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Old 12-08-2004, 01:37 AM   #1
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Smile New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Hello,

I just bought my 2003 Silverado after saving up for a big down payment. I am only 19, self employed, and got my Silverado for 21K, with 7.9% APR!!! Pretty good deal huh?

Anyways, I have a few questions that I was hoping a few people could help me out here. I am looking to do the usual mods to the truck such as intake, exhaust, and custom audio, but I have a few questions.



1.) For my truck I do not have the steering wheel controls, however I belive that I still have the DIC, because when I start my truck, it says Driver 1, and a few other things that make me think I have the system. My question is, without the steering wheel controls is there ANY way to access the DIC controls? I really want to see my fuel mileage, and other cool stuff.

2) What should I expect to pay for a 9" suspension lift, with new tires? An average price with labor would be appreciated. Something like 3K, 7K...etc would help

3) Would a 12” lift be too much ( in your opinion) ? Too expensive?

4) Would dual flowmasters going out the rear give a large increase in horsepower? Does it sound nice, or too loud? When driving at a constant speed, can you still hear the exhaust? Is $425 installed a good price?

5) Would a K&N cold air intake kit make a large sound difference when accelerating? Does it produce a large increase in horsepower? Is $325 installed a good price?

6) My truck has the standard Compact Disk RDS audio system. If I upgrade with a custom CD player will that affect any diagnostic controls? I’ve heard that some ports and vital truck diagnostic tools pass through the radio.

7) Would a performance chip that changes your shift points, and removes your speed limiter void factory warranty? Does it give a large increase in horsepower? What about the kits that have the option of changing the settings back to stock? What are the common prices?


Okay, I will stop asking all these questions….. I LOVE my new truck….
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Old 12-08-2004, 09:40 AM   #2
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Talking

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Old 12-08-2004, 09:52 AM   #3
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all i know is that the origional FM 40 series sounds very nice (low, loud, good tone)

$425 installed is good price (i live in michigan)

I got my muffler (40 series) on ebay shipped for $50 and did the work myself.....

Nice truck man
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2002 Chevy Silverado
5.3 L v-8 4x4
Bought on 10-26-04
K & N Filter
4 Headlight mod
Fog Lights
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FUTURE PLANS:
3 inch lift
285/75 r16 BFG A/T s
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Old 12-08-2004, 10:09 AM   #4
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by ryanszpara
all i know is that the origional FM 40 series sounds very nice (low, loud, good tone)

$425 installed is good price (i live in michigan)

I got my muffler (40 series) on ebay shipped for $50 and did the work myself.....

Nice truck man
Thank You! I do absolutely love it... I cam from a 94 Ford Escort that was a total piece of ****.

It was definately a shocker the first time I filled up with gas... $55 per tank which only get me 275 miles! Guess that was a little eye opener... but ofcourse I don't drive slow either.


Really intrested in any help especially with number 1 above. Want to see my est. fuel mileage...


Thanks again...
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Old 12-08-2004, 10:17 AM   #5
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

First, Congrats on the Purchase of your new Truck.

$325 for a K&N intake is too much $, that is unless you don't know how to use a wrench, installing it is easy..it comes with complete directions. I paid around $215 for mine and it took me less than an hour Plus I Cleaned my throttle body while I had it apart.

I do all my own work, Brakes, upgrades, Flushes, changes, tune ups etc.. It saves a crapload of $ The only reason I sent it to my buddy was for tires and an alignment. Take advantage of whatever warranty or service plan you have on your truck.
For your exhaust, that doesn't sound like a bad price but what exactly are you getting for $425? Cat-back, true dual, headers?? it makes a big difference, If your thinking about headers and new Cats it should be alot more expensive, leave it to the professionals, they can be tricky to install if its your first time.

For your radio, if you install an aftermarket radio, they sell exact fit harnesses and adapters that directly plug in with no splicing needed. this way you wont fuck up your wiring. One end fits the GM harness and the other fits whichever model radio you purchased.

About lift kits, There is a member here Storm442, He has a Nasty2500HD thats lifted he may be able to give you some tips and advice.

Good luck and enjoy your new truck.
-Jimmy
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Alpine CDA-9830 Head Unit
2-JLW12 Subs
Infinity Surrounds
Too Many Extras


04' Yamaha YZF R6 Super Sport~
Liquid Silver with Black Ghost flames
K&N Filter, Fender Delete Kit
Aftermarket Mirror Shield
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Power Commander III

02' Subaru WRX Turbo Sport Wagon
Eibach Springs, Short Throw Shifter
17" Versus Campionato Wheels Wrapped in Pirrelli tires
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Old 12-08-2004, 10:27 AM   #6
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Re: Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmiz71
First, Congrats on the Purchase of your new Truck.

