03 Silverado with 4.3l - V8? Perf upgrades?

I have a 2003 Silverado Extended cab with a 4.3l v6 and automatic transmission. I've put about 16k miles on it.

Im not happy with performance and Im not happy with mpg. I dont think much of the interior either.

If I had great performance, I could overlook the 16mpg on the highway. If I had great mpg, I could overlook the feeling of a 14 second 0-60 trip.

I know that this engine is supposed to pump out 200 hp. What the heck?

If I could drop $2k in it and have another 50-100 hp... I'd be happy. Im wondering what it would cost to pull the V6 and drop a v8 in it... seems to me that the 350 and v6 kind of fit the same trannys. Anyone know what a replacement like this would cost?

I've thought of trading it in... but the market is rotten right now. I paid 21k for it less than a year ago - trade-in here in North Carolina is about 14k. I just can't take a 7k hit for driving it a year.

Any suggestions???

I have an '03 SIlverado with the 4.3 and Auto transmission and I get 21.5 - 22 MPG on the highway. I don't drive slow, but my truck seems like I have to push it a lot harder to go 70-72 than I do to go 65 MPH.

Mine is stock, I'm thinking about a K&N, exhaust or tonneau cover to help boost the mileage some.

Well - Ive thought about it... I thought about going the cold intake... and the perf exhaust, and adding decent seats and some trim stuff - but I just cant see sinking the money into this truck. Im going to trade it. Thanks anyway.

Get A BIGGER ENGINE both of you stop playing with the kiddy stuff

Your gas mileage and performance will increase also!!!!

Oh yeah and as far as trade in value you can buy a used V8 truck for like 16k