Decisions Decisions

1500HD02 · May 6, 2004

I recently found this website and what a wealth of information. I have an 02 GMC 1500HD 4x4 and I am not extremely impressed with the performance or gas mileage. The fuel mileage is currently averaging around 9.5 mpg.

Prior to finding this website, I went to the local shops and asked about performance mod. recommendations. Most of the time they were biased too products they stocked. I did not have the money to spend on a supercharger nor would I trust somebody in town to install one. So, after reading several posts and countless hours, I've decided to do a ECM upgrade through Bryan at PCMFORLESS and Volant air induction. The exhaust was modified with a Flowmaster and 3" single side outlet.

I do have a question regarding headers. I am leaning towards the Arizona Speed & Marine headers, though a bit expensive. Any recommendations about this manufacturer, any better products, and in general are headers worth the expense. I am also thinking about installing 4:11 gears, currently 3:73. Any pros & cons 3:73 vs. 4:11.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

99Silver6.0 · May 6, 2004

A tune will seriously blow your mind!! Big difference in the way the truck performs. As far as the headers go, I like the TOG (The Other Guys) Long Tubes alot more. The flanges are alot thicker and look like they are constructed better. Plus the ASM primary tubes are circle shaped where they bolt to the head. The TOG primaries are pretty much the exact shape of the exhaust ports which is not a circle. To me that is a better design characteristic. That is my next verture, some TOG LT's! LaPole also makes a good set of mid length headers. The Thorley Tri-Y's look pretty promising too!

americanmuscleman · May 7, 2004

Here's my take. I've very confident will see a nice power gain with Bryan's tune. He programmed my LT1 camaro after I built the engine and it was spot-on and rediculous. I was making over 330rwhp through an auto at 5800rpm with a mail order tune. It was likely making over 340rwhp at around 6500rpm, but I was having fuel issues. My dyno tune before this was making about 30 less rwhp.

As far as headers go, I think you'll see a noticeable gain. Longtubes will help free up more ponies (especially at WOT).

Regearing is going to be expensive if you have 4wd. Your mileage is likely going to decrease a little more as well (especially on the highway).

My 2 cents.

1500HD02 · May 7, 2004

Thanks for the feedback.

I am going to start looking around town for a shop to dyno the truck, possibly before and after the tune. If I find shop I will definitely pass along the info.

About regearing, I really hadn't thought about the fact that I would reduce my gas mileage after changing gears. Thanks. Guess I will wait and see how the added HP works.

Thanks Again