where's the stuff for 2005s?

alright, so i'm new to the silverado game, but i'm not new to the aftermarket (i've owned two jeeps -- i'm definitely familiar with modifications). i want to know two things:
first, can i assume that pretty much every aftermarket product that fits the 2004 model will fit the 2005? if not what cannot, or if its easier what can be interchangeable (and i'm talking without modification). one component in particular is the cold air intake kit -- will any of these for the 2003-2004 model fit my 2005?
second, i have a z71 with the 5.3 in it. throttle response is so-so and i really feel like its weak in the lower rpms. i'm not looking to drag race this thing, but i would like to be able to make my girlfriend squeal a little when i hit the go pedal. so what mods should i be looking at to improve this? know that i'm a college student but i'm working full time this summer (therefore i have some money, but not tons), and that fuel mileage and dependability are important to me (i want this truck to last at least 200,000 mi.).

here's a list of things i've been thinking about, feel free to discuss these or add something else:

exhaust- dual? are the aftermarket complete kits (gibson, borla, etc.) worth the extra money? headers?
ignition upgrade- is there an msd or dui kit for this engine? how about high flow wires? performance distributor?
cold air intake- which brand? is this the est intake method without paying for a super/turbocharger?
chip - are there any chips out there that are worth the money? what kind of gains can you really expect?

alright, maybe that'll get ya'll started. thanks for helping an ignorant young fool.

-Gareth

Sup Gareth,

Your truck will last you 200,000+ miles with proper service and good care.

Exhaust - If you go with headers spring for a set of long tubes. I hear you dont really gain on shorties with these motors. I'd probably just go with a stainless catback system (I really like the sound of Corsa) if you aren't planning to build the motor up. With true duals (depending on the setup) you'd probably loose too much backpressure, this leads to a loss of lowend power and eventually burnt valves.

Ignition - Probably not really worth messing with... it might just give you problems. I think the V8s are not distributed anymore.

Intake - K&N and Airaid are good intake kits to go with. You'll notice a bit more throttle response and 1 or 2 mpg. If you do mudding I'd go with one that has an enclosed filter element so you dont suck up mud or water.

Chip - www.nelsonperformance.com. Guys here seem to like the custom PCM tunes Allen Nelson has to offer. Other programmers/PCMs don't cost much less and still don't offer the flexibility a custom tune does.

I don't know how long you've been here but we've got some guys running really quick quarters (Slowprocess ~12.5 on a N/A 6.0). There are guys out there that have hit the 10 second mark with NBS Silverados! These trucks are totally fun and capable of lots of power. Possibilities are endless. You just need a fat wallet and a little mechanical ability.

so nobody else knows anything about this? well, big thanks to brandon for helpin' out. if anyone else thinks of something feel free...

Depending on how much money some money is and the experience of your modding abilities, real power will come from internal engine mods. Namely a cam kit and/or intake manifold. If i were to re-start my mods i would have done that, but ppl usually build up to the bigger things later anyway.

Or, first get exhaust. For a full setup try to find long tube headers, high flow cats or O2 sims, i like having cut outs, and flowmasters are my favorite muffler.

I personally dont see much advantage in an open element filter, sucks worthless hot air from around the engine. I dont know how newer trucks intake are setup but a ram-air intake would be ideal. Throttle body spacers are cheap and will give some ump, at least for a 350. Also a big power plus, but not cheap at all, would be a larger throttle body. Usually $350+.

IMO plug in programmer are worthless, a nelson tune garuntees more power than any programmer and they are $50 less than hypertech for my truck.

Other things guys do are dual electric fans and pullies to free up some power from the engine. Or if your feeling ballsy, nitrous kits usually run about $600.

I got the Corsa exhaust and it is awsome. It roars when you stomp on it but it is nice and quiet in the cab when cruizin. Check it out CORSA SOUNDS (http://www.corsaperf.com/flashsilverado.htm) . I also got a K&N intake for an 04 but had to modify it slightly for my trans cooler. I don't know about the Nelson tune but the Superchips MAX Microtuner works well for me.