Lookin for $2500 DD upgrade

[Maui4x4]

Im able to spend $2500 at the most (sort of budgeted out here atm) and I was wondering what I could do to make the most out of my truck so it could possibly net me low 14s/high 13s (if possible) off my 99 4.8 rcsb while still being a daily driver? The motor has 171k miles though still runs strong along with the tranny which I change fluids 3k miles for engine/6-10k miles for tranny. Could I possibly do a cam kit along with a tune then have my tranny rebuilt with a slightly more aggressive stall or is the motor just not worth it at this point? Any direction/info on where to go from here would be great.

[RedHeartbeat]

Its 4wd? Posi, gears, 3200 stall, CAI, headers, 918 or 928 springs. hardened 7.40 pushrods, 2002+ LS6 cam.

[txarkitekt]

Red--you'd recommend him staying with the old 4.8L? He has the NV3500 and 4WD.

[RedHeartbeat]

I'd recommend he go to a 408 or forged 370 but money is money. He might luck into finding a good 5.3L or 6.0L to swap at a decent price. The 4.8L has proven to be capable of producing some power with the right parts, maybe a little nitrous on top of it to push it harder.

[SCIV]

maybe a little nitrous on top of it to push it harder.

+1

[Maui4x4]

I wish I had a bigger budget but being 19 and living in hawaii is kinda hard.>.<

Heh Id like the Nitrous idea though seems too much for what I need. I got a compression tester which I could run to see if the 4.8 is still alright so some bolt ons/computer tune wouldnt be out of the question unless that mileage isnt worth my trouble. It is indeed 4x4, with 3.73 LSD.
Ive heard alot about the 4L60E being a weak tranny against power, do you guys think this rebuild kit 4L60E Rebuild Kit Heavy Duty 1997 & Up (Except LS1) :: 4L60E :: General Motors :: Rebuild Kits :: Pro-Built Automatics would last up to 400rwhp? Thanks for the help so far you guys are definitely building some confidence in me lol.

[zeake]

Buy a 6.0 for less than 2500.00 and there you go.

[HotRodV6]

yeah, id just see if yo can find a 6.0 and swap it right in, youll pick up lots of power and tq. Id do some LT's and ORY at the same time.

You can find complete 6.0's on ebay for around 1500 all day long.

[Maui4x4]

That seems to be the common/smart upgrade though I dunno if I could get a better tranny such as the 65E or the 80E to handle that power (staying in $2500) unless a light stall and that rebuild kit such as the one I linked above might work with a 6.0 that has maybe a cam and tune or even stock? Im just a little nervous since this is my first vehicle Ive had since 16 and I dont want to be a idiot just throwing money at power while not looking back at my drive terrain.

[HotRodV6]

Heres a complete 2003 6.0 with 60K miles for 1750 BIN, and if your trans is working fine now, it should hold up fine with the stock 6.0, if you start to abuse it it may go south quick. But if you have the cash having it rebuilt with an HD-2 shift kit, vette and 4th super servos its a nice upgrade.

eBay Motors: 4.8 5.3 6.0 8.1 VORTEC CHEVY GMC ENGINE MOTOR SILVERADO (item 110206833130 end time Dec-24-07 15:05:58 PST)