1997 Performance Mods

gurney7040 · May 4, 2009

I just bought a 97 GMC 1500 Z71 with 88K miles, 3.73 gears, trailer hitch, wired tow plug with shell. Checked with local GMC dealer and truck has had regular services per manual at this dealership. I'm thinking about adding a CAI, cat back exhaust. Truck is being used for occassional towing 7x14 dbl axle pace trailer, loaded wt about 4K-4500 pounds counting trailer weight. Any suggestions on what set up to use K&N, AIM ? What about programmers. I also heard c hanging the spider harness on the injectors really improves throttle response. Not looking to build a monster, just more effecient whether towing or not. Anyone else done this? Thank's

66nova · May 4, 2009

I just bought a 97 GMC 1500 Z71 with 88K miles, 3.73 gears, trailer hitch, wired tow plug with shell. Checked with local GMC dealer and truck has had regular services per manual at this dealership. I'm thinking about adding a CAI, cat back exhaust. Truck is being used for occassional towing 7x14 dbl axle pace trailer, loaded wt about 4K-4500 pounds counting trailer weight. Any suggestions on what set up to use K&N, AIM ? What about programmers. I also heard c hanging the spider harness on the injectors really improves throttle response. Not looking to build a monster, just more effecient whether towing or not. Anyone else done this? Thank's

If you do a search, you will find a ton of information on CAI's. Basically what it boils down to...It doesn't matter. Buy the one you like the price of and looks of.

Exhaust, is the same way. Buy what you like the sound of.

Now, for the BEST BANG for the buck hands down get a custom tune. Don't waste your money on a programmer.

Contact Blackbear Performance or Wheatley Performance tunes and they can set you up. Do a search on this site for Blackbear Performance and you will see what I am talking about. This will be the first thing I do to any truck I buy from now on.

Welcome to the site.

NFSGamerUSA · May 6, 2009

I recommend a Volant Cool Air Intake for a CAI, as it's actually fully enclosed (not hot air from engine compartment, and sealed from water) yet flows better than the stock setup. You really won't get much of a gain from a CAI, though, not even from the seat of your pants.

As for exhaust, since you're towing, I'd keep it single. If you're going to get a cat-back, I highly suggest getting one that's stainless steel that won't rust out after a year or two (even factory exhausts are stainless, just lower quality). I guess it really comes down to your sound preference, but there is usable power to be gained if you get a decent exhaust. That leaves out Flowmaster (contradictory to their name, they really don't flow that well).

Now, as 66nova said, the best bang for your buck modification would be a custom tune. Black Bear Performance is the tuner of choice around here and most GM truck forums, so I recommend them/him (Justin). He's the best when it comes to customer service and he knows what he's doing, too, as he teaches classes at EFI University. He will answer your questions quickly and thoroughly and somehow manages to never get annoyed! I've had a great experience with him and highly recommend getting him to make a tune for you.