The revamped 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and its bigger sibling the Suburban just recently began trickling into dealer inventory across the nation, but that’s not stopping GM Performance from preparing a lineup of performance parts for the duo that aim to not only spice up performance, but also provide higher amounts of stopping power too to help beef up their performance game.
First thrusted into the spotlight by the folks at GM Authority, these new components are Limited Production Options (LPO) and they bring a number of welcome upgrades to the duo. As expected, the first of these upgrades is found under the hood, with GM Performance releasing an upgraded air intake system. This new intake can befitted to either the base 5.3 liter V8 or the beefier 6.2 liter V8 but a key catch is that this particular upgrade is exclusive to High Country models, which is a bit baffling since we would naturally expect the sportier RST to also be lumped into the admission list. That aside, the piece aims to stand out from the rest of the engine thanks to a bright red intake piece as well as a small plastic cover that goes over it.
GM claims that the new intake reduces intake pressure with the 5.3 liter getting 13 percent less pressure. The 6.2 liter V8 notches that up slightly, and benefits from a 17 percent decrease in intake pressure. Buyers looking to add this to their rigs will have to shell out $625 for the piece, but we suspect that they will be pleased with their investment when they have a chance to go for a drive.
Thankfully, things open up for the masses with the all new catback exhaust system. Like the fore-mentioned air filter, the revamped plumbing can be equipped to both engines, and comes in two different variations to visually distinguish them. The 5.3 liter V8 can be equipped with both the single side exiting version, and the dual rear exit version. However, the larger 6.2 is limited to the dual rear exit system only, with the side exit version not being offered for it. Both claim to increase horsepower slightly, with the side exit system adding 7 extra horses to the party. The dual rear exit system adds 4 extra horsepower and bumps torque by 2 extra lb-ft.
The biggest gains though are found in the 6.2 liter, with that engine gaining 11 extra horsepower and 6 extra lb-ft of torque when equipped with the new exhaust system. The single exit system will relieve owners of $1,645 while the rear exit variant ups that figure slightly to $2,145.
Last but not least are upgrades to the brakes which are offered as part of a partnership between GM and brake manufacturer Brembo. The red hued front calipers feature a six piston design and include prominent Chevrolet Performance and Brembo logos. The rear brakes can also be upgraded, and both sets clamp down on larger Brake rotors. Chevrolet Performance is asking $2,895 for the front brake upgrades, while the rear units ring in at a slightly cheaper $575.
We have reached out to Chevrolet in regards to the air intake upgrade, and we will update this piece accordingly when we hear back from the brand.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.