3 Best Performance Mods/Upgrades for Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD – Buying guide
Are You in search of best performance upgrades for your GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 HD?
If yes!
Then you landed at right place.
Here in this article you will find the Top 3 Best upgrades + additional bonus Mods that will helps you in boosting your GM Truck’s performance level.
After reading this article you will be ready with the combination of Best Mods that will shoots the horsepower, torque and MPGs while maintaining the engine sound and looks of your truck.
This list is totally based upon our research and customer reviews. If you want to add any other mod in this list, Feel free to comment we will add that in this list later on.
So without wasting much time let’s start our list of 3 Best Mods/Upgrades combination that will boost the performance level of your beast
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Here we go!
#3 Performance Upgrade with K&N 63-3101 P Performance Air Intake System(boosts up to 14+ Hp)
Cold Air intake plays a important role in vehicle performance level.
Basically the purpose of Air Intake is to deliver right amount of air into engine. Cold air intake sucked cold air and mix it with fuel, burnt and exhausted. And as the density of cold air is much higher than of hot air, cold air brings more oxygen and makes more power.
You will see improved performance with more horsepower, acceleration and gas mileage along with good sound by using cold air intake in your vehicle.
Now moving towards our First mod and one of the best air intake that boost the performance level of your GM Trucks is K&N Performance Air Intake Kit 63-3101.
So,whether you have to Haul cargo ,tow or climb the stope – the K&N Performance Cold Air Intake Kit is your best bet to boost up your performance level of your truck.
Before moving forward let’s take a look on manufacturer- K&N Engineering, of Riverside, California, is the inventor and leading innovator of reusable cotton gauze filter technology for automotive applications.
K&N exists as both the sales and brand leader for performance filters, and maintains a stocking catalogue of over 3,500 part numbers, including an extensive line of both factory replacement drop-in filters, FIPK (Fuel Injection Performance Kit) applications, and its line of innovative Performance Gold oil filters.
Now Coming towards the Performance Cold Air Intake Kit- it is custom designed for your specific made , make and model.
The K&N 63-3101 Air Charger air intake system replaces the restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing on specific Chevy/GMC HD models.
K&N air intakes are designed to dramatically reduce air intake restriction as well as smooth and straighten air flow.
This allows your engine to inhale a larger amount of air than the factory air filter assembly. More air means more usable power and acceleration throughout the engine’s RPM range.
The air intake comes with a chrome topped K&N high-flow air filter and a heat shield that installs into the original air box space.
Air is directed through an aerodynamically engineered intake tube into the engine’s throttle body and turbo inlet for a guaranteed power gain.
The tube accommodates the factory air temperature sensor. The oversized cone shaped air filter can be used for up to 100,000 miles before servicing is needed depending on driving conditions.
This air intake is relatively easy to install, usually in 90 minutes or less using your vehicle’s existing factory mounting points. The tools needed are a screwdriver and an Allen wrench.
Check out Customer reviews and ratings
Key Features
- Fits on Chevy Silverado / GMC Sieraa 2500HD/3500HD
- Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower and performance
- Designed to improve throttle response and engine sound
- Add up to 14 horsepower to the pedal
- Comes with Largest possible K&N Filter charger cotton-gauze filter (washable & Reusable)
- Lasts up to 100,000 miles before service is required (depending on driving conditions)
- Replaces entire factory air intake system
- Free-flowing high density polyethylene tube
- Easy installation with details instructions and a complete hardware kit
Check Top 4 Best Cold Air Intakes for All GMC/Chevy trucks Models Year-wise
#2 Exhaust Update with aFe DPF-back Exhaust System
Never chained down your beast with restrictive stock equipment. Rather set it free and unleashes every pinch of power it can pump out.
The best way to free your ride and experience the high-speed difference is to install ATLAS 4″ Aluminized Steel DPF-Back Exhaust System.
aFe DPF-Back System basically are constructed from 4″ mandrel-bent aluminized steel tubing and uses high quality band clamps and OE-style bayonet hangers.
It is one of another best way and ultimate exhaust upgrade to boost performance level by adding notable amount of HP and torque in your ride.
aFe Designed the exhaust system in very impressive way. It comes with Smooth transition bends in the tubing that will offers low turbulence ultimately increasing horsepower, torque and lowering EGTs.
Moreover, the design is perfect to convert any standard single exhaust into an aggressive looking dual exhaust which gain attraction from everyone.
aFe engineers gives perfect finish throughout the exhaust with dual high luster, polished 304 stainless steel slash-cut tips that also features a unique laser-cut stainless steel aFe power badge that will again add an aggressive appealing style.
Talking about the installation, you definitely have to spend somw time to install this system, However, the fitment is perfect to 2017-2019 GM V8 6.6L models with no need of relocating the spare tire.
If you’re looking for Exhaust system for GM trucks of models lower than 2017, then you should go for MagnaFlow 19026 Large Performance Exhaust Kit that is again the perfect exhaust for impressive deep growl sound and performance increase.
Check out customer reviews & ratings
Features
- Fitment: Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD
- Boost notable amount of HP and Torque
- Deep sound with aggressive style
- Perfect Fitment and hassle free installation
- Comes with all necessary hardware and installation instructions
- High quality Mandrel-bent aluminized tubing for maximum flow
- Perfectly designed bends for low turbulence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82G8hk1yXPY
#1 Performance Tuner Upgrade with aFe Power77-84010 Power Module (Gains up to +60 HP/ +120 lbs. x ft. torque)
Programmer and Tuners are designed to maximize your engine’s power output with easy plug n play installation. These will give your truck a noticeable big boost in horsepower and torque along with making your engine run more efficiently while increasing your MPGs.
