Chevy PPV

[Clo004]

So after driving a two different f150's for the last 8 years I'm finally coming to Chevy. I plan on buying a 2013 PPV Tahoe within the next two weeks.

Now I need to decide what I want to do with it performance wise. I know a CAI will be first but I can't make a decision about the exhaust and a tune. Does anybody know if the PPV's have a different factory tune? What is everybodys recommendation for exhaust?

 

[TheFuzz]

PPV's are not much different than stock Tahoes. Really the only upgrades are in the suspension and brakes department, for obvious reasons, along with higher output alternators and bigger batteries for running emergency equipment. Some options include ground studs at the rear of the truck for wiring additional equipment, and upgraded electrical components on the inside to make wiring up lights and speakers easier...although I've never seen an installer use the stuff from the factory. If the truck is ordered with it, they rip it out and wire everything themselves for warranty purposes. The drivetrain is identical to a civvy tahoe.

For intake, most people get an Airaid Jr kit for $160ish on Amazon or Ebay. It's the best bang for the buck - see Jenna's dyno comparison thread in the Black Bear Performance forum.

Exhaust is all relative to what you are looking for sound-wise, as it offers no performance gains.

As for the tune, I don't think that the PPV tune is any different, and even if it is, you'd still be better served by talking to Justin and Jenna at Black Bear Performance and having them tune the truck for you.

Welcome to the Chevy side of life! We use Expeditions at my department, and they suck. Been trying to talk my Chief into getting Tahoes for years now, but he's a diehard Ford guy. Go figure.

 

[Vigilant]

Although I am somewhat familiar with 4.6 mods, I know little to nothing so far about modding the 5.3 Chebbie. I'm here to learn. Two common mods with the 4.6 are throttle body and plenum, yet so far, I have seen no mention of either mod here. Is there anything to be gained with similar mods on the 5.3?

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

Another vote for BB (black bear)

 

[sumo]

BB all day long!

 

[tights24]

Two common mods with the 4.6 are throttle body and plenum, yet so far, I have seen no mention of either mod here. Is there anything to be gained with similar mods on the 5.3?

I'm relatively new to these as well but from what I have read, the CAI from Airaid and a tune from Black bear or Nelson is the best bang for your buck mods for these trucks. In all reality it depends on what you want it to do. If you're looking for quick performance gains without breaking the bank, both of those above and a cam is what I'm thinking you could do for under 1K easy. It seems cams are pretty cheap for these things. Keep in mind you're still pushing around 5000+ lbs, so you need some torque. I'm not sure about the plenum or TB but I think you're in the range of a few HP here and there when you get down to mods like this. Just a guess.

 

[Vigilant]

I'm relatively new to these as well but from what I have read, the CAI from Airaid and a tune from Black bear or Nelson is the best bang for your buck mods for these trucks. In all reality it depends on what you want it to do. If you're looking for quick performance gains without breaking the bank, both of those above and a cam is what I'm thinking you could do for under 1K easy. It seems cams are pretty cheap for these things. Keep in mind you're still pushing around 5000+ lbs, so you need some torque. I'm not sure about the plenum or TB but I think you're in the range of a few HP here and there when you get down to mods like this. Just a guess.

Looks like the intake is a good bit different from a 4.6, and might be cost prohibitive. I'm just looking for some mild street mods that won't affect reliability. I like the idea of a cold air intake, but I don't personally care for a K&N type air filter.

I see BBK makes an 80MM throttle body. I will probably look into that. But first... I have to buy one. That should happen in just a few weeks. Looking at an '05 to '08 PPV.

 

[tights24]

but I don't personally care for a K&N type air filter.

Not sure what you mean here. Don't care for an oiled filter or don't care for a cone style filter. the Airaid uses the stock factory airbox and you can get a non-oiled filter with the kit, which is what I have. The only thing that really changes is the tube from the box to the TB. This is a relatively cheap mod for the truck that has limited but proven results.

 

[Vigilant]

Not sure what you mean here. Don't care for an oiled filter or don't care for a cone style filter. the Airaid uses the stock factory airbox and you can get a non-oiled filter with the kit, which is what I have. The only thing that really changes is the tube from the box to the TB. This is a relatively cheap mod for the truck that has limited but proven results.

Don't care for an oiled filter. This is good news. Thanks.