Input welcome! I know these thoughts have been posted at various times on this board in the past, but I wanted to throw this out there again, as I consider more than the typical bolt-ons (which I have).
Seems to me with these things, you're either "all in", or you end up with a pretty unreliable truck, and then you're fixing things on a consistent basis. I'm too old for that.
Goals: 550rwhp/550rwtq minimum
Requirements: OEM reliability and driveability. Tuning should not be complicated, maintenance should be nothing more than routine (but I am anal about proper intervals, inspections of primary systems)... basically the truck should fire, run, and drive like a stocker unless the loud pedal is mashed.
Intended use: street only. may make a 1/4 mile pass a few times at some point, but no slicks or weight reduction.
Option 1: forged bottom end, leave stock heads/cam, and bolt on a Paxton with necessary fuel upgrades (in tank pumps + larger injectors). Upgrade clutch slave and upgrade clutch assembly.
Obviously this would be way more than 550rwhp, but I would keep the blower at sane levels b/c I do not want to be replacing driveline parts often at all.
Option 2: forged bottom end (research shows most of you guys do not think a stroker kit is the way to go), ported/aftermarket heads/cam, and set up a small nitrous shot for those times it might be deemed "necessary" (3rd/4th gear pulls). Upgrade clutch slave and upgrade clutch assembly.
On motor... 550rwhp seems about right, keeping max rpms near stock (I do not want to build a high-rpm motor for a heavy vehicle, so stump pulling TQ with a wide TQ curve to redline is important). Knowing my driving habits, the spray would hardly ever be used, but available when I'd want it.
None of this is cheap, I know.
Who would you recommend do the work (build motor), including install? I am near Dallas, TX. ART down in San Antonio has a good rep, I believe.
Any other options I am missing? Am I overbuilding for what I want...please consider RELIABILITY and DEPENDABILITY are top priorities.
Thx.
Seems to me with these things, you're either "all in", or you end up with a pretty unreliable truck, and then you're fixing things on a consistent basis. I'm too old for that.
Goals: 550rwhp/550rwtq minimum
Requirements: OEM reliability and driveability. Tuning should not be complicated, maintenance should be nothing more than routine (but I am anal about proper intervals, inspections of primary systems)... basically the truck should fire, run, and drive like a stocker unless the loud pedal is mashed.
Intended use: street only. may make a 1/4 mile pass a few times at some point, but no slicks or weight reduction.
Option 1: forged bottom end, leave stock heads/cam, and bolt on a Paxton with necessary fuel upgrades (in tank pumps + larger injectors). Upgrade clutch slave and upgrade clutch assembly.
Obviously this would be way more than 550rwhp, but I would keep the blower at sane levels b/c I do not want to be replacing driveline parts often at all.
Option 2: forged bottom end (research shows most of you guys do not think a stroker kit is the way to go), ported/aftermarket heads/cam, and set up a small nitrous shot for those times it might be deemed "necessary" (3rd/4th gear pulls). Upgrade clutch slave and upgrade clutch assembly.
On motor... 550rwhp seems about right, keeping max rpms near stock (I do not want to build a high-rpm motor for a heavy vehicle, so stump pulling TQ with a wide TQ curve to redline is important). Knowing my driving habits, the spray would hardly ever be used, but available when I'd want it.
None of this is cheap, I know.
Who would you recommend do the work (build motor), including install? I am near Dallas, TX. ART down in San Antonio has a good rep, I believe.
Any other options I am missing? Am I overbuilding for what I want...please consider RELIABILITY and DEPENDABILITY are top priorities.
Thx.