Hi Group,
I am a newbie here and am hoping that this group proves to be a useful resource. I just purchased my first pickup truck a 1997 Chev 1500 shortbox/reg cab, 5 speed, a/c, 2wd 4.3L V6. It has 150,000 km's on it. As far as I know it is completely stock besides a K&N air filter I installed when I purchased it. My question is this: What modifications can I do to this truck, namely to increase power and give the truck a throaty 350 sound while maintaining a relatively moderate budget (sub 1000.00 MAX) and not shaving the head or porting the intake or anything crazy like that. I would also be interested in potentially lowering the vehicle a bit. The second question is: With 150, 000 km's on the truck, and not knowing any service history, what should I do in terms or a tune-up? Plugs/wires, cap/rotor, pcv valve, fuel filter, manual tranny (gear) oil, etc..... Is there any problem areas with this particular truck I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Rich