I have a 03, ca. model s.o. 235 h.p., with nv 4500 trans. From what I have read it sounds safe to add 75 h.p. or so. But most people have h.o. which has 100 more h.p. than mine. How much can I safely add. I only want towing power so I only want power that I can use when towing. The 235 h.p. truck needs more. I was thinking of going with a xzt, but not sure if that will be enough. Maybe a smarty and I can have a program that would take me up to the power of a h.o. Please help I am confused. Can I safely add 175 h.p. to this truck and use it when towing?

 

65-75 hp is ok but I wouldn't do anything without guages...


NO!!!!

 

I wont do anything without gauges. why cant I add that much power? It would bring my truck up to 400h.p. Thats like adding 65 h.p. to a h.o. truck. Im Just trying to learn something here

 

You can... Sorry I should have explained better... You will just need supporting mods.. Tranny, clutch which ever you have.. Fuel system.. Turbo to cool things down...

Right now I am at 600 hp and run the smarty on wild toruq management #9 mp-8 on 40%, twin turbos and still have the stock tranny... Yep it's goona explode or wear out quicker but I baby it.. I don't beat on it... But I have the supporting mods to keep the motor running cooler and breathing easier..

 

Listen to Shane. He be knowin' what he's talkin' about.

 

Im listening but still confused. Isnt my truck the same as a ho except for the tranny {I have the nv4500} and programing? It seems like I should be able to go as high as the h.o. in h.p. safely. I dont want to tear anything up just need more power.

 

In a sense I believe they are the same other than the motor.. So you should be fine but I would still highly recommend guages.. They are just a good safety feature.. Although you did mention you were getting them.. It's just that these trucks are idealy made for what they came built in.. Yes they can go bigger in the peramaters but it takes it's toll no matter what they say.. Heck bigger tires causes earlier wear and tear...

Clear as mud??

 

Thanks for the help. Its as clear as mud....

 

If I am not mistaken the HO also has different valve seats which can withstand more heat as well as pistons oil cooling jets added that the SO doesn't have which again takes more heat away from the pistons....this si what allows the extra HP of the HO motor to be done safely.

 

FWIW... I have towed heavy with my six-gun with no problems. I have the same engine, but the 48re. I did/do have gauges. They are necessary to keep you out of trouble. I understand what you are saying, but it is not just apples-apples comparison as there are some subtle but important differences like the piston cooling. The six-gun on level 4 brought me up to about stock HO level and is the highest setting recommended for towing. I had no problems this route and you shouldn't either. Get a quad XZT use towing level and you'll be alright. If you want more than that, follow Shane's advice above. You will need supporting mods to go higher with safety.

 

I didn't know they made a 235HP NV 4500 2003 Common Rail. Sounds like an 02' to me but I don't know everything. California is bass ackwards on a lot of their emissions stuff so I guess it is possible.

 

This coming from Shane hahaha

 

Welll.... I can't say much to that!!!

 

hahahaha

 

the trucks were made the first year of the new body style. most ppl call them california trucks. my friend had one also.