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….

Bump!

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

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...

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 Nasty:smokin:2500HD thats lifted he may be able to give you some tips and advice.

Good luck and enjoy your new truck.
-Jimmy

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 Nasty:smokin:2500HD 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...

Okay... testing out my signature with pics..

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?

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.

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?

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

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 =).

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.

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

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?

lots of big ideas...not saying i didnt think the same but oh well. i would think there are several more important things than a lift, yes it looks cool but that is the complete wrong reason to buy one. If you buy a lift cuz it looks cool with big tires and all you have just wasted a lot of money. I personally would do bolt on mods first, like intake kit, throttle body spacer, after mkt MAF, etc. and exhuast is also an important must. if you have money to burn on a big lift think about how often you would use it, like if you only go muddin like once a week or so thats definatly not worth it....for that much money how about a supercharger, i would take 150 extra hp over a lift anyday.

$55 a tank? do u let it go completly empty b4 u fill it up? if so i would suggest not to. You might run into fuel sensor problems in the future. I never let it go past 1/4. I put 89 in mine and ususlly $20 - $30 at a time, I can get 89 for $1.99 here in Philly. $20 will usually fill it up but not top it off completly. As fot the other mods, I had a large wish list as well when I first got my truck. Dont get me wrong, im not trying to discourage you, but make sure you look into everything extensivly before you buy anything. Good Luck.

$55 a tank? do u let it go completly empty b4 u fill it up? if so i would suggest not to. You might run into fuel sensor problems in the future. I never let it go past 1/4. I put 89 in mine and ususlly $20 - $30 at a time, I can get 89 for $1.99 here in Philly. $20 will usually fill it up but not top it off completly. As fot the other mods, I had a large wish list as well when I first got my truck. Dont get me wrong, im not trying to discourage you, but make sure you look into everything extensivly before you buy anything. Good Luck.


I fill up usually when the low fuel light comes on. And it has always been about $55 per tank.

Yes, I want to research everything before I buy... that's why I am coming here. I talked to a local truck shop and they just loved to shove me quotes for $15K+ to do all the mods....

lots of big ideas...not saying i didnt think the same but oh well. i would think there are several more important things than a lift, yes it looks cool but that is the complete wrong reason to buy one. If you buy a lift cuz it looks cool with big tires and all you have just wasted a lot of money. I personally would do bolt on mods first, like intake kit, throttle body spacer, after mkt MAF, etc. and exhuast is also an important must. if you have money to burn on a big lift think about how often you would use it, like if you only go muddin like once a week or so thats definatly not worth it....for that much money how about a supercharger, i would take 150 extra hp over a lift anyday.


Wow.... I never even considered a supercharger. Thanks for the idea... Now I want the lift and the supercharger...lol

Lift definately looks nice, but I would most likely only use it for looks. I don't offroad too much except when I am trying to show off. So I guess a supercharger would be more feasable.

K&N intake and Dual Flowmaster Catback exhaust are coming in the next few days. I'll try to post some pics and videos. Hopefully with that alone, I will notice a really nice sound, and performance increase.

Complete audio system upgrade is a must. Too bad there isn't any room in the rear for any subs, except for the stealth boxes which cost $500+

Supercharger, Lift, Programmer... come much later....much much later...lol

So what does a throttle body spacer do? How my HP gain is it? What else does it do?



Once again you are all awesome!!! Love the forums...learned soo much in just a day.

I dont think you will chirp second.. I dont beat on my truck so I cant say that ive tried and it wont work..What you are looking for is a shift kit...

As for the intake, it makes quite a bit of noise, but it doesnt sound bad.
I did notice a difference in my lower end power after installing it.
-Jimmy

lots of big ideas...not saying i didnt think the same but oh well. i would think there are several more important things than a lift, yes it looks cool but that is the complete wrong reason to buy one. If you buy a lift cuz it looks cool with big tires and all you have just wasted a lot of money. I personally would do bolt on mods first, like intake kit, throttle body spacer, after mkt MAF, etc. and exhuast is also an important must. if you have money to burn on a big lift think about how often you would use it, like if you only go muddin like once a week or so thats definatly not worth it....for that much money how about a supercharger, i would take 150 extra hp over a lift anyday.
:rolleyes: Some people prefer suspension/exterior/etc mods and some prefer to mod the engine. What is this infatuation so many people have who think just b/c you lift a truck and not use it off-road your wasting it, or if you lower a truck its "useless". For Pete's-Sake! Can everyone just realize that people like to drive what they drive. Everyones mentallity is different.

Just a little rant, not meant to offend you or anyone.:)

Actually I just realized your truck is 2wd. That changes things. Go talk to a few shops and see what they say. It's WAY easier to lift a 2wd and cheaper.

:rolleyes: Some people prefer suspension/exterior/etc mods and some prefer to mod the engine.

