I have a 2000 gmc 5.3 w/ magnaflow catback, k&n intake, HPPIII, and, bosch +4 plugs w/ msd wires. I am planning on adding an additional 4" lift and 36" tires. (currently 5" w/ 33s) Originally I had planned on lifting it first, but that isn't going to happen. I now have time and some money to add some more performance stuff to it. I would eventually like to be done and be able to smoke the hell out of the 36x14.50 tires. Everyone of my friends says that it isn't going to happen and I want to prove them wrong. I was wondering what would be the best way to start. I was thinking headers and maybe electric fans. I really don't want to supercharge and I want to stay away from engine work for now. I hope to eventually get a motor to build and just swap the two out. What would be the best way to start, headers, mas, electric fans, etc. Thanks for the help.

 

Mass air flow sensors are a waste of money IMO. It is very possible to smoke some 36"ers, hell, even some 44" Boggers. You're definitely going to need to change your gears to at least 4.56's and a 3000+RPM converter. Long tube headers and electric fans will also help unchoke some power. You have the right idea about building an engine for a swap. You really want to smoke them up, build a 409 stroker out of a 6.0 and spray the crap out of it

 

If you are really wanting to be able to "smoke" those large of tires-cheap way is put it in low and find some wet concrete.
Seriously-you are going to need some serious hp to smoke your tires at will on the pavement.
You can spend some $2000-$3000 for headers, tuning, exhaust, fans, cold air intake, ect... and still wonder why you can't smoke em.
If you've got 3.73 gears, you effectivley raised the gear ratio considerably with the larger tires, making it harder to smoke the tires.
Having thrown many $ at speed parts, only to generally be dissapointed with the results (I'm talking lowering 1/4 mile times by tenths, not seconds), the way to get into the FAST lane, is unfortunatly, via 3 fairly pricey directions, and 1 that is a part time thrill, but all voiding your warranty.
1.Turbo-very pricey
2.Supercharging-also not cheap
3.Go into the engine-can be costly, and a pain with the computer
4.N20-best bang for the buck, but a tempory thrill with bottle limitations

All the bolt on stuff (generally speaking) will maybe get you 50-60 rwhp for several thousand $, and it usually just leaves you wondering where all the performance is for the $ you spent.

At least items 1-4 will let you know you really did get some performance for your $. My .02