Questions for GandolphXX

[bradyb]

Mr. GandolphXX.

 

I have read a lot of your posts and seen your signature that lists all of the mods you've made to your avalanche.  I think most of us really look up to the man with the coolest truck and the cheesy jokes.  As I understand you have a whipple supercharger, other guy's headers, Gibson exhaust, and the Yank torque converter.

 

I have a friend with a 6.0 H/D and another friend with an 8.1 'Burb and have a 2500 Avalanche as well. We're very interested in doing some of the same modifications that you've done. I was hoping you could fill us in on how everything is working.  

 

How is gas mileage, I'm getting about 10-11 miles to the gallon stock.  How loud is the supercharger, any whistle or whine?  Any resonance from the Gibson exhaust? My friend with the 6.0 H/D has a pair of magnaflow's that sound ridiculous because of the amount of resonance they put out.  Have you used an electronic tuner yet, if so how has that worked?  Was the Yank torque converter worth the dough, what differences have you noticed? I had a couple of Z-28's in high school that I did some minor work on, like changing transmissions and switching out rear-ends, would you suggest that I install anything or should I have a good shop do the installations?

 

Thanks a million!!

[gandolphxx]

Good grief, where to start.

 

First I resemble the "cheesy jokes"

 

As to the Mr H/P - I am hardly an expert, still learning.

 

1. I have the K&N FIPK - just got the cute little sock to help keep it clean - definite winner. Volant quiter, but won't work with Whipple.

 

2. I have the first Gibson produced for the 2500 - I shamed them into giving me the part number, they still haven't listed it. Installed by 4wheelparts - I don't do welding. Kicked up the power nicely, lost some low end.

 

If I had stopped there I would have replaced the tip with the "Turbolator" from a Canadian company - back pressure is important on the big Vortec.

 

The resonance @ 1800 is very wearing - I am considering replacement with a Magnaflow or applying 100 yds of Dynamat.

 

Tried the Granatelli MAF, no improvement, sitting in my study waiting for Ebay.

 

The Other Guys headers are a natural - real nice, solid as a rock - 1/2" flange will probably outlast the block. Dropped right in as a cat forward. Had them installed - again, don't weld.

 

The Whipple was installed at the same time - MTI Houston did the work - Power is definitely there - accelerates all through the range. I am working through some mounting issues with Whipple - annoyances at this point. I changed wires and plugs at the same time - you need cooler range plugs with the supercharger. Yes it whines a little - less than the #### Gibson - bypass shuts down at crusing - very nice.

 

Now the Yank. They lost it in FedEx. I am still going to install the 2600HD [want to keep tow limit] but have to find a shop that can pull the torsion bars in the front and work through the 4x4 issues. Think I have one, still checking.

 

Hope this helps - check my site for a lot more detail

http://www.gandolphxx.com - I keep adding thoughts and experiences there.

 

It sounds like you have more experience working under the hood than I have - good luck.

[BrokeKnee2500]

GandolphXX

 

Please post where you take your AV in houston and have the torque converter installed at. Im planning on buying the 3200 (dont give a crap about the towing) and was going to put it in myself, but i dont want to do all the work. Please post up where you are having it done at thanks!!