So I have a Single Cab 2003 LB7 No major Mods yet, but I am getting very anxious to start in on it. As of right now the only thing done to it is I'm running a PPE Excel programmer with a PPE boost valve... So pretty much stock. I am looking to build it up to the 600hp range. It just hit 200k and I was just wondering what all mods that anyone could suggest to get to 600hp and my truck HOLD UP and be Reliable! This is my Daily driver, so I'm wanting to get it to 600hp and be able to go to the track when I want and not tare anything up to bad. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks, John.

 

First off 600hp and reliable dont really go together. The more hp you make the less reliable it is. 600 hp is generally agreed upon as the limit before internal parts are needed such as rods and pistons.

The easiest way to get there is a larger turbo. An s366 is a cheap way to do it. There is so many types i could never list them all. The better route would be compound turbos. It is common to set it up with the stock charger and an s475

A lift pump is always a good idea. The one item you will have to invest in is a built transmission. Some go as fare as a modded cp3 too but with a good turbo setup it may not be necessary. Head gaskets tend not to last at 600 HP so expect to install head studs too. And last but not least probably the most important part is efi live tuning. No canned tuner will good enough at this level

Just remember parts start braking fast at that level of hp

 

Thanks for the information! I don't mend to keep on about this but if you would have to take a round about guess at just on the motor side... how much money would i be looking at to do it correctly. That is with the internals, Head Gaskets, And with the compound turbo set up, lift pump, and good efi tuning??

 

well i have not done it myself, this is what i have gathered from many posts regarding internal upgrades. this would be my minimum list for reliability with the general prices i have seen:

-de-lipped pistons = $1,900
-rods = $2,650
-ARP head studs - #230-4201 for $685 or the better ones #230-4202 $1,850
-lift pump =$350 to $400
-Built transmission = $5,500 to $6,000
-larger turbo - this can be done cheaply with a S366 for about $1,200 or more expensively with compounds at about $,3200

many will say a modded CP3 but with enough air the stock CP3 will provide all the fuel you need to brake 600hp. also, if funds allow, larger injectors would be a good idea. this is to reduce the duration that the injector has to stay open and makes timing more manageable.

at this level, efi live will also be needed as no canned tuner will even go this high without issues

many don't take it this far as 600 hp is generally agreed as the tipping point for internal upgrades. one option is to just do the turbo and transmission upgrades, efi life and a lift pump and see how long it lasts while you save for the rest. if you have good tuning and dont romp on it a lot then it should last for quite awhile.

if you go all the way and do rods and pistons, this should give you a safety factor where you may be able to turn it up to around 800 to 1000 hp for the drag strip or sled pulling events and then drop it back down to the 600 hp for daily driving. if you don't do rods and pistons then anything above 600 hp is very risky for bending or throwing rods or cracking a piston.

 

Thank you very much for all of this very helpful information!! I really appreciate the time took to look all of it up!! I will be sure to keep you posted on the upgrades once i began to start on them!! Thanks again!!

 

I would do a built trans, some aftermarket injectors, lift pump like previously said, a good turbo set up and some good efi tuning. That should give you a pretty good high power and high reliability truck. I'd probably do studs as well

 

Built transmission is absolutely necessary but not the higher flowing injectors. Stock injectors can flow enough fuel to cause internal carnage. I would consider it more of a luxury.

Also. Be careful about using high hp and reliable in the same sentence. Don't want to give anyone the wrong message