov Im getting a stage 4 summit cam 3k stall and 4.11 gears but I don’t even know how much hp it’ll make

[@thatleov]

@@lucidops4565 what motor

[@texasstreettunes1310]

@@lucidops4565 gen3-340 gen4-360 gen5-380 somewhere around there if your on stock heads/intake with a 5.3.

[@pops3554]

@@lucidops4565 enough to a smile on your face !!!!

[@donslick8464]

The very best mod for a 5.3 14 and newer is a tune from Trifecta, trust me!! Awesome 👍👍

[@jeremylakenes6859]

I tow big sheds with my half ton chevy 2010 and 2004. Still going.

[@FlynnsPaintingCompany]

I just got my first broke lifter assessing damge tommorow looking into this video since im already in the enigine

[@luisjr0210]

Don’t forget to either upgrade or build your 4l60e or 4l80 swap it 😂 I’m on my third tranny

[@DoctorRickSanchez]

6l80 way better

[@garrettsomero3622]

Yes, the 4l60's are trash

[@trentmarks755]

On my 2nd in my Silverado but I beat the hell out of 6l80e in my avalanche

[@texasstreettunes1310]

@@DoctorRickSanchez not better for higher power applications the gears are too short makes traction impossible thats why most 6l80e guys swap for a 4 speed th400/4l80e. But its perfect for stock stroke NA guys.

[@smg7244]

That’s my entire plan lmao wait till I Grenade my 4L60 and drop in a 4L80😂

[@ashtenhungerford6153]

That's good to here might put one in my 62 Chevy instead of the engine it has now

[@joshhunter935]

LS all day, lol 🤌

[@dylanb8784]

I've got a 08 with AFM deleted, FiTech intake manifold, 102mm throttle body, cold air intake, 50lb/hr injectors, stage 3cam, forged pistons, a 150shot of nitrous

[@g35tho11]

Hp?

[@HillcrestClan]

👋99 Silverado. Was going to just buy a performance upgrade (460hp) engine for it, older buddy of mine told me he’d help me just build one, and for half the cost. So I’m gonna head to a junkyard and get a hood 5.3 block, have it machined, and build it up, learn on it so in the future when things break because they will, I won’t have to send it to a friend to be fixed. That and I don’t have to drop 5 grand straight out, I can take my time and drop yk 500 here and 200 there

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Hell ya that’s the way to do it

[@NavyNate123]

Why waste the money? Just run the junkyard motor as is. The gen IV stuff is bulletproof SBE.

[@rooster72886]

Had a 5.3 sold it running like a champ with 225,000 miles and had a lq4 6.0 sold that with 245,000 still running idk why most folks have so many issues these engines are as good as a 4 bolt main otherwise its lsx or a good old duramax now that's a ride stock theyll walk the dog on a pullin sled point 9f my story if u ain't got any of these motors your wasting money 🤣🤣🤣

[@peytontourdot1029]

Long tube headers with cold air intake on a 5.3 gmc Sierra. What size cam would you recommend

[@skin4580]

Owned one for years, they should make tank armor out of this engine

[@motorider7179]

What about the 5.7? I’ve got edelbrock heads, comp cam and new rods going in mine plus a set of hooker headers and a three inch quad exhaust

[@garrettferguson7451]

Thanks!

[@thomascoates2497]

Throttle body spacer to compliment all others listed.

[@07350zVegas]

I gave you a like cause u mentioned Fast and Furious movie 👍

[@L.King2215]

I am definitely that guy🙃 2:40 But not for long I’m about to do a fender exit

[@Nanaehhco45]

I have a 2011 chevy suburban 1500 lt which carries a 5.3l LMG. I'm trying to figure out what is the best way to get 400hp and 420tq at the flywheel. I'm in the process of installing a 3.42 gear set.... any recommendations?

[@jamesstewart3941]

Got a flowmaster 40 series on my 2003 tahoe, need to run the exhaust over the axel and out at a 45 on both sides

[@TheJabberWockyy]

Thank you

[@ittybittyandrew]

i have a 03 cateye with a 5.3 LS and a cherry bomb muffler, i pretty much have everything in this video except a turbo and nas

[@markp9366]

I just thought of a sick build. 96 Tahoe 2door with the 5.3. Lowered. Big wheels. Black out

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

2door Tahoe in any build gets a win in my book!

