Suggestions and guidance needed

Novice87 · February 23, 2019

Hello All- I’ve just purchased my first truck this week and could use some help on nice, but affordable modifications. Any help is much appreciated (as my user name is very much apropos). I purchased a new 18’ Chevy Silverado 1500, LTZ Z71 (midnite black). Some of the mods I’d like are: exhaust, transmission tune (or something else to add horsepower without losing my warranty) and the 3.5” rough country lift kit. With the appropriate tires for that lift (265’s currently). Thanks to all for any help in advance!

EpicLT · February 23, 2019

You should check out the topic in this forum called “$50 and under mods”

i have found more more than a few inspirations from there. Beautiful truck and welcome to the forum!

JimCost2014 · February 23, 2019

14 minutes ago, Novice87 said:

Hello All- I’ve just purchased my first truck this week and could use some help on nice, but affordable modifications. Any help is much appreciated (as my user name is very much apropos). I purchased a new 18’ Chevy Silverado 1500, LTZ Z71 (midnite black). Some of the mods I’d like are: exhaust, transmission tune (or something else to add horsepower without losing my warranty) and the 3.5” rough country lift kit. With the appropriate tires for that lift (265’s currently). Thanks to all for any help in advance!

Welcome, congratulations, make a realistic budget and go from there. Tons of posts on the site for everything you are looking to do.

Jacoby · February 23, 2019

I'd start with the usual mods like exhaust and an intake. That will give you a little hit of power. You'll think you gained more because it will sound better when driving it lol. Budget exhaust I'd go with the MBRP Installer series. Sounds great and wont break the bank. Intake that's gonna be up to you. I have an S&B and love it. As far as tunes go, they'll void your warranty technically but as long as you return it to stock before any dealer trips then you'll be fine. A tune is gonna be the biggest bang for the buck and really transform the truck. Check out Diablew as he's one of the best tuners out there for these trucks. Do you have a 6 or 8 speed trans? 6 is no problem. 8 speed that's a different story. Hard to get those tuned right now. Your choice in lift is good. As far as tires go someone else will have to chime in. I have a 7" lift and run 35's so 35s is all I know.

Good luck with the mods. Great looking truck

Novice87 · February 23, 2019

Thanks a lot for your detailed and most helpful reply! My truck is an 8 speed (V8 6.2).

Jacoby · February 24, 2019

Lucky getting that 6.2. I’m jealous. You can tune it all day long and really wake that thing up. But with the 8 speed trans your kinda stuck. A couple places can do it but you have to remove the tcm and send it somewhere to get unlocked then it can be tuned. Me personally that’s not something I’d be willing to do. If it’s no worry for you then go for it. I think Blackbear is one of the places that can tune the 8 speeds

Ravenkeeper · March 10, 2019

This is an album about my '18, completed mods, and planned mods.

TXGREEK · March 10, 2019

Hello All- I’ve just purchased my first truck this week and could use some help on nice, but affordable modifications. Any help is much appreciated (as my user name is very much apropos). I purchased a new 18’ Chevy Silverado 1500, LTZ Z71 (midnite black). Some of the mods I’d like are: exhaust, transmission tune (or something else to add horsepower without losing my warranty) and the 3.5” rough country lift kit. With the appropriate tires for that lift (265’s currently). Thanks to all for any help in advance!

Congratulations! Do not do a 3.5” rough country leveling kit, it’ll destroy your front suspension. Wait till you can afford a real lift kit system like a 4.5” or 5”. If you’re dead set to do a level and don’t have the patience to save up and do it right then just do a 2.25” level. These GM trucks once leveled will cause rubbing and you’ll have to get new wheels with different offset, so doing a small lift from a reputable company is a better choice instead of a destructive level. Remember, never go cheap on your suspension, you’ll be spending more on repairs down the road.

Sent from above