Actually I just realized your truck is 2wd. That changes things. Go talk to a few shops and see what they say. It's WAY easier to lift a 2wd and cheaper.


Awsome... I was kinda thinking your quote was really high when I first saw it. From what I have been reading I can get a 7" lift with shocks for $1,800 plus install. Then I would need 35" rimes plus tires for an additional $1,500 +/- So I am guessing a 7" lift installed with rims and tires would run about $3,800 +/- Does that seem about right?

check out www.ststurbo.com They have a turbo charger setup that appears to be very awesome. As for the programmer, you might want to look into www.nelsontune.com , this replaces your current pcm, but is much more tunable than the hypertech.

I can cherp into second every once in a wile, just with an intake and exhaust.... Today I borrowed my dads truck which is the same thing as mine but a reg. cab. His is bone stock, same 4.8, his is an 02' and that make me realize that these mods actually do add a good amount of power. I can only hope a programer or a tune would help me out alot more.

I am going to get the true duals Flowmaster exhaust system installed today. I'll try to post some pics, and maybe a video.

Geez... now after reading all the post regarding 6" and higher lifts sucking all your power away, and killing your fuel mileage, I am starting to think again about a lift.

Would a simple 6" lift make a large difference in horsepower and fuel mpg? What about a 4" ?

Larger tires are what will rob you of power because the engine has to work harder to turn them. If you want a big lift with all the power you would need to get a different ring and pinion set to maintain the engine's power thru a lower gear ratio. However the lower the gear ratio is you will have less overall top speed, and also lower gear ratio's are what kill kill your gas mileage. This is why i said before that if you don't plan on using it frequently for offroading and such it i rather impractical to have a truck with a big lift for your daily driver. However a nice comprimise would be something like a 4" lift and maybe a little body lift so you could get 35" tires under it. With 35" tires you should be safe running a 4.10 gear set and still have plenty of power w/o going thru gas like its water.

Just because it says "Driver 1" does not mean you have the DIC or the ability to access the info. I installed the power blinker mirrors and thought I would be able to replace the windows control box and get the power fold and curb assist features. when I asked the dealer to program these features the tech said that the ECM is different for the DIC and those features required the DIC ECM. So, unless he was BS'ing the answer is that you can't get to the DIC without the right ECM and the steering wheel controls.

Geez... now after reading all the post regarding 6" and higher lifts sucking all your power away, and killing your fuel mileage, I am starting to think again about a lift.

Would a simple 6" lift make a large difference in horsepower and fuel mpg? What about a 4" ?
I've driven my friends Z71 with a 6" lift and it seemed fine. He has 18's with nitto off road tires i believe. I didn't notice any big difference in power or anything.

i hate to be the one to shit in your wheaties but you sound like your out to tear this truck up.you want a monster lift on a 2wd with tires and wheels ( you say 35" rims) for under 4k? you can barely get a nice set of tires and wheels for that. you say your 19, do you have a job?, college? mom and dad loaded? or its propably your just still on the high coming out of your escort. You are going to be the guy in here in a year saying chevys suck and are just a piece because you would rather look cool then have a dependable truck. you want to chirp second to be cool, who cares about tires or drive train? supercharger plus nitrous? you have a $425+ monthly payment plus propably close to $200 for insurance and your talking about modding your truck for over $35K on $15K truck?

i hate to be the one to shit in your wheaties but you sound like your out to tear this truck up.you want a monster lift on a 2wd with tires and wheels ( you say 35" rims) for under 4k? you can barely get a nice set of tires and wheels for that. you say your 19, do you have a job?, college? mom and dad loaded? or its propably your just still on the high coming out of your escort. You are going to be the guy in here in a year saying chevys suck and are just a piece because you would rather look cool then have a dependable truck. you want to chirp second to be cool, who cares about tires or drive train? supercharger plus nitrous? you have a $425+ monthly payment plus propably close to $200 for insurance and your talking about modding your truck for over $35K on $15K truck?
:screwy: WTF? You can do things to your truck/car and still drive them daily dependability as long as no shortcuts are taken.

Hey 03 silverado
Congrats on your purchase. Before you do all kinds of stuff you may want to save up some money for a while especially with the rediculous gas prices. As for a lift, why would you want to lift a truck unless you plan to take it offroad?? Also is your truck only a 2wd?? If it is I don't see any purpose in lifting it unless you just like the look.Lifting a vehicle can not only hurt gas mileage but also wear and tear on other components in your truck. Go for the dual exhaust though, that'll sound sweeeet.... good Luck with your truck :)

i hate to be the one to shit in your wheaties but you sound like your out to tear this truck up.you want a monster lift on a 2wd with tires and wheels ( you say 35" rims) for under 4k? you can barely get a nice set of tires and wheels for that. you say your 19, do you have a job?, college? mom and dad loaded? or its propably your just still on the high coming out of your escort. You are going to be the guy in here in a year saying chevys suck and are just a piece because you would rather look cool then have a dependable truck. you want to chirp second to be cool, who cares about tires or drive train? supercharger plus nitrous? you have a $425+ monthly payment plus propably close to $200 for insurance and your talking about modding your truck for over $35K on $15K truck?