$325 for a K&N intake is too much $, that is unless you don't know how to use a wrench, installing it is easy..it comes with complete directions. I paid around $215 for mine and it took me less than an hour Plus I Cleaned my throttle body while I had it apart.

I do all my own work, Brakes, upgrades, Flushes, changes, tune ups etc.. It saves a crapload of $ The only reason I sent it to my buddy was for tires and an alignment. Take advantage of whatever warranty or service plan you have on your truck.
For your exhaust, that doesn't sound like a bad price but what exactly are you getting for $425? Cat-back, true dual, headers?? it makes a big difference, If your thinking about headers and new Cats it should be alot more expensive, leave it to the professionals, they can be tricky to install if its your first time.

For your radio, if you install an aftermarket radio, they sell exact fit harnesses and adapters that directly plug in with no splicing needed. this way you wont fuck up your wiring. One end fits the GM harness and the other fits whichever model radio you purchased.

About lift kits, There is a member here Storm442, He has a Nasty2500HD thats lifted he may be able to give you some tips and advice.

Good luck and enjoy your new truck.
-Jimmy
Jimmy,

Thanks for the reply...very helpfull.


I was also thinking about buy an intake kit from eBay or so... Does the 4.8L come with any special sensors that must be in place (ie. air temp, air flow sensors)? Will the intake kit has fittings for these adapters?

For the exhaust $425 installed is for a basic flowmaster catback dual exhaust. I guess that is pretty basic. I really want the manly truck sound...

I am also considering a performance chip to help my tranny. When I accelerate hard, and release off the pedal, or even on normal driving, it seems to hesitate before it shifts. I want a faster and harder shift. I've read around here that the chips will allow your truck to chirp second... which would be awesome.

I have 76K in warranty left on my truck, so I must tread lightly as to my mods... can void that darn warranty... and it seems like the dealerships just love to find ways to void anyones warrantly.

Thanks again...
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Old 12-08-2004, 10:39 AM   #7
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Okay... testing out my signature with pics..
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My 2003 Silverado LS


Current Mods...
Flowmaster Series 40 Dual Exhaust Going Out The Rear
Navigation System / Competition Car Audio
*AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD/TV/GPS/PS2 Navigation System*
Viper Remote Engine Start System
Hypertech Programming
K&N Cold Air Intake
***Top Speed 128 MPH***

Future Mods...
7" Suspension Lift, 3" Body Lift w/ 35" rims and tires
Performance MAF sensor
Throttle Body Spacer
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Old 12-08-2004, 10:41 AM   #8
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Anyone know how to access the DIC ( Driver Information Center ) on a Silverado without the steering wheel controls? I have the system, but just can't access it yet.

Want to see my current fuel mileage....etc...


Any ways to get to it?
__________________
My 2003 Silverado LS


Current Mods...
Flowmaster Series 40 Dual Exhaust Going Out The Rear
Navigation System / Competition Car Audio
*AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD/TV/GPS/PS2 Navigation System*
Viper Remote Engine Start System
Hypertech Programming
K&N Cold Air Intake
***Top Speed 128 MPH***

Future Mods...
7" Suspension Lift, 3" Body Lift w/ 35" rims and tires
Performance MAF sensor
Throttle Body Spacer
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Old 12-08-2004, 11:02 AM   #9
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A 9" lift is going to be quite pricey. A 12" would obviously be even more. I would assume labor would be anywhere b/w $30-$75 per hour. I'm assuming the total cost will range anywhere from $9500-$15,000. When you lift a truck to that degree nothing is just bolted on. New brackets will be welded on for a variety of things. New heavy duty sway bars will be needed. Possibly a new driveshaft, but the stock one may be fine. I suggest not jumping right into lifting your truck. Make sure and do your homework on shops in your area. A lot shops present a good image but in reality the quality of their work sucks. Weld quality is VERY important. You do run the possibility of running into transmission problems as well. So just be prepared for that possibility.
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Old 12-08-2004, 11:16 AM   #10
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasF355F1
A 9" lift is going to be quite pricey. A 12" would obviously be even more. I would assume labor would be anywhere b/w $30-$75 per hour. I'm assuming the total cost will range anywhere from $9500-$15,000. When you lift a truck to that degree nothing is just bolted on. New brackets will be welded on for a variety of things. New heavy duty sway bars will be needed. Possibly a new driveshaft, but the stock one may be fine. I suggest not jumping right into lifting your truck. Make sure and do your homework on shops in your area. A lot shops present a good image but in reality the quality of their work sucks. Weld quality is VERY important. You do run the possibility of running into transmission problems as well. So just be prepared for that possibility.

Thanks for the prices... definately more than I was expecting to hear. I hear about people getting a lift with bigger tires for $3K or so. Maybe that is for a 6" lift?

How do you think a 6" lift would look? Not enought? I wanted something that would look huge, but I can't afford $9K+ for it.

