Whats Next for my truck???

[blackout]

Well after finally getting my tune dialed in on the truck Im not as impressed as I would like to be.

So...

I want to discuss options for my next step.

Current Set-up:

Forged 383 ci Stroker
10.5:1 CR
Flat-top pistons
243 heads
TBSS intake and 90mm TB
220/220 .556/.556 114 LSA
44lb/hr injectors and single 255 lph in tank walbro

4L65E
4wd
Circle D 3000-3200 stall
3.73 gears

Route 1- N/A

Bigger custom spec'ed cam
Same intake manifold or probably switch to LSXRT
Bigger headers (ARH 1 7/8 probably)
Retain my current fuel system

Goal: ~400 rwhp/tq

Route 2 - Boost on current set-up

Trick Front Mount (stage 4 kit) 76mm turbo
Most likely retain current fuel system

Goal: ~480-500 rwhp/tq

Route 3- Boost on current motor with boost cam

Trick Front Mount (stage 4 kit) 76mm turbo
Custom Spec'ed boost cam
Probably bigger fuel system

Goal: ~530 rwhp/tq

Route 4- Boost with dished pistons and boost cam

Trick Front Mount (stage 4 kit) 76mm turbo
Dished pistons to lower CR
ARP Head bolts
Cometic Gaskets
Custom Spec'ed boost cam
Most Likely bigger fuel system

Goal: ~580+ rwhp/tq

Obviously these go in order from least expensive with smaller gains to more expensive with bigger gains. I would like to do a turbo set-up but tearing my motor down to put different pistons in it is going to be a lot more money than leaving the pistons alone. I would be perfectly happy with a N/A set-up probably closer to the 400 mark but dont want to spend the money if the gains I want aren't there. I would also be happy with a turbo on my current set-up or with a boost cam but not sure if its worth it because of my higher CR. Drivetrain mods will come as components fail.

Discuss and help me decide.

[bangbangskeetskeet]

Why not just boost on the 10.5:1 cr? Or ifthe compression is such a big deal, don't swap pistons...swap heads. I think that you're so disappointed with your current set up is the cam. That cam normally goes well in smaller motors...people see great results in 4.8's and it's a staple in 5.3's. IMO if you wanna spend the least amount of money get a bigger cam.

[blackout]

Why not just boost on the 10.5:1 cr? Or ifthe compression is such a big deal, don't swap pistons...swap heads. I think that you're so disappointed with your current set up is the cam. That cam normally goes well in smaller motors...people see great results in 4.8's and it's a staple in 5.3's. IMO if you wanna spend the least amount of money get a bigger cam.

What kinda PSI could I boost with that CR? and if I wanted to go with a bigger N/A set-up you think I could hit around 400 with a bigger cam, intake, headers?

P.S. - current set-up put down 315/347 rwhp/tq (graph is under dynodata)

[ThumpinZ]

Iron block right? You can boost alot better with iron, even with the 10.5.1. I mean 8 pounds makes a huge difference. Bigger cam imo though, might not reach 400 with just the cam but there is always some wiggle room and you've already got a converter to back it up.

[blackout]

How much power am I leaving on the table if I did the the stage 4 kit without changing cams?

[beingblueeyes]

Can you give more info on the "Flat-top pistons" your using like what there made out of (forged/ Hypereutectic/OEM)?

[PitchBlackC3]

IF you want to lower your compression ratio trade the 243s for 317s. You can get 317s dirt cheap and make a little bit selling the 243s.

[chevyboy.520]

You only made 317/347 on your set up? That's crazy! It seems way low. I would expect alot more! Try to get a bigger cam and bring it to life! See what that does, if it doesn't work then do what pitch-black said and switch to 317s and do that stage 4 turbo. Good luck!

[blackout]

Can you give more info on the "Flat-top pistons" your using like what there made out of (forged/ Hypereutectic/OEM)?

forged MAHLE pistons.

If I did keep it N/A and get a bigger cam you think I would see significant gains from switching to the fast LSXRT manifold and bigger headers? I would do those if I were to do another N/A set-up. I have the TBSS intake and Ebay LTs right now. The majority of the cost in the N/A set-up would be in those headers and manifold so I am wondering if its worth it?

[chevyboy.520]

There is a thread about switching to a fast intake and true duals with 1 7/8 headers, the gains were pretty significant on the low end, try to search it and take a look at the Dyno graph.