2005 Tahoe 5.3 Mods?

[BlazerGuy]

Just picked a 2005 Tahoe 5.3, 2wd, with 65k miles on the clock. Love the truck so far but I'd like to know what are the best bolt-ons for more towing power and of course anything that improves mileage. And yes I know it's a fullsize so it's not gonna get great mileage but 1-2 extra would be nice. FWIW the only things towed are a 16' utility trailer with about a 4000lb load about twice a month and soon to be a 25footish travel trailer about once a month.

Looking into exhaust upgrades but nothing loud since it's the wife truck and I've got other stuff to take care of my loud desires. What are some good cat-back systems that will last awhile?

Is the K&N FIPK worth the money or should I just go with a knockoff or not get one at all?

How about computer programmers or replacement modules?

Thanks Guys!

 

[Col_Sanders]

Check out gm-trucks.com for info on programmers and such. They all swear by a Black Bear tune, as it is more versatile than a handheld. He sends you a module that you plug in and learns your truck/driving style and he asks you a few questions and programs an ECM for you. He is having a meet up early next year in Houston.

I plan on an intake after my leveling kit and a few other little doo dads, but I'm not sure which one I'm going to go with yet.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The exhaust should be mandrel bent 3" stainless already (not shiney stainless but stainless none-the-less). If so, just chop off the factory garbage can muffler and put in a muffler of your choosing.

I've heard the Borla XS series mufflers are free flowing while still not deafening.
I like Magnaflow myself but have had mixed results with quietness. On my 4.0L V6 Ranger it was a nice revvy tone without being obnoxiously loud but my ex's 2.5L V6 Suzuki Grand Vitara ended up with a noticeably louder exhaust tone that wore on you during road trips. Meanwhile I've seen many people online say their Magnaflow exhausts were also very loud...and others report nice, quiet, "Gibson-esque" sound improvements.

Speaking of which, Gibson is famous for not being obnoxiously loud while still freer flowing than stock mufflers.

Stay away from Slowmasters. Baffles and chambers = flow restrictions.

 

[noJeepshere]

Second the Flowmasters, the drone from the chamber is aggravatingly annoying I'm glad I only paid $50 from eghey for it, so I don't feel bad chopping it off for something nice.

 

[Col_Sanders]

I'll eventually remove them from my Blazer. The only reason they are on there is because I did not want to wait for the Magnaflows.