Okay, so here is another way to put the question. What can I get for $4K or under including bigger tires?
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My 2003 Silverado LS


Current Mods...
Flowmaster Series 40 Dual Exhaust Going Out The Rear
Navigation System / Competition Car Audio
*AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD/TV/GPS/PS2 Navigation System*
Viper Remote Engine Start System
Hypertech Programming
K&N Cold Air Intake
***Top Speed 128 MPH***

Future Mods...
7" Suspension Lift, 3" Body Lift w/ 35" rims and tires
Performance MAF sensor
Throttle Body Spacer
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Old 12-08-2004, 12:27 PM   #11
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Okay, so I am guessing that with 4K I could afford a 6" lift installed with new rims and tires?
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My 2003 Silverado LS


Current Mods...
Flowmaster Series 40 Dual Exhaust Going Out The Rear
Navigation System / Competition Car Audio
*AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD/TV/GPS/PS2 Navigation System*
Viper Remote Engine Start System
Hypertech Programming
K&N Cold Air Intake
***Top Speed 128 MPH***

Future Mods...
7" Suspension Lift, 3" Body Lift w/ 35" rims and tires
Performance MAF sensor
Throttle Body Spacer
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Old 12-08-2004, 12:51 PM   #12
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Re: Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by 03-Silverado
Thank You! I do absolutely love it... I cam from a 94 Ford Escort that was a total piece of ****.

It was definately a shocker the first time I filled up with gas... $55 per tank which only get me 275 miles! Guess that was a little eye opener... but ofcourse I don't drive slow either.


Really intrested in any help especially with number 1 above. Want to see my est. fuel mileage...


Thanks again...
$55 to fill that up?? Looks like an sb from what I can tell. You aren't putting high test in it are you? That's about what it costs to fill up my LB(34 gallon tank in LB vs. 26 in SB. I've never put anything but 87 octane in mine.

The gas mileage will get a lot better. I got ~350-400 on my first tank. Out on the highway holding 70 I can get from 600-650 miles out of a tank. The 5.3 does a LOT better on gas than my old 5.7 ever did =).
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Old 12-08-2004, 01:23 PM   #13
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Actually it is the LB Ext. Cab version. I only put 87 octane in... about $55 per tank.

Of course gas in southern CA is about $2.15 per gallone.
__________________
My 2003 Silverado LS


Current Mods...
Flowmaster Series 40 Dual Exhaust Going Out The Rear
Navigation System / Competition Car Audio
*AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD/TV/GPS/PS2 Navigation System*
Viper Remote Engine Start System
Hypertech Programming
K&N Cold Air Intake
***Top Speed 128 MPH***

Future Mods...
7" Suspension Lift, 3" Body Lift w/ 35" rims and tires
Performance MAF sensor
Throttle Body Spacer
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Old 12-08-2004, 01:39 PM   #14
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

03-Silverado,.. The K&N and Im sure just about any aftermarket intake will bolt on to your MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) which is located directly to the right of your airbox inline with your fresh air intake duct. My K&N came with a rubber Coupler that fits over the edge of the MAF and is secured with Hose clamps.

I have not used any performance chips, but I did purchase the Hypertech Programmer, which allows you to adjust your shift points, adjust for different size tires, add firmness and raise your rev limiter and top speed. It also reads DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) from your computer. Its too bad I already purchased a OBD2 reader. The good thing about the Hypertech is that you can set the computer back to the stock settings in minutes, which is nice if you want to protect your warranty.
-Jimmy
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~99' Silverado z71 LS 5.3~
Alpine CDA-9830 Head Unit
2-JLW12 Subs
Infinity Surrounds
Too Many Extras


04' Yamaha YZF R6 Super Sport~
Liquid Silver with Black Ghost flames
K&N Filter, Fender Delete Kit
Aftermarket Mirror Shield
Devil Carbon Fiber High Mount Pipe
Power Commander III

02' Subaru WRX Turbo Sport Wagon
Eibach Springs, Short Throw Shifter
17" Versus Campionato Wheels Wrapped in Pirrelli tires
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Old 12-08-2004, 02:16 PM   #15
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Re: New 03 Silverado Owner Question

Okay, I am sorry. I didn't mean a chip, but a programmer which you have. Will that allow me to chirp into second with the firmer tranny?

Does the K&N intake make a large horsepower increase? Does it sound really loud?
__________________
My 2003 Silverado LS


Current Mods...
Flowmaster Series 40 Dual Exhaust Going Out The Rear
Navigation System / Competition Car Audio
*AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD/TV/GPS/PS2 Navigation System*
Viper Remote Engine Start System
Hypertech Programming
K&N Cold Air Intake
***Top Speed 128 MPH***

Future Mods...
7" Suspension Lift, 3" Body Lift w/ 35" rims and tires
Performance MAF sensor
Throttle Body Spacer
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