First mod for new truck

vortec4800 · May 8, 2002

Well I have my Sierra 1500 reg. cab, and I want to put some money into it - though I don't know what to do first.

I don't have a lot of cash, but I can afford one of the following (brands don't matter for now):

Exhaust

Intake

Hypertech programmer

Anything else you can think of

Leme know what you think, I'm just itching to blow my money on something...

99silveradoz71 · May 8, 2002

Hmm...all depends on what your usage will be. My first real mod was a spray-in liner to replace the cheap plastic one the dealer threw in which was scratching the tailgate because the floor piece was too long. Got a permatech color-matched blue and love it. Now because I didn't mention a performance mod, let the blanket party begin

Dihappy · May 8, 2002

If it were me, out of the choices you list, id go with Exhaust

gandolphxx · May 8, 2002

In this order:

1.FIPK

2.Exhaust

3.Headers

4.Transmission upgrade

5.Torque Converter upgrade

6.Supercharger

7.Custom chip

8.Electric Fans

9.Cam upgrade

10.File Chapter 11

vortec4800 · May 8, 2002

Good call... What does FIPK stand for anyway?? ???

So far I'm thinking exhaust, I already have new Denali headlamps and a billet grille, as well as a very nice custom bed setup - if I get unlazy I'll take some pictures - it's actually pretty cool looking so far.

I was just thinking maybe I could get some extra oomph out of the 4.8 to go along with the good looks

Shaners · May 8, 2002

What does FIPK stand for anyway?? ???

FIPK = "Fuel Injection Performance Kit".

This is the cold air intake kit from K&N. It runs about $250, and it's a nice mod that will free up the intake on your truck.

Be careful with any exhaust mods, because you could lose a little bottom end torque. The FIPK and an exhaust system would compliment each other nicely.

MarkD · May 8, 2002

My first performance mod was a K&N FIPK (intake).

Then I bought a Power Programmer.

My current project is an exhaust cutout with an electronically variable valve on it.

After that I am planning on an electric fan set up.

I think headers will come after that, or NOS.

jpendlum · May 8, 2002

I vote for the exhaust first. You get to hear it all the time and it will make you want to mod more.

vortec4800 · May 9, 2002

I think headers will come after that, or NOS.

Headers, I don't think NOS would go well in a truck...

I don't think NOS goes well in anything, it's really not too good for the engine anyway...

LarryE · May 9, 2002

lower the beast

nos won't hurt the engine, these engines are strong so a good 100 shot of dry would fit along perfect.

MarkD · May 9, 2002

I know quite a few people that have run a small (100 hp) kit for well over 50k miles on a Camaro. There are a couple of sites out there with low 13 sec. 1/4 mile times in 3/4 door Z71's (with other bolt-ons). As long as it is installed correctly, NOS can reliably take 1+ second off of 1/4 mile times.

Having said all of that...If you don't feel comfortable using it, don't.

You can GENERALLY expect the following results with these mods:

FIPK - 10-15 hp $250 (summit)

HPP3 - 15 hp $350 (tbyrne)

Catback - 10-15 hp $300 alum'd $475 stainless (anywhere)

Headers - 10-20 hp $500-$800 (tbyrne)

Electric Fans - ?-15 hp maybe? $400 (summit)

Torque converter - -0.3 to -0.5 in the 1/4 $700 (tbyrne)

Cam - 20 to 45 hp $300-$400 (anywhere)

NOS - 75 to 125 hp $800 (anywhere)

Gears - 0.1 to 0.3 in the 1/4 $600 (anywhere)

Supercharger - 75-200 hp $2500-$8000 (anywhere)

acer · May 9, 2002

i just started to mod my truck(2002 ls 2500 4x4 6.0) Ordered a upd. next comes exhaust. also, if i use the torsion bars to raise front end, will it change the chamber of my tires?

vortec4800 · May 10, 2002

I actually designed and built a fully custom rear suspension, rides like a dream now...

I removed all but one of the leaf springs and installed an air suspension - as well as some other crap to cut down on axle twist.

The only drawback is with this setup I can't lower the rear anymore, it's just slightly lower than stock.

acer · May 10, 2002

I think a new exhaust without a new air intake is useless. You need to increase the capacity of both to notice any gains in mpg or power.

MyZ71 offroad · May 11, 2002

I would do the FIPK and the exhaust first! This will give you a good start on the "mods" It too will also give you a medical condition called "mod-fever" It is an incurable condition that your medical insurance will NOT cover

But there is a cure........................buy a "toy" that you can beat the s$%t out of whenever you get the itch! And when it breaks, you can hop in the truck and go to work to make somew more dough for the "toy"

My .02, & a thought or 2

Brian