[@joshhunter935]

I'll be doing that to my 96, don't have the 2dr and not lowering it, but it'll do

[@JameGoFast27]

Why

[@brandonkelsey1092]

That's not very unique.. Google it. They're everywhere.. although they do look damn good that way. 💪🏻

[@mattneal4309]

Haven't watched vid. But top 3 would be cam, 3000 stall converter, regear and of course a dyno tune

[@coletongossett3434]

for N/A how much do you think for everything besides adding boost

[@Lonelyreddituser91]

Do this video for the 6.6!

[@dnxt1104]

what are you thoughts on getting a 5.3L chevy avalanche staight piped duals into y pipe 2.25 tail pipes into 5 inch tips

[@ryanp5564]

Yall should do this video but for the 5.0 coyote

[@superior3384]

Wow your videos are awesome

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

🤘 appreciate it!

[@LoCon.MCS13]

Damn that Banker comment came at my throat… granted I’m gonna straight pipe it to side exit but for now, I am that guy😢

[@matwebb4533]

Why would my 5.3 Z71 rado pop a knock out of thin air right after i filled my tank it happened and to be honest now that I think about it my gas tank wouldn't take no more then 2 notches past 3 quarters of a tank... Should any be able to help me I just bought this truck yesterday and it never sounded like a 12v diesel till last night I'm hoping it's just bad gas and not total engine failure

[@jamesmoore1341]

Hell! Even the 4.3 vortec was a hella engine even stock.

[@mothmanmothman4909]

I never rode I'm one but they did sound good.

[@jamesmoore1341]

@@mothmanmothman4909 I had one in a small gmc & it was more than enough power

[@crinner73]

I want more power to not drop to 35 mph on towing up a mountain. What will help ? Got a 3.5, with a 4l60e. Cheap,? Have a big trans cooler. 04. Got rear towing shock/springs. Which helps. Engine and trans ... help. Only has 102000 on it. Trailers sometimes at max ,but only going 200 miles. I don't break 3rd till the Arbuckle mountains for around 40 miles. .wishing had the bigger trans.. hard to find

[@joshuaguin7823]

Literally just cut my muffler off today!!!...I'm that guy lmao 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@sp33dybiscuit]

Tbh when the cut muffler 5.3 sounds better than a full exhuast system then why waste the grand on it? Yeet it!

[@rickycarraway3754]

Gotta stage 2 cam in my 08 woth 8” kit and 35s and it’ll get down with the get down 😂

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Hell yeah!

[@jacoblayne1244]

I would love to see this. I want to add a cam to my build

[@kodybahr7249]

Can removing everything factory and allow more air ratio better for engine?

[@recioh1297]

I wanna make my 5.3 Chevy avalanche vortex motor off road u should make a video on that never seen a Chevy off road I wanna do it to mine it’s just so hard to find out where to start

[@yeehawnation8015]

Dustin you already know I am that guy lmao, mufflers been gone since like week 2 lol

[@TysonPaxton1214]

My dad and I are building a 55 Belair with a 5.3 LS1

[@jerryhamilton2456]

Did they make any 2012 3/4 ton with 5.3 engines?

[@lylegoodluck]

Probably need a better drive line too. I was told my 08 silverado stock driveline is crap. And will fail if I try to add more power then I have..

[@marktieman7022]

what about 5.7L upgrades? are the about the same?

[@jondoe4667]

I have a 2000 Z71 1500 that is my pride and joy. I'm pulling the engine out to freshen it up and make some repairs. Is there a realistic way for me to make a decent amount of power and still be reliable enough to drive cross country?

[@georgeperkins4171]

My 2000 has 270000 mi. I don’t want to tear into it because it just keeps running.

[@gagejernigan5277]

The 4.8 with no muffler sounds great just don’t cut the cat off and you’re fine

[@jesseguillen2263]

Thanks just bought a 2001 silverado off a neighbor who had abandoned it in his driveway needs a lil TLC but alot cheaper than a new one with the money I saved i want to hook up the engine what should I start with 1st high mileage but runs solid?

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Hell yeah!

[@SrtJasper772]

Finally!!

[@andymacias9520]

Got a 2012 silverado 5.3 stage 2 tsp cam, long tube headers,x pipe,3:73 gears, on e85. Not sure what i should do to it next any ideas?

