03 Silverado with 4.3l - V8? Perf upgrades?

[jakerson9]

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???

[danv]

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.

[jakerson9]

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.

[01Blackerado]

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

[01Blackerado]

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

[01Blackerado]

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