Just purchased my first Chevy Truck. I have wanted one my entire life. I got everything possible from the factory, its a black crew cab z71 4 wheel drive. I love it and was just wondering if there were any reccomendation for after market additions? (air intakes, flow masters, chrome packages). Whatever you the chevy fans think, i would greatly appreciate. Im still trying to educate myself. Thanks
Flow master cat back will hurt in town MPG and responce as well as that engine is well tuned from facotry. After market filter are more state of mind than reality and they do filter less. On strong word of caution, they truck is built on light weight 1/2 ton running gear (unlike the 1500HD which is actually a 3/4 truck and chassis) so if you lift and and install big tires, expect shorter tire life and replacing ball joints often. Sorry to be such a downer but it is a shame that GM makes such a truck on such a light weight chassis as the CC realy should be built on the 3/4 ton chassis exclusively like the
1500HD because being a crew cab it will be very easy to exceed chassis on axle capacites with that truck when loaded.----------------- TheSnoMan.com
Greetings,
Just my opinion but there are three types of things you can add to your truck - stuff that makes it look better to you; stuff that improves performance or increases convenience; and stuff that protects it.
Since I've always been on a budget, I recommend stuff that protects your investment. First and foremost would be a spray-in bedliner (my personal preference is Line-X). Next would be an secondary fuel filter (because issues with bad fuel are almost never covered by the warranty) and items like an auxillary tranny cooler (because if you don't already know, transmissions are expensive with a capital E). Also after whatever break-in period you feel comfortable with I would switch to a full-sythetic motor oil and gradually move all of your other fluids to synthetic when the time comes for each. From there it would be items like seat covers, good floor mats, window tint, etc.
Just remember, "Chrome won't get you home". If you wanted a poser truck you could have bought the Caddy version of the Avalanche, the Escalade EXT.
Cheers - Jonathan
While not a bad idea the stock filter is not that bad but the problem not it but that GM has put it in the tank so it is not very user serviceable at all. Good extra income for dealers and garages though.
----------------- TheSnoMan.com
All you need is the right tools and equipment. There are about 6 bolts that hold on the truck bed. Then all you need is a lift that will safely get the bed off. I've used a small Case tractor that has a frontloader with attached forks and, using heavy duty straps, gently lifted the bed off the truck. Then you have relatively simple access to the tank. In my case I was replacing the fuel pump so all I had to do was take off the cover and take out the pump. After that just put everything back the way it was and you save a bunch of money on labor. A friend of mine who works for a Ford dealership said that that's almost exactly what they do there as well. It may not be fancy but that's not what matters. Just a little FYI for anybody out there who has a job that needs done but doesn't want to pay unnecessary labor charges. Good luck with any future projects!
In Christ Alone
That is a new .gov requirement though so its not GM's fault.
It is ANYTHING but easy. It was a LOT easier when it was in the frame rail big time and there was not reason to put it in the tank other than maybe to save a buck of so and make it much harder for end user to service themselves.
----------------- TheSnoMan.com
I question that. It is liklely from a new inpact standard that was cheapr to do in tank because they could nou use a cheap plastic one in line but you can in tank.
----------------- TheSnoMan.com
It has to do with emmissions, all vehicles will need it soon, it was 2007 or
2008 IIRC, they were just making some small changes for 2004 so they went ahead and incorporated it. Same with the passenger sensing seat and the SBA, our .gov requires them.
THere is nothing emssions wise that you can do with a external filter vs a internal one except cost so I do nopt by that is is because of emissions. A freind I know that manages a Advanc Auto told me that GM patented a lot of parts on 2006 models to boost profits on parts. (notr because of emissions like filter claim) GM wants you to take it to dealer for service or have to by parts from them at great cost or have to buy a new one because parts or too much to fix it and start the cycle over again. Nice trick.
----------------- TheSnoMan.com
Someone posted the EPA ruling on one of the GM forums, I just can't find it now. Check some other NG's or forums, you will find that other brands have the filter in the tank, not just GM.
They all are trying to trim costs anyway they can to boost profits. My
89 burb has a big metal filter on frame rail with hard line on both sides that cost to much to do now. THey like using plactic which does not fair well in wrecks or fires.----------------- TheSnoMan.com
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