Will A Programmer, Cold Air Intake, and Exhaust Add Low End Torque to a 2003 Chevy Suburban 1500

Question:

I have a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban with a 5.3 ltr. I tow a 34 ft Silver Streak. The Sub does fine but jumps into its higher power range on hills quickly. Does the Edge Tuner help increase low end torque and subsequently efficiency on the 5.3 ltr while towing? If I did go ahead and add the tuner/magnaflow exhaust/and cold air intake what type of low end gains would I see? The only 3/4 ton that I would consider is a 7.3 ltr diesel Ford Excursion. The Sub does better in and around town when not loaded with a trailer. My Dad and brother tow with 7.3 ltr Fords and it seems much less strain on the motor. Again what type of gains are we looking at with the Tuner?

asked by: Philip M

Expert Reply:

Adding the Edge Evolution CTS Programmer, # EP85250, will definitely help with towing in any terrain by maximizing transmission shifting efficiency while in the Towing setting. In the Towing setting the engine is tuned to provide optimum power when it is most needed to tow a load.

Other settings will offer more horsepower, but for your situation to optimize low end torque, the Towing setting is best. You can see gains of up to 35 horsepower and foot pounds of torque, but every engine and driving situation is different so it is not set in stone.

The Magnaflow exhaust, # MF15665, will add horsepower and torque across the RPM spectrum by allowing the exhaust to flow more freely through the system. Magnaflow does not have Dyno data for your 2003 Chevy Suburban, but typically you can see gains in horsepower and torque in the single digits.

The cold air intake will also add some power and torque across the RPM spectrum by reducing air flow restriction. I recommend the aFe Direct Fit Cold Air Intake System with Pro Dry S Filter, # AFE51-80092, to get a gain of 9 horsepower and 9 foot pounds of torque.

I am including links to the instructions for the cold air intake and exhaust systems for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H