Brutal! But true!!! :cwm27:

Hey Silverado,
As far as the stereo goes, I have a 2000 GMC Sierra (exact same as Silv) and have installed a dual 10" MTX Thunderform. I can post pics in a couple of days, have them on camera, not on computer yet. They sound pretty good for bass, though not for competition or anything. I only have the stock MTX Road Thunder 4500s in there because I only have 300 watts rms. When I get a few more $$$$, plan on getting 2 JL w3s with a new amp or 2 JL w6s (old ones) with current amp as they will fit in the box. It hits about 130 db now, expect about 140 after new subs. Nothing compared to the 146.1db I had with 2 JL w6 12s with same amp in a tiny Nissan ext cab pickup, but sounds pretty good for not being in the way at all. (To compare, I had a friend with 8 kicker 15s professionally installed with PP amp and about 1000 watts in tiny CRX and it hit only 143db).

There is also room to mount the sub amp on top of the box, but under the rear seat. My mid/tweet amp is mounted against the back wall, still have access to factory jack and settings on both amps. Did install with a buddy in about 4 hours including deck, looks professional.

Hope this helps.

Hello all..


Okay, after having my truck in the shop for 3 days, I finally got it back today. I just bought and installed...

Dual Series 40 Flowmasters going out the rear of the truck with 3" piping ($325)

Competition Audio System
-- Mp3/CD/Radio Head Unit ( $500 )
-- 2 Kicker Solo Baric Subs ( $800 )
-- 3 EFX Amps ( $1500 )
-- 2 Optima Yellow Top Batteries ( $300 )
-- Custom Molded Box ( $250 )
-- MB Quart 6 1/2" Component System with Mids And Highs and a custom crossovers In The Front ( $400 )
-- MB Quart 4 1/2" Component System with Mids and Highs in the Rear with a custom crossover ( $325 )

Viper Remote Start Alarm System ( $500 )



My radio is ULTRA loud but VERY clear even at full volume. The subwoofers are underneath the rear seats ( I have the extended cab ), and the amps are mounted against the rear wall. Everything looks stock except for the head unit, but when you power this on... your heart stops from the LOUD a** music. I don't always listen to it that loud, but I am 19 am love the loud music. Right now I have a competition ready audio system

Next upgrades would probably be a 6" or 4" lift with bigger rims and tires, a K&N cold air intake system, a throttle body spacer, and a performance MAF sensor... but I need to save up more cash for all of this.


Going to take my truck to the dyno probably next week to see what the flowmasters did for me.

Had to update my signature to shows these mods.

I will post some more pics of the exhaust and the sound system later...

What size speakers? How many cubic feet per chamber (mine has .9)? How many watts is your sub amp rms (not peak)? Can't believe that subs under rear seat are ULTRA loud and "competition ready", unless your definition is around 135 db. My 146.1db was second in my watt class, which I was WAY underpowered (for a reason) at 300 watts rms for 12" w6s. That was competition ready (though my install was not at the time). The same competition, the unlimited class was around 157db, and I live in Montana. In other more populus states, I would not have even come close. I would be interested in pics and a db rating (most shops will do it for about $10).

What size speakers? How many cubic feet per chamber (mine has .9)? How many watts is your sub amp rms (not peak)? Can't believe that subs under rear seat are ULTRA loud and "competition ready", unless your definition is around 135 db. My 146.1db was second in my watt class, which I was WAY underpowered (for a reason) at 300 watts rms for 12" w6s. That was competition ready (though my install was not at the time). The same competition, the unlimited class was around 157db, and I live in Montana. In other more populus states, I would not have even come close. I would be interested in pics and a db rating (most shops will do it for about $10).

Hello,

For the front speakers in my Silverado, I am running (2) 6 1/2" MB Quart component systems with crossovers ( mids and tweeters )

For the rear speakers I have (2) 4 1/2" Alpine component systems ( mids and tweeters ) with crossovers ( don't know what exact model ).

I am running 3 amps, all new 2004 EFX models. I have one amp to EACH solo baric pushing 600 watts RMS. I have another 4 channel amp pushing 100 watts RMS to EACH speaker.

I also have the Alpine CDA9835 CD/MP3/WMA receiver head unit which I paid $500 for. It has soo many options and features, I have yet to learn them all.

Don't know my DB rating yet, but I am considering getting it checked out this week.


I will try to post some pics here later...