Performance Upgrades

[Dilatory]

06 Sierra 5.3 Ext Cab 5.5' Box, 5.3l v8 w/ 45k KM (approx 30k Miles)

Was considering a cold air intake specifically a K&N77-3050KP and then a Blackbear Tune and on that note should I go with the data cable route or is a generic tune sufficient? I'm mostly looking for smoother transmission shifts as it is there's a hard shift at moderate speeds when letting off the accelerator that bothers me a lot

 

Is there any other bolt-on improvements that I should consider? I'm mostly looking for day to day drive-ability improvements and hey a couple mpg improvement wouldn't break my heart either.

 

Edit: Is modifying the exhaust whether it be manifold or cat-back worth the trouble? I'm not really looking for any sweet exhaust notes but rather improved performance..

 

Also thanks for any help. Still a majorly green rookie if that isn't apparent.

[Carder09]

Long tube header's, custom exhaust, then tune. That should be plenty performance for you. The CAI is one of those things people on here go back and forth on. The stock intake is fine but if you want some looks under the hood and about a minimum increase in HP and TQ, possibly mpg but very small, get the CAI too.

[Zembonez]

I have a simple K&N drop in, Black Bear cable tune, cat back exhaust... pretty pleased!