Just sold my modded Camaro SS and picked up a 02 Silverado 2wd, ECSB with a 5.3. I know how and what things work in the f-body world but not the trucks.

I am looking at mild mods. What is a good way to go? I am not after going fast, just want a nice looking, smooth ride.

I am thinking an air intake, a nice grill and some 20's with possibly some suspension. I don't rally want to lower the truck. Are all the grills on ebay I see the same? And whats up with the intakes. Some are $100 and others like the Granitelli are $250 - Any real difference and does the intake matter or is stock ok? Suspension - whats the most common for a firm, smooth stock like ride? I did some Bilstein HD's on the camaro and they rocked for the price.

If I am missing anything here please tell me. What are the 'must do's' with the 5.3?

 

intakes are really a joke, don't bother unless you like the way they look. You can make one by using a lot of stuff from home depot

The best bang for your buck mod is a custom tune. Hit up one of the sponsors on the right.

If you buy a grille, get one from grill4u on ebay. They have good quality ones and everybody likes them.

Please if you do anything to your truck, level it out. Nothing looks worse than the factory rake. Buy some $30 2" drop shackles or some 2" lift springs to make the truck sit level.

 

converter, gears, cam, hptuners for a damn fun street truck.

 

Nice. How about some pictures of the truck to help us tell you aesthetics wise. I am thinking lower rear 2" to level; billet grill; painted front bumper cover, mirror caps, door handles, and tailgate handle to match; debadge, take off side moldings, and a nice set of wheels.

As for performance, go for an exhaust that is adequate to your sound taste and a tune. When (not if ) you want more, headers and intake, then a cam and stall.

 

I had a full exhaust on the SS (SLP longtubes and magnaflow)and at first I loved it, made great power, but it got a little loud and raspy. Had a converter also...fun but sucked on gas.

I am honestly past going fast... at least for now. I will look into the 2" drop on the rear but I want this for a truck... ya know, to haul things here and there. The truck does have 80k on it and the suspension feels a little soggy - Maybe I am just used the camaro? Are there good replacement shocks out there? You may asking - Why do I want to mod the truck but not go fast? In f-body world simple things like the intake and thottle body made huge differences. It is almost stupid to not do them. I am curious if this rule applies to the trucks???? Thanks for the ups on the grill. That along with the 20's and 2" drop will be a great start.

 

I would still recommend an exhaust of some sort, even if it is stock like sounding. I am not too sure of what would be that quiet but I head Magnaflows are not loud. Modwise, I believe a custom tune is necessary and you will see why once you have one. There are several vendors such as Nelson, Wheatley, Wait4Me, PCM4Less, BlackBearPerformance, Westers, etc. I believe prices range from $200-600.

As for starters on your 02, those aesthetic mods you listed are great. Do not forget to add in clear corners at some point.

 

what's up with the tunes on these things? What sort of gains do net?

 

Granted this a NNBS 07, but it gives you an idea of what is capable with tuning these trucks. NNBS tune on stock truck

 

A tune is definetly needed. Even if the only thing the tuner changes is the tq management it'll make a big difference. These motors are pretty much the same as the LS1, but you won't see quite as big a gain in performance because of the heavier drivetrain and slightly smaller displacement.

If you just want a nice slick truck, i would say level it out with some shackles. Then put some nice 20s or 22s on it, remove body molding, and color match the bumpers.

 

Level it out, grille, 20s, tune, and convertor

oh and id say debadge that thing...