Going to start upgrading my c1500

I am 17 and have finally started saving money from my job. Got about $1000 in the bank and would like to start increasing my 1998 c1500's performance. I want to start with simple things that i can do myself. I dont have a great knowledge of the mechanics of vehicles, but I do have some knowledge. I was gonna start with a k&n filter, throttle body spacer and other things that some sites say are fairly easy to install. What suggestions do all of you have on what i could do to increase performance and fuel efficiency? After simple stuff is over, what is best to have installed by a professional? After performance is finished, then i will start to improve the looks. thanks.
oh, i already have dual exhaust (glass pack), thats it.

the K&N filter is a good start.

The spacer, however, I would not do. Some think they do actually do something, but I and most others say they do not (at least for what they cost).

Is it 2wd or 4wd? One thing you could do is change the ring and pinion gears (in the axle housing) to a lower ratio--numerically higher. However, I would recomend taking this one to a mechanic.

Other things a mechanic could do are things like a cam/lifters/intake and all that sort of stuff.

What other types of things are you thinking of (i.e. what do you plan on using the truck for)???

its a 2wd. its mostly going to be for daily driving, just want to feel some extra umph. a friend told me about a drag strip about 40 miles away where people can come and race, just for fun races, nothing professional or even amatuer really. thought i might take it over there if i get it to a level where it wont get shown up by little plain all stock cars. also, would high flow catalytic converters be much of an upgrade, or would i not notice much difference from current ones? and are tornadoes any good?

C1500 is 2wd, k1500 is 4x4 :)

C1500 is 2wd, k1500 is 4x4 :)

That is true. But, a lot of people don't have a clue what they're talking about...so I wanted to be sure :smokin:

Did I miss what size motor and tranny he has? Sometimes the best upgrade is cubic inches!!

Cubic inch of engine can be increased? Of course i would have to take it to a mechanic, but how much of an increase would i see (pretty sure its a 350, mom bought it from a guy and never asked for engine size, and no instruction manual or anything saying what size it is, but brothers say they think its 350 and not 305. how can i tell for sure anyway?) How much would increasing cubic inch size cost?

The cylinder walls are bored out, which requires the use of a larger diameter (bore) piston...causing a larger displacement. you can also stroke it, where the piston has an increased up/down movement (stroke) than stock.

If it's a 350, a 383 stroker is the common thing to do. You can search around for more info on them if you aren't familiar with this engine.

If it's a 305, you can increase it to a 350. A 350 has the exact same size block and everything, but it is simply a factory bored/stroked 305.

This can all get pretty spendy though if you want it done right.

there should be a sticker under the hood that will tell you whether it is a 4.3L, 5.0L (305), or 5.7L(350). It should be on the radiator support. BTW 305 & 350 look identical.

Also you can take the vin number to a dealer, local Autozone or post it here and someone will probably tell you what engine you have.
Increasing to a 383 is really pretty expensive. I didn't know what engine you have, that is why I posted about cubic inches. I just uprated from a 4.3 to a shiny chrome 5.0 in my '88. It made a BIG difference. If I would quit procrastinating (read being lazy) and set the distributor back a tooth it would run even better!

You're 17, probably your 1st (maybe 2nd) vehicle. Sounds like you don't have have any notable mechanical apptitude, but thats all right we were all young, dumb, and full of cum at one time!! What I'm trying to say is K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) No offense is meant but these trucks no matter if it's a 4.3L or 5.7L have alot of balls stock. I understand the need for speed but everything that is gonna make a significant difference is gonna cost alot of $$$ One major modifaction can make it to were another major modification is needed in which yet another mod, and so on and so on. You've got duals, thats good, do the K&N thing, thats good but the rest is either worthless or out of your league and/or pocket book. I've heard the throttle body spacer is a waste of money, good in theory but results don't add up and the Tornado thing.....do you honestly think that thing can do anything?? All it's good for is making it SOUND like your sucking in more air. It's a device marketed to unknowledgable people with very little money (i.e. new male drivers) to buy so that they (Tornado company) can make a quick profit. Save your $$$, you got a nice truck w/ lots of balls stock so enjoy it and if anything, learn to be a good driver. Not all races are won with the fastest car, driver has a lot to do with it!!

pm me your vin number...I will tell you evrything that there is to get out of that number. :)

I dont want to get some vin number off a replaced part or anything, so where can i get the number and be sure its right?