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Now that the 2014 Silverados are hitting the streets (with Gen-V power, no less), it only makes sense for the aftermarket to get their hands on them and start developing the go-fast goodies that so many enthusiasts ask for. One of those aftermarket suppliers is none other than late-model GM performance guru, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering [2].
The have had their hands on every iteration of the Chevy small-block imaginable, and are currently one of the leading LS tuners in the country. They market everything from simple bolt-ons to complete engine packages for your late-model GM musclecar or truck.
[3]Here, we get to see a sneak peek with what we’ll be up against in the future. The L83’s intake manifold has been removed, and you can see the routing of the vacuum lines, some of the sensors, and the all-new valley cover.
They recently picked up a brand new Silverado to use as an engineering mule to develop their line of 2014 Silverado parts on. Right away, they tell us they noticed a performance difference between their old 2010 Silverado (equipped with a 5.3L and 3.42 gears), and this 5.3L EcoTec3 L83 example.
Even with taller gearing (3.08), the 2014 has the older 2010 version beat substantially in torque, horsepower and overall performance. It just goes to show you the technological advances of the Gen-V series V-8 engines from GM, that 21st century gearheads can have their performance, reliability and fuel economy in one economical package.
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On the left, we have the dyno graph from the new Silverado. It made 302 peak horsepower to the tires, and on E85, that number jumped to 321. As Lingenfeleter reports, the reason the powerband 'falls off'' is due to the vehicle's governor. In the photo on the right, you can see the side by side comparison of the performance of their old 2010 truck to the brand new one. (Click to enlarge)
Needless to say, getting under the hood with the Gen V small block in the Silverado will give LPE a head start for the 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray [6], which will use the LT1 version of this same engine architecture.