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matt04

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matt04 Enthusiast

matt04

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I have an 04 silverado with a 5.3. I put a flowmaster super 44 muffler on it and the truck sounds great. Now I'm looking for some ways to pep it up a bit. Not that it needs it, its a reg. cab short bed and will break traction anytime you want. DOn't have a lot of cash so any suggestions for easy horsepower/ torque gains?

jrrod2004 Senior Enthusiast

jrrod2004

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Posted

tune the PCM, and use Octane 93 if you are not already doing so.....not exactly cheap now but in the long run it will be.....

Darkanion Senior Enthusiast

Darkanion

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Posted

I've seen arguments for and against using "premium" gas. But, I've noticed my truck (and my last car) seemed to run better on Premium than it did on Regular or even Plus. Yeah, it costs more, but if you're looking for preformance, you do have to pay to get it.. and gas is something you'll be buying anyway, right?

matt04 Enthusiast

matt04

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Yeah know all about premium fuel. Had a 2000 Z28 and it wouldnt run unless i used premium. Looking at maybe getting a jet performance chip and a cold air intake sometime soon. Saw were most of the chips recommend a low temp thermostat. Thinks thats really necessary?

Darkanion Senior Enthusiast

Darkanion

Posted
Posted

I haven't heard about people needing to put in a lower temperature themostat in for a tune. Maybe I just haven't paid enough attention, though... I would think you'd want the engine as warm as reasonably possible (not hot, but 'normal' operating temperature), so the fuel could burn more effeciently. Maybe I'm missing something there, though...?

 

I put a Volant cold air intake on my truck a while back. I'm not sure how much it really helped, but it suuure sounds good. :thumbs:

 

I've heard and read that the trifecta is a tune, a CAI, and a freer-flowing exhaust setup.

jrrod2004 Senior Enthusiast

jrrod2004

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Posted

I have never heard of having to swap thermostats..........can i have an expert comment on that subject?

matt04 Enthusiast

matt04

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Jet performance chip says works best in conjunction with low restriction exhaust and low temp thermostat.

blueflavor Enthusiast

blueflavor

Posted
Posted

it is true that the cooler the better unfortunately you can only take it to a 180* thermostat at most. any more and your truck is in warmup

mode and you will get bad gas millage

FredCWO Enthusiast

FredCWO

Posted
Posted
The cooler the motor the bigger the bang! Which means more horsepower. Long story made short.

That isn't always true. Example Nascar engines operate 220-230 degrees. The only car I've had and drag raced that was quicker cold (160 degrees) was my 1994 Camaro Z28. It ran 12.40@110. Always ran quicker cold, but my 1999 camaro z28 ran 11.70's@120 and operated the best at 210 degrees. I think the LS series engines (Aluminum blocks) run better at normal operating temperature. JMHO

 

Fred

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