Recommendation needed

[minendrews68]

So on your first post you said 2500. So I will change my mind somewhat. The 5.3 is OK but not a torque monster. Intake and exhaust will help but a good intake and exhaust is going to cost? Intake I'm guessing $300? Exhaust again guessing if aftermarket cat back $800? So $1100 for 20 hp? No disrespect but that's kind of expensive dollar per hp.
So my .02.
It's a tough call. But if you decide on a cam it will most certainly need better springs and push rods. At 250000 miles new lifters would be a good idea or at least a trunion upgrade. Run a compression check to check rings. So then since you need to pull the heads to replace the lifters a valve job? Also update the oil pump is always good idea. Not sure about cam bearings but if needed you are really talking about a total engine tear down. Again my way forward would be if the cash is available buy a 250000 5.3 that would plug into the truck. Rebuild it with good parts and drive it another 250000 miles.

Not to sound too picky, but my first post say's 2005, that is the year, it is definitely a stock 1500 series.