i just recently purchased a 1999 extra cab chevy with the 5.3L w/ 165K miles. it already has a k&n filter and intake on it.
this rig is my dd but will tow around 5K lbs or less a couple times a year. i plan to put a leveling kit and 285's on.
what upgrades would you guys recommend? i already have the air intake and would think headers and exhaust job would help. whats the best programmer or tuning place to send it to? any help is appreciated. thanks
Exhaust and headers help tons on those motors. You can go crazy with a cam/tune/injectors/coils, but if you want to do minor improvements on an already impressive motor, just do the exhaust and switch that KN over for an A.R.E. oil-less washable filter.
dont bother with exhaust/headers if you are looking for a real difference
I've listed a few things from $ to $$$:
look for a programmer that reduces torque management (predator, etc)
performance rebuild on your transmission
cam swap
6.0 swap
this
the exhaust on these trucks flow pretty good and unless your running boost or spray you don't need to touch it unless you want more sound
a custom tune will do wonders on these motors but read my next line
I would start saving up for a new trans if its the original,and watch out for the G80 in the 10bolt raer diff
some 4.56's would help with the 285's and towing
a 6.0L drops right in,little bit of work to swap a 4L80e but also easy
couple more questions. this thing will see mostly highway and city driving towing a trailer maybe 5 times a year. i'm thinking 4.10s with the 285s?
what programmer is the best for these trucks? it seems everybody and their brother offers a programmer but i just have no idea which one is the best bang for my buck.
chevyboy, will an afe filter work on a k7n air intake tube?
thanks for the help. polaris i'm not sure i want to go with a custom tune. i would like a programmer that i could change the computers settings with ie. tire size, gears, governor delete, etc.
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