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Originally Posted by Andrew T
We have hundreds of customers with small block GM's that tow the largest Airstreams all over North America. Generally the engine is the last thing to wear out.
Andy
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I have owned GM smallblocks for about 20 years, personally. I fully agree, that the smallblocks are fairly bulletproof. I've put hundreds of thousands of miles on them, not a one burned oil, got into any mechanical issues, etc. An oil change and regular maint keep 'em happy for their entire useful lives.
However, I will say this, the small block being as great as it is (at least the GM small block engines) is only part of the equation. Getting the power to the ground requires a robust transmission, axles, driveshafts, etc, let alone a decent foundation to park all that gear on to two the largest of Airstreams or other types of trailers.
I towed a 19' Bambi and my current loaded 25' Safari with an LT1 smallblock. Engine was never an issue. Weight ratios, body flex and overall stability and the ability to control the load was the issue. The car at the start was rated to tow 5000lbs (3500 if it was the real Impala SS with dual electric fans instead of the mechanical primary and electric secondary found on non SS versions of the LT1).
I moved the gears up to 3.73, cargo coils in the back, Bilstein shocks, more robust rear and front lower control arms, larger diameter alum composite drive shaft (lowered weight, also more able to take the RPMs of spinning with the taller 3.73s), a second in line trans cooler, Eaton 800lb posi trac, police package 5/8" ball joints, police package brake air deflectors (for better channeled brake cooling), PCM reprogramming to hold the torque converter from locking too soon, and a slew of other odds and ends.
As you can tell, it towed the Bambi like no one else's business. The Safari however was a complete different story. In terms of movement of the weight, the LT1 was similar to my 6.0L found in my Suburban. What I mean by this is that I have HP and torque on tap and plenty in reserve with both the LT1 and the LS series smallblock found in the Burb. The 4L60e did a remarkable job at dealing with both the Bambi and the Safari, as does the better qualified 4L80e found in my Suburban. Where the Suburban outperforms my LT1 powered (and heavily modified) sedan is in overall stability. Now I am not saying one needs a Mack truck to tow a 25' or larger trailer, but I am saying, like with most things, having the right tool for the job is paramount. I got into 2 major wind storms towing the Safari with the Impala, it is wasn't fun at all. The trailer weighing far more than the Impala, and being such a big object for the wind to push, made keeping the Safari in the lane a tiring exp. To compare , similar or worse wind storms towing the same Safari with the Burb, almost effortless.
My point? Towing is much more IMHO than just an engine. Though important, it is but one voice in a chorus making the total package.
As I've said many times over, there is moving and there is towing.
In this particular thread, this member is in great shape as he is. Having done the mod route, going 4.10s would produce minimal additional benefit given the loads he's towing. His 5.3L is more than ample for his current situation IMHO, and the only real perk to going 4.10s would be that it's less stressful on the tranny, but at the weights I'm seeing here, there is little stress on the tranny at the get go and the 3.73s should keep it happy for a good long time.
Now if the thread starter indicate he's upgrading trailers size and weight, I might say something totally differnet based on what he would be upgrading to.
Might Want To Try This
Ya'all might want to try one of these, a lot of programing options as far
Linear Mode
