Noobie w/ an 04 2500hd

DiegoYJ · September 20, 2004

just wanted to check in, do an intro, and ask a few of the typical newbie questions..

I recently bought an 04 Chevy HD Ext. Cab Shortbed w the 8.1L/Allison & 3.73 axles.

Prior to that I owned a 99 1500 w/ the 5.3L. Loved it but I tow my Jeep a lot and it kind of sucked in that department so I went for th HD.

I have to say this thing tows like a dream, that Allison is great in that respect.

When I'm not towing is another story. Is it just my imagination or is my old 5.3l quicker than the 8.1?

It's not like i want to race it or anything but it seems like just about every vehicle on the road is quicker off the line than me. Is this just because of the tranny?

I read up on some of the some of the custom programs offered, like the Westers and it sounds like that is the way to get the most improvement for the money but i am wondering if I will still have the great towing ability if i go that route? Is there a way to have multiple performance options, like they make for the duramax?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Mike

dannyukonxl · September 20, 2004

i have hte 8.1 with the 4l85e and i have to say it seems a little slow for its displacement, yet gas mileage is incredibly good for near 500 cid engine, the first mod i would do is intake which will defenitely give the truck more air, then you could do some exhaust mods but i would try long tube headers before a catback because the stock exhaust is a 2.5 dual inch in 2.5 dual out, then merges into 1 pipe, finally westers will allow the truck to wake up, by taking away some power management systems, shift points, and many other things, and you can do the dual tune for 87- 91 or 89-93 which will allow you to put some octane booster in and get power instantly, also westers will program the spark advance with respects to your towing