I plan on doing a CFM+ intake, True Flow filter kit, MBRP exhaust and Isspro guages before I do my programmer, which will be a Smarty. I plan to run the Smarty on level 3.
I have been searching the forums for a while, and want to make sure i'm not missing anything.

Is there any other recommendations for just a mild performance enhancement?

 

Save your money on the cfm and put it toward tranny improvements so when that itch comes to run the Smarty higher than 3 you can scratch it.

 

Mmmm, if you have an itch......you GOTTA scratch it! Air intakes are kind of overrated IMO. You can save some loot and add that later on if you still feel the need.

The mods to the factory airbox (from what I read) VASTLY improve flow, if you are interested in the sound that comes with an aftermarket box you can get some of that with a silencer ring removal.

 

This coming from a guy that has an S&B intake listed in his sig

 

i have a aem intake and i am currently using the factory air box. i like it better and have zero problems with it! also the egt difference between the two is very minor in my experience.

i agree with the above on scrapping the cfm and saving for a tranny. 3 is only fun for a little while

brett

 

might want to look into a lift pump so you dont drain the rails

 

Got a sweet deal, I only paid like $168 for it, one of those HAD to have things.......

I was kind of more commenting on what a lot of others have "invested" on intakes...($300+)

 

Yeah. If I was doing it. I would cut open the stock airbox, leave the stock intake, go ahead with the exhaust, and buy the Smarty (well I wouldn't buy the Smarty but that's what you are choosing) and your out of pocket will be about the same. You will need a tranny and turbo at some point.

 

Ok, I get I'm throwing money away on the CFM+. I was thinking improve flow some and add the ability to monitor boost via the ported manifold connections. (OK, there was the Carbon Fiber look cool factor too, but I'm also into saving money...)

As far as Tranny mods go, I've searched and found that the Torque converter and Valve body mods should be done. Personally, I will probably opt for the Double deep MagHytec pan as well. (That's where I plan to get the tranny temp guage sending unit installed.)

Is there anything else?

What Torque Converter and Valve body are recommended?

I'm a little nervous about factory warranty, that's why the "mild" mods. I'd love nothing more than modifying this truck to the point of my own personal happiness, but it's brand new, and I feel like I may be cutting my finacial throat, especially since I bought the extended warranty.


I was hoping not to get into the tranny, but that's more or less me living in a fantasy world... I cave in to the POWER drug...

I'm just in denial right now... I need professional help.

 

they make a boost bolt, that replaces a bolt in your intake manifold. It lets you plumb into it to read boost on a mechanical guage. If you dont wanna mess with that. Get a quad recon xzt. It works awesome is digital, lets you read egt and boost as well as tranny temp or oil temp. And wayy easy to install. And very economical. look into it.

 

put the tranny probe in the hot line instead of the pan

brett

 

With the mods listed, I'd stick with the factory 4'' exhaust with just an aftermarket muffler/cat delete and possibly tip if you want.. You can get a Walker 4'' straight through (model 21471) for less tha $100. Has a good sound, and less out of pocket.

 

Sounds to me like you should be leaving it stock. Very few are able to only do a little bit - I was only going to have around 450hp max. It just makes you hungry for more. So my advise is, if you are worried about the warranty and don't want to spend $5000-$10000 on your truck over the next year, leave it stock.

 

Some good advice, but I think I'm going to go ahead with the mods anyway. I can never leave well enugh alone. At some point, I'm sure I'll let go of the whole "Warranty safety net", we'll see...

 

In my humble opinion all of your suggested mods are a waste...get a nice turbo....even a simple s300 will give you way better support for Smarty.

Isspro gauges...I have 6 in my 03.....never again... my autometers were way better and are way better in my 04.

Intake...Any plain jane torque tube with a good cone filter for diesels will be great ..... I use a 4 inch hole in my stock air box and it drops temps and improves air flow drastically. The K and N in my 04 works great and the intake pipe is cleannnn.

For exhaust just replace the muffler.....there is nothing worse than spending 500 on an exhaust and to look under the truck to see it all rusty ....and its stainless steel....I have a wicked short 4" muffler that cost me 70 that will flow better than most on the market.

The intake horn.....unless you are running way over stock boost ....this is a huge waste.

If I were starting all over again from scratch....I'd get 5 gauges....autometer or diprocal (pyro, boost,tranny, fuel and rail pressure)....an AFE stage II (or equivalent).... a 4" short nelson muffler, a 62/14 turbo and Smarty.
Kerry