[@skin4580]

Hula dancer on dash

[@Raider_Jimmy]

Anyone got any suggestions for long tube headers specific brand and does it really make a difference 🤔🤔🤔 Thanks In Advance💯💯💯

[@UnfazedBenzoo]

Do a video for a 5.7 Vortex engine please 🙏

[@canyonero2050]

The info for that engine would be exactly the same as in this video. Just don't ever nos.

[@kalebhayes2162]

Oh yea!!

[@jerrysalinas2242]

What manifatture u recamend on header and manifold

[@portalbucket5365]

I got a friend that put a cam, cold air, and exhaust in his 5.3. He ran a 11.5 in the quarter.

[@ryandaigle7867]

i doubt that.

[@portalbucket5365]

@@ryandaigle7867 as far as i know, thats all he did. And the slip said 11.47 at 118 mph. Its pretty hard for me to believe too. Must have been one hell of a cam i guess

[@JameGoFast27]

@@ryandaigle7867 hoes mad lol stop hatin

[@jakmarlin8233]

I have '12 Gen IV. I'm hoping keeping clean oil in it and a Range ODBII delete will keep it from dropping a lifter. The first mod should be AFM delete.

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

That was the first thing I did

[@Gaet649]

I have a cold air intake and a smaller muffler on my silverado. I felt some differences after doing those modifications, but I feel like it's still lacking power. Will I need a tuner as well? If so, what do you recommend?

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

I mean you can tune it but without supporting mods, you won't see much improvement.

[@DBeck-kz5hx]

Now do this video for the 6.0 please.

[@eddymadera269]

What can I do for a basic horsepower on my 5.3 Chevy Tahoe LS for hauling like camper trailers car haulers stuff like that and a daily driver but I really do want more horsepower without the NOS and turbo or supercharger even though supercharger is an idea

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

You can upgrade the headers and camshaft.

[@dezracr]

You got sum perty eyes boy……in my best sling blade voice

[@kylek494]

U should do this for the gm 6.0 I never see videos on the engine and wonder things I should be doing to my 2500hd

[@gradyrooks5846]

The same as the 5.3 cams exhaust tuners it handles it even better in my opinion and maybe if you have the money bore it out to a 6.2

[@sp33dybiscuit]

Literally same as 5.3 just more engine

[@texasstreettunes1310]

@@gradyrooks5846 dont bore out to a 6.2 the power difference is negligible if anything put 6.2 heads on it with any size cam it will do just as good as any 6.2 if you want more displacement look into strokers, more power turbo.

[@chasegabrys135]

I ran my 5.3 on no oil. that didn’t end as well as it did for grant tho😅

[@DRUMer2412]

I have a 2008 suburban z71 5.3L. is that an LS?

[@publicenemy4993]

I just bought an 06 silverado with a 5.3 vortec. My first truck for work. Did I make an ok decision? Has around 105k on it. Are they reliable?

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

You take care of it, and it’ll take care of you!

[@dylanfay4333]

Most of this also applies to 4.8s and 6.0s

[@javiersanchez3061]

It applies to most engines out there.

[@cjenner865]

Mmmmmm 6.2s too

[@skylinegtrr3461]

Does anyone know if they make turbos for 08 Tahoe's 5.3 vortec engines

[@xavierbarron43]

My 5.3 has ticking!😁

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

What about Go-Fast stickers?

[@billymooneyjr]

How easy is it for a rook to install new headers on a 2018 Silverado 1500 LTZ? Mine is a 5.3L V8 as well.

[@billymooneyjr]

I'm no mechanic but like to try installing my own sh!t

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Shouldn't be to bad, few bolts, just gotta go easy as to not snap bolts/studs in the heads

[@eduardozapata1735]

I recently got a beater silverado I want to build this one up But I really got no idea where to start can anyone help ?

[@seanwillman6373]

Let’s us not forget about some fuzzy dice!

[@codyjames3416]

was the beginning from waynes world? been so long since I seen it im not sure.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

You talk about adding power but forget to mention their transmissions are made of glass. The 4l60E trans is fine as long as you don’t tow, abuse, or add any extra power to it.

[@snaglorhv8719]

Can y’all do one for the 5.7 guys

[@willc1849]

what’s the best exhaust system for 07-13 GM 5.3’s

[@jackmarchese4771]

True duals lol

[@texasstreettunes1310]

If your just gunna keep the motor stock just a nice muffler would be great, watch some sound videos and see what you like.

[@coltonmcmurry2433]

True duals are to loud but with a x pipe they sound amazing. It really starts clapping only in the high rpms

[@OscarMartinez-dy2sh]

Im running carven exhaust and i love it just perfect loud when needed a bit quiet when just crusing

[@bailers_inc8267]

Could Custom Offset do the f150 5.0?? I’d love to see that!

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

I’ll see what we can do! - rainey

[@jaronmartin6712]

Do it!! It would be pretty sweet if you guys did 😎👍

[@sagmondo8235]

Day 3 of saying Dustin has pretty eyes until it's mentioned in a video

[@basco5690]

Have they mentioned it yet

[@sagmondo8235]

@@basco5690 idk

[@RetroTheory_Garage]

I’m putting one in my Porsche

[@kalebsmith6743]

Cam shaft cost like $3000 installed and tuned for like 100 hp that’s worth it.

[@sjdjdj211]

1500 if u do the labor

[@kslikk34]

The first mod should be an AFM delete. 🙊. Now, if you got cash that's when you can also go ahead and beef up your Cam shaft and other parts.

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

Why would Chevy do that to us

[@Arinmarks]

What do you do about transmission problems after ????

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Do things right and don't beat on the truck to crazy, the transmission should take care of you.

[@daltonlovell4745]

Long tube headers or short tube headers?

[@smgs921]

What about the L86 6.2?

[@bhswarrior94]

Should hit on the 4.8 sometime

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

4.8L+ a turbo setup is the sauce I know that much 😎 - Rainey

[@bhswarrior94]

@General Motarz Except they aren't the same

[@JameGoFast27]

Why? It’s less than the 5.3 just get the 5.3 or higher why purposely buy a weaker vehicle

[@bhswarrior94]

@@JameGoFast27 🤣🤣🤣

[@bhswarrior94]

@@JameGoFast27 Also don't talk to me about having a weaker vehicle when I also have a couple Duramaxes and a Cummins or 2.

[@Tonydevora--]

Go check on d gas racing they're making crazy power with 5.3s

[@loganreynolds6205]

Do this for the 5.7 hemi

[@WS1_AUTOS_N_STUFF]

I’ve heard the 4.7 can put out close to the 5.7 for the price? But yah can’t beat the hemi 🤘

[@liquidcr4p87]

@@WS1_AUTOS_N_STUFF don't do it 5.7 is trash trust Mr I've had 2

[@WS1_AUTOS_N_STUFF]

@@liquidcr4p87 🤘people have told me that 4.7 does pretty good with power and better fuel mileage

[@robf566]

Do these also apply to a 4.8 v8 gm motor?

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

The 4.8 can definitely benefit from these mods too! Some parts are motor specific, but the 5.3 and 4.8 are almost identical. -Fuller

[@alpha3dp]

2:40 🙋🏼‍♂️I’m that guy

[@computerfixer06]

They were great, until they added AFM to the 5.3. Took good care of that truck and it was great to 90k, then I couldn't keep the lifters from dropping.

[@michaeltoscano3334]

$200 OBD adapter can remove it in seconds

[@computerfixer06]

@@michaeltoscano3334 I had the Range AFM disabler installed long before having lifter issues, problem is the lifters still fail.

[@L.King2215]

I did a full afm delete. New valley cover plate, ls7 lifters, new non afm cam. Haven’t had problems since

[@computerfixer06]

@@L.King2215 the same ended up solving the issue for me too

[@myalterego1117]

@@L.King2215 what was the cost on that

[@johnnymartinez305]

any opinions on tuning a 5.3 to delete the AFM?

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Do it, worth it

[@johnnymartinez305]

@@CustomOffsetsTV what about the Range plug in module?

[@Gawjohnson]

@@johnnymartinez305 works like a charm

[@arceusex]

@@johnnymartinez305 I've used it for years on mine, works great haven't had any side effects

[@lucidops4565]

@@arceusex did you also change lifters and valley plate ? Etc

[@JameGoFast27]

I’m being that guy until I find a pipe for my new muffler lol

[@frankly2677]

Pretty sure Dustin is a Viking

[@itripfatgirls6190]

Does all this go for a LT vortec 5.3 too??

[@CustomOffsetsTV]

Yup

[@KRKXN]

What kinda truck is in the thumbnail?

[@jerrysalinas2242]

0n the 5:3 liter

[@jaspernielsen8061]

I looked with pleasure.

[@scproductions4355]

Hey I made the video!!!