Questions for the gurus: impact of upgrades and DIY ability
 

Well here I am and just made my first diesel purchase: an 03 silverado. It's stock except for tires - and a couple exterior things. I have a few questions as I want to delve under the hood. Keep in mind it's a stock tranny and I'm paranoid I'll do something and get too much hp. What I want to know is (besides saving for that pesky injector issue) would a cold air intake help mpg/performance without risking my tranny? I have been told by a friend that gauges are needed (boost, temps, what not)? Or if I just got a programmer is that redundant? Also, lift pumps: necessary or with a stock tranny be too much? I'd like to help improve performance to avoid or minimize injector and other issues basically. I'd like to start and do some work myself and learn about my truck better so I'm hoping to start soon. Last question before I stop writing this book is exhaust: for sound or performance?

Again sorry for long winded post but hope I made sense as I typed this on my phone!
Ryan

There's a few things you could do for better mpg. Programmer is one as long as you go with a mild setting like 75hp or below shouldn't have issues with tranny. At 75hp though if you keep hitting it hard could mess with it. I still have a stock trans and have a 90hp tune. I get roughly 22-24 mpg now with my few mods you can see in my signature. You really don't need gauges unless you plan on pushing your rig for the track or pulls or towing heavy loads. The pyro is the one to pay the most attention to on how hot your egt's are running. But you shouldn't have to worry if your not looking to push it like I said before. Straight piping your exhaust helps or good aftermarket exhaust. Thats the beauty with diesel's is you can add performance mods and get good mpg with it. Hell i've seen guy's with 600hp rigs get 24-26 mpg. But your just trying to stay safe witch is fine. When I put my programmer on the truck it gave me another 2-3 mpg.I got a lift pump not just for the performance end but to help act as my primary filtration system since thats what the earlier models have trouble's with causing the injector issues. Well thats one of the theories to it. I'm sure some other guy's will chime in here as well for you on what you can do.

Ok cool thanks for replying! So just a few questions to your reply: I'm not really looking to spend thousands on an exhaust - is the option your suggesting cheaper? Also, highly by your sig it pretty much sums up mainly at "mods" I was looking at. An intake would I be able to install easily? Lift pump? Straight Exhaust? Also any pics where your gauges are mounted? Thanks!

Intake is an easy install, straight pipe is easy too. The lift pump could be a little tricky but comes with good directions and is already pre set to install. The gauges are little tricky but not bad. I bought a daul pillar pod whitch is the common way guys go with them. Once you go to do that I could take pics of where to tap in at with the pyro and boost. You can get a descent exhaust for 335 to 450 area stainless depending on the size 4 wheelonline has some good deals on them. If you only go the route I'm at now a 4" is all you need. I'm getting ready to buy a 5" here shortly but planning on more mods with a bigger tune.

Ok cool that makes me feel better (price and ease wise). Now I was doing some searching around google and here and saw some different options for all those.

In C.A.I. whats a good recommendation? I want something that requires no modification to the housing (if any do that idk) and a reputable brand. I heard like AFE, AEF, SB or something maybe? Also, gauges and certain brands to look for or stay away from, same with pumps, if I remember correctly stay away from Dog pumps (i think it was Bully Dog or something). Now exhaust, just search for exhaust for my truck or are they under a different section?

Also, any good stores (online) that you recommend and links to search for some products!

Thanks

Check with the vendors here for the products your looking for, Im sure they will hook you up:rocking:

A good brand of gauges is Isspro, and for lift pumps either Airdog or Fass are good products, for Intake I recommend S&B

Any other questions feel free to ask:hellox:

Alright cool thanks!! :rocking: