Low cost upgrades/modification??

Just like sonny said I also noticed an instant change. If you look at all the after market intakes they don't have the screen. The big thing if you do decided to take it out just be sure NOT TO HIT the cold and hot sensors. If you look at a K&N replacement filter all it is, is one big screen

OK Phix I removed the MAF screen and after running it for 2 weeks my gas mileage has actually gone down 2 MPG. I have have kept a record of my gas mileage for the past year and the past 2 weeks are the worst on my spreadsheet. I always get gas at the same place so I dont think anything has changed there. Do I need to reset the computer for it to realize the increase in air flow. If so, how do I do that?

Well, can't speak for everyone, but those of us who ride motorcycles usually use the "saftey chrome" justification speech when it comes to purchasing new products. Should work okay with trucks too.

Then of course there is the buy it and apologize routine. Believing it's easier to do it and apologize then it is to ask permission!

Here in the midwest, deer provide a good excuse for up front "protection". Ya hit one of those babies at 65 mph without some up-front protection, you're looking at serious bucks when it comes to parts replacement.

If you're interested, I have a Westin full grille brush gaurd with trim strips. It's black powder coated. I'd prefer a different set up, but it came with the truck. If you're interested, I'd entertain an offer. :)

I appreciate the offer for the powder coat guard but my truck is stainless acessorized. That deer probably drill a pretty large hole in your wallet. Because of the amount od deer killed approx. 1 per week the game commission has opened a list for people who would want the meat. So it's not really a matter of if your going to hit one, but when.... So I have been leaning pretty hard towards getting a guard.

OK Phix I removed the MAF screen and after running it for 2 weeks my gas mileage has actually gone down 2 MPG. I have have kept a record of my gas mileage for the past year and the past 2 weeks are the worst on my spreadsheet. I always get gas at the same place so I dont think anything has changed there. Do I need to reset the computer for it to realize the increase in air flow. If so, how do I do that?

I'm not sure why your truck dropped the milage. I know when I first made the mod on my truck it dropped too but I think it was because I was spoiled with the increase in power and drove a little harder than normal. The type of gas shouldn't make a difference either. I use the cheapiest garbage that I can find considering that the Octane here is either 85, 89 or 92. The 85 runs at $1.69 ave. What kind of air filter do you have?

MacD do you live in Columbus, Ohio? There is a Pick Up Plus in Hilliard that I go to all of the time. They want like 489.00 installed for a SuperChip programmer. Troyer at http://www.troyerperformance.com/cgi-bin/ppistore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=2715 has them for 361$ but if you call them they will sell it to you for 325$. I bought one from them and it works great. It takes about 10 minutes to install a new program. I keep switching back and forth between high performance and towing performance because I pull a horse trailer around.
Sonny

Sonny,

Yes, I'm in the Columbus area. That does sound a bit high for the PUPS guys. But then, that's not all that unusual.

For guys like me when it comes to the electrical end of things - it's sometimes easier to pay the money upfront for the product and install than it is for me to try and do it myself and then have someone fix it. Ran into that problem big time when I replaced the entire ignition system on my 92 Blazer. By time I finished, it cost me nearly $400 to get everything diagnosed and corrected. ABOVE the parts already purchased and my time to install them. Plus the down time on the truck. That was a big live an learn for me.

Guess what I'm saying is sometimes "price" isn't always the determining factor for me depending on what I'm buying.



The guys at Pick Ups Plus have my confidence and it's worth a bit more.

I know what you mean about letting someone that knows what they are doing install/repair something. I have tried the do-it-yourself thing too many times and have ended up in disaster. I tried to fix my wiper motor, broke the windshield, then found out it was the wiper delay circuit board in my last truck HeHe. Dusty usually takes care of me at Pick-Ups Plus. I have friends that buy all they truck stuff from them also. They really know trucks. I'm real glad they are so close to my home. It's hard to find good advice/products now a days.
Sonny

I'm not sure why your truck dropped the milage. I know when I first made the mod on my truck it dropped too but I think it was because I was spoiled with the increase in power and drove a little harder than normal. The type of gas shouldn't make a difference either. I use the cheapiest garbage that I can find considering that the Octane here is either 85, 89 or 92. The 85 runs at $1.69 ave. What kind of air filter do you have?

I have a K & N. I know what you mean by driving it harder, and I did that the first week so I just chalked that one up to that, but last week drove it like I normally drive it.

Keek an eye on the milage. I also keep a log of gas and when I first did the mod the milage went downbut the truck self compinsated. One thing that I also noticed is that my RPM's are running a ton lower. at 40 to 50 they are about 1000 to 1200 and it take me 80mph to push 2000 rpms. So i think the computer will adjust to the change on its own, it might just take a little to recognize the changes. As far as the gas miles in city I run between 14-16 and highway its all over the place 18-28. On the 28 I almost got 600 miles to the tank. But let me know what you get or if it gets better

should it be taken in and adjusted or put on a "terminal" and adjuted instead of letting it self-adjust?

600 miles to the tank!!!!! PLEASE let me in on your secret!!!! my 99 only gets like 320-340

The 600 was highway from VA beach to Detroit the total trip is 690 and I had to fill up just outside of toledo. I was shocked as well. In city I ave 370 to a tank. Your truck looks just like mine but I have the ext cab

should it be taken in and adjusted or put on a "terminal" and adjuted instead of letting it self-adjust?

I'm just basing the self adjust off of my truck. It did it on its own and I really noticed the milage increase and the rpms dropped. You might need to have it adjust but it should do it on its own...

Alright, in additnio to the Mass Flow Sensor screen removal I Have just continued the Free mod upgrade. In an earlier response some one suggested Cutting out the walls of the lower filter box, after about an hour of self prep time I decided to give it a try. "What the Hell"!!! I pulled off the lower mount box with ease and after looking it over decided to remove the air intake tube at the bottom and pulled off the other intake panel just above it. Then on the back side of the box, ( the side facing the antifreeze container ) I drilled a hole large enough to get my sawzall into it and removed a large portion of the side. I then sanded the rough edges to remove any small shards that could puncture the filter. I didn't remove the other side because of all the off-roading that I do I figure that it would keep any large amounts of water from reaching the filter itself. I then repalced everything any tried it out, let me tell you that my milage will be terrible this time because I have been punching it a ton more to try it out. I didn't notice an immediate increase at take off, it was once I got going that i notice the increase in power. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Give me a couple more tanks of gas to have fun with and then I will let you know how the milage went

So far I've installed a Hypertec, done the throttle-body bypass, installed a K&N FIPK, a 40 series single in, dual 2½ out flowmaster, and I don't really tell any difference in mileage. I had removed the screen prior to installing the FIPK, but have since then been told some horrible stories, so I put mine back in. Is there something I'm doing wrong here?

What are the average prices for exhaust systems. I would like to get on but I have to make sure that it is stainless steel system

Jeverett,
What horrible stories have you heard on the screen upgrade?

done the throttle-body bypass,
i may have missed this but what exactly is this?

the throttle bypass is where you un-hook the coolant lines that go through the throttle body, and just hook them back together with a brass coupler. Supposed to be good for a few horses. The stories I've heard about the screen are,

1.They smooth out air flow across the sensors, so by removing it, the air has moreu tuurbulance therefore screwing the air/fuel mixture up by not letting the ECU get accurate readings.

2. It doesnt keep some things out of the engine that get by the filter. I know if you have a good filter, this doesn't pertain.

Some also have said that it also gave less power and mileage after removed. I didn't really know what was true, so I just put it back in. Its not hard to take out, so if I ever found the truth out, I'd remove it again in a heartbeat. IF I'm wrong, please correct me, I'd like to know the real deal.

At the begining of this post, I was psyched and ready to pull the screen, now I am not so sure. I REALLY need mileage... I got 10.6 mpg :eek: on my last tank! It is a 6.0l, and I realize that, but it just gets worse, so any thing to help mileage, and performance of course would be great. I can't afford to lose any though, so should go for it, or not? Also, who has painted their calipers, and if you have, what type of paint, prepping process did you use. I have heard that the paint just wont stay, so I considered powder coating, but I imagine that could get pricey. PLEASE help with suggestions on the screen, I NEEEEEEDDDD the mileage!

DAMN MAN TAKE YOUR FOOT OF THE GAS! 10.5mpg.. I sit you not i have a 2000 silverado with 6.0 and i get anywhere from 17 to 20 mpg. on a long trip i got 22mpg. i get anywhere from 560 to 600 miles per tank. here is my advice on the screen, aftermarket MAF dont have screens. why should the stock? but i would suggest a K&N filter just in case.
BTW
2000 Silverado 6.0 Dual Flowmaster 40 series deltas, K&N FIPK, B&M stage 2street/strip shift kit, and some cheap little sensor i got off ebay that really works!!

on the K&N FIPK do you think you are really getting the full 9.5 hp as claimed?

use neverdull that works good on oxidation in referance to the mass air oxidation.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/501/109997Untitled-1-med.jpg

thats a badass truck dog. on the FIPK.. you can DEFINATLEY feel the acceleration. alot faster throttle response. but my .02, go with the AIRAID. K&N is anywhere from 230 to 300 the airaid is about 100. i drove a friends with an airaid and it has about the same benefits.
http://www.kandn.com/dynocharts/57-3023.jpg

The AirRaid is only $100? Thats not bad, especially if it helps my gas! I will get an exhaust, I just dont know how soon, and prob a aftermarket maf. Thanks for the suggestions!

use neverdull that works good on oxidation in referance to the mass air oxidation.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/501/109997Untitled-1-med.jpg

Hey I was looking at the whipple superchargers. It must have burned a hole in your pocket when you first got it but the after result must be incredible as far as HP and gid-e-up.

I took my screen out today and...........didnt notice a difference

OK Phix I removed the MAF screen and after running it for 2 weeks my gas mileage has actually gone down 2 MPG. I have have kept a record of my gas mileage for the past year and the past 2 weeks are the worst on my spreadsheet. I always get gas at the same place so I dont think anything has changed there. Do I need to reset the computer for it to realize the increase in air flow. If so, how do I do that?



the best thing to do is to reset ur cpu.. now about doing it on ur truck i dont know how but it is most likely u will have to pull a couple of fusses then turn ur truck on but not start it.. gm is known for using fusses to reset the cpu.. but i would buy a haynes book or something simular..the best thing to do after u reset ur cpu is to drive normal no wild driving for a few days to allow ur cpu to reprogram ur air to fuel ratio and so forth..by doing this u WILL lose some performance but thats normal for reprograming

another thing not all trucks/cars are going to react the same to the screen removal.

to reset the ECU turn the key to the run position, not start just before it where everything is on. then fully depress the accelerator 3 times then shut the ignition off. then start back up. this works after adding a mod. it also clears off your change engine oil light.

Okie...I bought a set of factory fog lights and just found out that the computer needs to be reprogammed to make them work. Will the ignition think work for me or do I need to go to a dealer?
Sonny

to reset the ECU turn the key to the run position, not start just before it where everything is on. then fully depress the accelerator 3 times then shut the ignition off. then start back up. this works after adding a mod. it also clears off your change engine oil light.


wow thats a neat way to reset ur cpu/ecu thanks for the info

ryan

You know that makes sense. Because right after I removed the screen I had to change the oil and reset the oil light so I wonder if thats why I was able to notice the truck acepting the difference.

Will reseting the cpu work with adding fog lights too??

I'm guessing that No, it will not work. Now I don't know for sure, but the way I'm thinking that if you reset it, it goes back to the factory defaults, which if your truck does not have fog-lights, was not programmed with the fog-light option.

As for the screen, I'm going home and remove my Hypertech, remove the MAF screen, reset the CPU and then re-install the chip. Maybe that was my problem to start with.

jeverett do u have the programer or just the chip?? if u have the programer u should be able to just hook it up and tune it for the screen removeal for better results

Hwo does the chip work, I know that some of them will increase HP and some change the shifting points of the truck but how does it inprove the performance??

