need more power!

bubaloo1983 · Post by **bubaloo1983** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:43 am

i have a 2003 sonoma crew cab and i am really not happy with the 3.42 gears (or is it 3.43? i dunno ) the power just isnt there it seems like everyone can pass me or beat me in a race. so because every one here has so much info i was wondering what are the best ways to boost power in my crew? cheaper would be better but anything would be good. what are ur opinions on a dual exaust? does it make a difference? k&N filters any good ect...any help would be great thx!

Mike H. · Post by **Mike H.** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:49 am

The K&N FIPK gives you excellent results, and a Flowmaster replacement muffler helps a little too. Don't get the Gibson exhaust for this truck. It sucks - I had one on mine for awhile.

a2b · Post by **a2b** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 12:34 pm

intake and exhaust can help performance, but from the way you talk, you want to feel alot more hp. yes, the 3.42's suck. from the way you talk, you need to supercharge your motor, drop 3.73's into the rear with a posi unit and keep the 29" tires for maximum torque...you will fly after that

AZS10Crew · Post by **AZS10Crew** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:08 pm

Or you could just race slower cars.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:15 pm

Getting rid of any extra weight couldn't hurt either. These Crewcabs weigh over 4000 pounds. That's a lot to move with that 4.3 V6.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:33 pm

You're going to have to re-gear to make the most of it.
The cheapest way is to change tire size. A 225/60-15 (26" diameter) will get your final ratio down where you need it with the 3.42:1 gears.

Or bite the bullet and spend a grand to have the ratio changed (3.73 for 29" or 4.10 for 31" )

You will see the biggest difference with this.

If you're wanting to make HP imporvements. Do the exaust first. Open it up and let it flow.

Then I'd "swiss" or cut the stock air box.

Next on the list would be investing in a programmer to rid yourself of those mushy shifts and put some premium in for power programming.

bubaloo1983 · Post by **bubaloo1983** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:38 pm

thx guys. i think i will first do the exaust then k&n. Nother question where would i got a chip or programer? and im not eally good with this stuff so what does it do and how much does it cost? and is it easy to install your self or will i need to take it to a shop?

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 1:52 pm

bubaloo1983 wrote:thx guys. i think i will first do the exaust then k&n. Nother question where would i got a chip or programer? and im not eally good with this stuff so what does it do and how much does it cost? and is it easy to install your self or will i need to take it to a shop?

Do a search for Hypertech Power Programmer III or Hypertech PPIII, here (seems like there was information on a GP, might be over though).
And check out their website : Hypertech
Might be worth looking at the programmer from Superchips too.

2bunik · Post by **2bunik** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:07 pm

did someone say chevy small block?

Honestly that corvette engine someone found on ebay a while back would be really nice.. then reality strikes.

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:52 pm

I want a Northstar V8 300HP.

Brad

AZS10Crew · Post by **AZS10Crew** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:48 am

LS1 would be nice too.

I think MCT still has their group purchase going on the HPPIII's.

MCT

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 7:00 pm

Brad wrote:I want a Northstar V8 300HP.

Brad

Seen the newest Hot Rod mag.?

Brad

a2b · Post by **a2b** » Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:43 am

bubaloo1983 wrote:thx guys. i think i will first do the exaust then k&n. Nother question where would i got a chip or programer? and im not eally good with this stuff so what does it do and how much does it cost? and is it easy to install your self or will i need to take it to a shop?

sounds like you want power with less money. the cheapest way to get hte MOST power is smaller tires. go to 26's and lower your truck. lowering if basically a free mod. that will do more for you truck than changing intake and out take and HP3. but do them all together, then you have ALOT more power

bubaloo1983 · Post by **bubaloo1983** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 2:29 pm

thx for all your help guys...i think i have thought about what im going to do...i want to geta westers chip for my truck...from what i have heard the performance is really good. however i havent heard much about them in the little trucks. so my question is how well do they perform with the 4.3? is it worth the 400 bucks over say other performace products? any thoughts would be great. thx laterz

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 3:19 pm

bubaloo1983 wrote:...i think i have thought about what im going to do...i want to geta westers chip for my truck...

Never heard of them, are you sure that it is for the OBDII generation of trucks?

Our chips are programmable, not necessarily replaceable. Although the PCM can be sent off and reprogrammed , or replaced.

IMO, don't expect big gains from just a chip, or programming. Take another look at the HPPIII, it is money better spent IMO. At least if you're not impressed there is always someone who will buy it and you can recoup some of , if not all of the cost.

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 3:33 pm

HenryJ wrote:
bubaloo1983 wrote:...i think i have thought about what im going to do...i want to geta westers chip for my truck...

Never heard of them, are you sure that it is for the OBDII generation of trucks?

Our chips are programmable, not necessarily replaceable. Although the PCM can be sent off and reprogrammed , or replaced.

IMO, don't expect big gains from just a chip, or programming. Take another look at the HPPIII, it is money better spent IMO. At least if you're not impressed there is always someone who will buy it and you can recoup some of , if not all of the cost.

EDIT: Ok I went to the website : [url=http://westers_garage.eidnet.org/scprice.htm]Westers chip[/url]

They are offering reflashed PCM's (not chips)
I can not say , but I'm sure that they have programmed for some gains. $395 is quite a bit of money each time you decide that premium fuel is too expensive at the time, or a switch in tire size is needed. What happens if you decide to make some modifications, or just want to go back to stock and need to reprogram the PCM again? Another $395.

There is way more flexablility in a programmer. If you are a die hard and want ultimate adjustability , do what they did and buy a copy of LS1 Edit to flash the PCM yourself.

I'll say it again Do not expect big performance gains by reflashing the PCM. Big performance requires internal modifications. If you want big gains supercharge, turbo, or go V-8.

snowsurfer · Post by **snowsurfer** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 11:50 pm

Just wondering where's best/reasonable place for a flash? I have an 03' with Powerdyne 9lb, msd6btm, flowmaster, 190 stat . Only place I know is Bill at Mach, a little $$$$$... Anyone one know of others??

KCustom · Post by **KCustom** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 7:24 am

I love my Powerdyne supercharger...it made a big difference in my performance.

S-10CREWCAB.NET

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