I'm interested in getting the Diablo Sport Predator Tuner. I'm looking for more power and torque to pull my work trailer and sometimes my boat. Will the Diablo help me out in any way? Does anyone else have another tuner that works better than Diablo or another suggestion for more power? Thanks for the help.

 

freeing up the intake and exhaust will give you big gains, as well a reprogram. I would go that route first then look at a programmer if you still want. The programmer really doesn't seem to give much improvement from what I have heard.

 

I disagree. I felt that a programmer makes a significnt difference whenI got mine done. I'm just debating and procrastinating getting a cold air intake and exhaust since I don't drive it as much any more.

 

Just buy a drop-in K&N filter and cut a hole in the front of the airbox, under the filter line. Unbolt the exhaust at the connection under the passenger's seat. You can either tie the exhaust to the frame with bailing wire, or take it off completely. Then, go get a custom tune. Many companies offer this service. PCMforless.com does it for $250. Works much better than a programmer. I highly recommend a 160 degree thermostat and headers, too. Best "bang for the buck".

 

I wouldnt get the 160 thermostat if you want your truck to start good, and the headers arnt a need unless you are really wanting to take your truck to the tracks... cut out exaust under the cab is too loud, and cutting a hole in your airbox destroys resale value. If you want a little more power for towing and goin up hills, then just stick with the cold air intake, and exaust system. If your not pleased with that, then maybe headers and a reprogram. I just dont see wasting all that money up front if your just lookin at carrieing your family and towing small things. If you want to soup that puppy up fast, then the headers and reprogram, etc. might be realistic options to save up for...

 

As previously stated, I would start with a cold air intake. In addition, a throttle body spacer would be beneficial. If you add exhaust, you'll reduce a lot of back pressure. With these three things, you will see a significant increase in horsepower and torque. If you're not satisfied with the gains, then think about a reprogram. I have a 2001 with the 5.3L and the items I mentioned aboved made huge gains in my performance. I would not waste your time or money with headers. The manifolds on 2001 and 2002 5.3L are pretty decent. However, if you're still not satisfied after a reprogram, by all means, add the headers.

 

Headers madea big difference for me. Less downshifting on hills. A lot of people have said the 160 'stat makes trucks run rough in cold weather, but I havn't found it to be true. A throttle body bypass will make it run rough in cold weather, though. If the unbolted exhaust is too loud for you, just hook it back up. I also tried cutting the exhaust just before the muffler and it wasn't too loud. Gave it more power at lower rpm's but slight loss of power at higher rpm as compared to the unbolted. The throttle body spacer is a GREAT idea. Just check your clearance between the air tube and the fan shroud. Might need to cut it.