Ok just got my 2005 Z71 Reg Cab Short Bed, 5.3 Auto 3.42 lockin' rear. Love the truck. Traded in a 4.6L Ford...dont think I'll go back. I was pleased to see E-Fans. Ok..Help..

295hp or 310hp ..How do I know what 5.3 version I have?
Free Mods: I always hear about free mods..what are they???
Cold Air: Are the air box kind better? Less heat intake?
Cat-Back: Does Magnaflow sound as mean as Flowmaster? Seems nice.
Headers: Will headers throw an engine light? What is a good choice here?
T-Stat: Will the 160degree stat cause probs without programming?
Programmer: Can I do all the above mods first? Or do I need a programmer?

The more advice and answers you can give me the better. I appreciate all opinions. Are there any mods that are not internal that I am missing? Thanks for all the help guys.. John

 

for intake i recomend the volant or k&N. You have the normal 5.3 the HO only comes in the ext cab.maganaflow delivers more power than flows and less sound.a thermostat will cause no probs.get a tune by nelson or a pcmforless tunee or mail order tune.if i had the money i would just spend 4.5k and buy a radix anda corsa exhaust setup sweet!

 

I see SLP sells a cold air and exhaust etc.. for our trucks. Anyone had any experience with these guys? Seems a bit pricey but looks good on paper.

 

nah just buy everything seperate like a magnaflow muffler and weld it in and a homemade cold air intake would be real cheap.

 

Nice truck. No comparison with your old 4.6L Ford. You have the regular 5.3 (LM7). Just like 5.3racer16 said, the 5.3 HO (L33) is only available in ext. cab models. There will be alot of opinions on the cold air intakes and catbacks. In general, they all have their good and bad points. I chose the True Flow intake (www.trueflow.com) because it still uses the stock air box and it cleans up the engine compartment. It may not make as much power as other intakes but I like the added security of using the stock air box. I chose the Corsa catback because it's the only catback officially licensed by GM and the sound it incredible. You will get alot opinions on programmers too but most people will tell you to buy a custom tune from Wester's or Nelsons.

 

custom tune deffinitely and like a K&N intake

 

I Choose To Make My Own Cold Air And Paint It To Match My Truck.it Is Made From Thin Wall Pvc 4" With A K&n Filter On The End.i Don't Know Of Anyone Making Lt For 4wd Yet(i May And Could Be Wrong On This).you Can Also Get A Under Drive Pulley.a 160* Will Not Hurt,i Think Everyone Is Going With The 180* Cause Some People Had Problems With The 160* Setting Ses Light(just Heard Of A Few Times Not Many)for As Mufflers Magnaflow For Sure.