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USAFguy06

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USAFguy06 Enthusiast

USAFguy06

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I have a 2002 GMC Sierra Z71. I am looking to get a cat-back system soon, probably Magnaflow. What are some of the other bolt-ons that I could do myself? There are cold-air intakes but it doesn't seem like they do much. I could get a tune but shouldn't I do that after the other parts are installed? I'd have to get someone to do that for me anyways. I'm new to the truck scene, i've always had sports cars so I don't know what parts are good and what aren't. Throttle body?

Schmids5.3l Senior Enthusiast

Schmids5.3l

Posted
Posted

Air Intake combined with a ported throttle body should be a decent combo. Tune's for the most part are mail-order PCM's that replace your factory PCM. Other bolt ons you could do are Electric Fans and headers. You'll want to get the tune last to get the maximum benefit of both the tune and the bolt ons.

theelite127 Enthusiast

theelite127

Posted
Posted

yes do the typical NA bolt-ons first, then a good tune with matched injectors. typical Naturally Aspirated bolt-ons like that magnaflow exhaust, a good k&n intake, headers, new plugs, and everything else i didnt mention.

USAFguy06 Enthusiast

USAFguy06

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  • Author
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Do headers to much if all I want to do are the basic bolt-ons. I don't plan on adding forced induction or trying to make this a race truck. I just want a little added power. This may be a dumb question but how hard is it to install the Magnaflow cat-back with dual tips out the back? I can follow directions good but I can't weld if need be. Does everything you need come in the box or do I need to order some other parts along with it?

Schmids5.3l Senior Enthusiast

Schmids5.3l

Posted
Posted

You'll need to weld and torch if your going to remove your factory exhaust and install a new system. The other basic bolt ons are pretty easy and require minimal tools. An aftermarket air intake only requires screw drivers for example. Tuned PCM's can be had for cheap and are the best bang for the buck out there. For a little over $150 you can get a 87/89 or 91/93 octane tune. 87 tunes give 15-20hp, quicker and more firm shifts. 93 tunes do the same except they give in the area of 25-30 hp. It's also very easy to install a PCM, only tools needed is a ratchet wrench and the appropriate sized socket.

 

Everything you need would be included in your exhaust kit.

USAFguy06 Enthusiast

USAFguy06

Posted
  • Author
Posted
You'll need to weld and torch if your going to remove your factory exhaust and install a new system. The other basic bolt ons are pretty easy and require minimal tools. An aftermarket air intake only requires screw drivers for example. Tuned PCM's can be had for cheap and are the best bang for the buck out there. For a little over $150 you can get a 87/89 or 91/93 octane tune. 87 tunes give 15-20hp, quicker and more firm shifts. 93 tunes do the same except they give in the area of 25-30 hp. It's also very easy to install a PCM, only tools needed is a ratchet wrench and the appropriate sized socket.

 

Everything you need would be included in your exhaust kit.

 

I'll just have a shop do it then. One more question. If I have the cat-back installed and a few months down the road I want to go with a set of long tubes can I do that or do I have to do it all at once?

naterasmussen Enthusiast

naterasmussen

Posted
Posted

My flowmaster series 40 dual kit took no torch or welding, I had to saw off a bracket - that was it. It looks better welded to get rid of the clamps, that's it. The biggest hp jump I got was from the k&n cold air intake. Other than that, a tuner, or a throttle body spacer.

Schmids5.3l Senior Enthusiast

Schmids5.3l

Posted
Posted

TB spacers make noise and thats about it, dont buy one. I should have said welding isn't necessary, but I wouldnt do it any other way, then again I went to aerospace welding school :D

naterasmussen Enthusiast

naterasmussen

Posted
Posted
TB spacers make noise and thats about it, dont buy one. I should have said welding isn't necessary, but I wouldnt do it any other way, then again I went to aerospace welding school :D

 

 

I got 11 horsies form the throttle body spacer... During plumbing school, I learned my welds leak like hell (Found out on the last day that I should've been using my left hand) but was waiting for the true dual to clean up the ugly clamps. Hey, how do you like your series 40? Mine seems a little quiet... did they add a resonator under the cab on yours?

Schmids5.3l Senior Enthusiast

Schmids5.3l

Posted
Posted

Its good, its kind of loud, but Im going to replace it whenever I get around to ordering a Spintech or Borla. I dont have a resonator under the cab. My system is cats, Y, muffler, duals out the rear.

firefighteremt3100 Enthusiast

firefighteremt3100

Posted
Posted
You'll need to weld and torch if your going to remove your factory exhaust and install a new system. The other basic bolt ons are pretty easy and require minimal tools. An aftermarket air intake only requires screw drivers for example. Tuned PCM's can be had for cheap and are the best bang for the buck out there. For a little over $150 you can get a 87/89 or 91/93 octane tune. 87 tunes give 15-20hp, quicker and more firm shifts. 93 tunes do the same except they give in the area of 25-30 hp. It's also very easy to install a PCM, only tools needed is a ratchet wrench and the appropriate sized socket.

 

Everything you need would be included in your exhaust kit.

 

You dont need to weld and torch your exhaust kit if its a cat-back magnaflow. They come with all the necessary hardware including the clamps.

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