I have the programmer, but I haven't seen any options for tuning for intake mods etc...

phix it improves performance in a# of ways. u can change shift points(to stay in ur power band longer)ect.. things like that plus more hp = better top end and so forth... u wont get much out of it but ive seen ppl get 3 to 4 tenths quicker at the track.

jeverett

u should have an option for A/F air/ fuel ratio do u have that option?? if not just reset the pcu/ecu(same thing)

hey guys, i have a 89 silverado tbi 350. its bone stock performance wise, and i am in high school. i wanna get some more cheap power. i only make about $350 a month so i am on a budget(especially since i get like 11 or 12 to a gallon). Also i have a pretty small amount of experience with cars. any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Wade

thats a badass truck dog. on the FIPK.. you can DEFINATLEY feel the acceleration. alot faster throttle response. but my .02, go with the AIRAID. K&N is anywhere from 230 to 300 the airaid is about 100. i drove a friends with an airaid and it has about the same benefits.
http://www.kandn.com/dynocharts/57-3023.jpg
where can i get an airaid for only 100 dollars?!

hey guys, i have a 89 silverado tbi 350. its bone stock performance wise, and i am in high school. i wanna get some more cheap power. i only make about $350 a month so i am on a budget(especially since i get like 11 or 12 to a gallon). Also i have a pretty small amount of experience with cars. any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Wade

i guess u could do some free mods?? to the intake system port and polish tb but i dont know if u could or not with the injectors there, an air box.. save up for an exh.. system its kinda hard to mod on a budget trust me.. if u get ur engine to breathe better intake and exhaust and u stay out of the throttle u will pick up some gas mileage..

Airaid 109 bucks at local auto zone in oklahoma
as for the ecu reset adjusting to fog lights, maybe if the sensor was there like it is there for the temp gauge but not equipped. its worth a shot, it takes about 3 seconds.

jeverett

u should have an option for A/F air/ fuel ratio do u have that option?? if not just reset the pcu/ecu(same thing)

I haven't seen that option when I program it, but I could be overlooking it. This is the GEN 3 Hypertech programmer. For the ECU, I reset it before or after I program it?

phix it improves performance in a# of ways. u can change shift points(to stay in ur power band longer)ect.. things like that plus more hp = better top end and so forth... u wont get much out of it but ive seen ppl get 3 to 4 tenths quicker at the track.

jeverett

u should have an option for A/F air/ fuel ratio do u have that option?? if not just reset the pcu/ecu(same thing)

Does it increase the amount of torque as well??

just bought a k&n filter. oils soakin in right now.

jeverett i would assume you would program it after you reset thr ecu, but i would give the ecu time to reprogram its self first..


phix any time u have a hp incress u should gain some torque but its not like ur going to gain that much power from thr programmer

yeah, this is a dumb question, but How long does the ECU take to reprogram itself? Would a 90 mile trip be enough?

yea 90 should be enough time i usally wait a coulpe of days but then again i dont drive 90 at one time.. just make sure u drive normal NO playing cause that will change the effects on ur air fuel mixture in the ecu.. u will notice a perfomance drop but dont worry about it its just the ecu reprogramming its self:)

Well good deal, I'll un-program it, and reset the ecu before I leave this afternoon. Maybe this is the reason I haven't seen the results everyone talks about with my FIPK...

Sounds stupid but did you plug your MAF back up?

yeah, i did

and you reset the ecu by turning the key hitting the as turning off etc...?

Ok a while back I anounced that I had cut out the bottom of the air filter box. Once I got done playing I checked my milage and it increased just one mpg to 19mpg in city. I havn't tried it yet on the highway but I will let everyone know what the result is.

Good Morning.. I am now 90 miles away from home, after resetting my ECU, and then reinstalling my Hypertech, the only place I drove to is Zaxby's. I'll be driving about another 100 miles today, so I'll definately notice if there was a difference. I do know that while stock, the truck seemed to get better mileage, but I haven't tested to prove so.

well, hope you figure it out soon. you sure are racking up the miles

HEy does anyone know where I could get a brush guard with headlight guards for cheap???? I had a close encounter with a heard of Elk yesterday.

e bay man, i found a brand new chrome westin for $100 once

Believe it or not, i got 16.1 mpg on that tank. Just luck? Let's sure hope not.

600 miles to the tank!!!!! PLEASE let me in on your secret!!!! my 99 only gets like 320-340

I'd sure like to know how your getting 320-340. You must have a 4.8L

i have the 5.3L and i am getting any where from 375 to 388 a tank in city.

I have the 5.3, and I drive like a bat out of hell most of the time... Where I live there isn't even a stoplight the town is so small, so most of my driving is crusing back roads. I usually average about the same even if i get a call in the middle of the night and have to run 80+ to the FD.