While choosing tuner for your vehicle, you need to determine exactly what kind of results you wants to achieve with your performance chip. Whether you want more horsepower, torque or you want better fuel economy or just need it for speed limiter. Or to use it checking tire pressure, rev limit or to use it for checking and clearing diagnostic cods. It all depends upon your need.
Before choosing any tuner, just decide on your requirement and then go for the best one. The tuner which we list here is overall responsible for boosting Horsepower and torque.
So moving towards our 2nd Mod which is one of the top rated programmer that boost the performance level of GMC Sierra / Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 HD that is with aFe Power77-84010 Power Module.
So, Boost performance of our truck with next generation of Plug and Play electronic module technology. Guaranteed way to safely gain significant horsepower, torque and improve drivability without modifying or leaving any trace on the Engine Control unit (ECU).
Specially designed to produce double digit power gains, the module features LED control switch for in-cabin, on-the-fly power adjustments with different preset modes.
The Scorcher blue Power module directly increases fuel pressure and turbo boost which in results ultimately effects on overall performance.
The tuner is very handy and easy to use with its impressive Bluetooth controlled feature that allow you to make power adjustments, custom tune different power modes, view gauges for engine parameters, upgrade to the latest revision, measure acceleration times and more.
And you can also download Free app from the APP Store or Google Play store to make your phone remote controller for the module.
Moreover, it also comes with 4-power setting mode that can be identifiable with the LED light on the switch or you can also see in your smartphone app. For Stock mode- it will show (GREEN) light, for Sport mode (YELLOW) light , for Sport+ (ORANGE) and for RACE mode it will show (RED) light.
For Better results, it would be recommended to use Sport or Sport + setting during towing purpose.
The installation part is very simple and quick as it comes with factory style connectors that allow you to connect it in no time with any hassle.
Don’t use this power module with any of the other tuner or module for better results.
Check out customer reviews & Ratings
Features:
- Dyno-Proven Gains up to +60 HP & +120 Lbs x Ft.
- Increase Fuel Pressure and turbo boost to improve Vehicle performance, Efficiency and Throttle response
- Easy and Quick Installation
- Accessible through iOS or android device (Supports Bluetooth connectivity)
- Can customise each power mode just with your phone
Others best Upgrades/Mods that will Also help you in Boosting Performance
Apart from above listed 3 best upgrades, there are other mods also that will also proves to be best combination and will surely helps in boosting the overall performance to next level.
Don’t just go with our words, try it and then know it yourself. It will sure that you will never regret after that..These modifications will improve the driviablity and performance in one way or other and are going to be best partner for your beast.
So, without wasting more time let’s move towards the bonus Upgrades.
#1 Increase HP & Overall Performance with Intercooler Kit or heat Exchanger
An intercooler, or “charge-air cooler”, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged (forced induction) internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air-charge density through isochoric cooling.
Here we’re talking about heat exchanger which is basically a intercooler only. Basically, Heat Exchanger uses air from the atmosphere, flowing over and around a lot of finned tubes to remove heat from the intake air charge which means it reduce the temperature of the air that has been pressurized by the supercharger/turbocharger that is going through the intake tubes.
In layman terms, a heat exchanger is a device designed to efficiently transfer or “exchange” heat from one matter to another. When a fluid is used to transfer heat, the fluid could be a liquid, such as water or oil, or could be moving air.
Check inter-cooler for GM Models
When you use air-to- air heat exchanger, cooler air will be directed towards the tubes that will maximise the cooling effect and ultimately create impact on the performance of the vehicle.
So, upgrade your GM truck with universal fit Edelbrock HEAT EXCHANGER. You can choose as per your truck specification and other measurement details.
#2 Upgrade with Intercooler Piping Kit (50% Better Air Flow)
And, if you’re looking to upgrade your truck with all new Intercooler kit then there is no other better option than CXRacing Intercooler Piping Kit that comes with 50% larger intercooler core offering much better Air flow and cooling capacity then stock.
You will get nice increase in fuel economy while improving overall Engine performance and It also lowers EGTs.
It is not wrong to say that using Heat Exchanger instead of full intercooler kit is more convenient way to increase performance as buying full kit will definitely cut your pocket but if you’re looking to get that astounding amount of power then you have to compromise with your pocket and go for the kit.
#3 Outflow Factory intercooler tubes with aFe Intercooler Tubes 46-20334-B Add up to 38% more airflow
If you don’t want to hit your pockets then you can also go with aFe Intercooler Tubes Hot and Cold Side 46-20334-B for Your GM Trucks 17-19 V8-6.6L that is made to increase overall performance by outflowing the factory tubes up to 38%.
The high quality aluminised tube are mandrel bent and powder coated to Offer maximum flow and performance. The bends are perfectly made to decrease turbulence and minimize pressure loss while increasing HP and Torque.
Moreover, the I/C tube kit transfers hot air smoothly to the intercooler to accelerate heat transfer then cooled air to the engine to help make more power.
Easy to fit and featuring quick installation, the kit tubing comes in wrinkly-black powder coating with badge engraved on it giving it impressive appealing look.
This can easily be fit on 2017-2019 GM L5P diesel trucks models.
#4 Diesel Fuel Filtration system for GM Trucks
We all know, the fuel in the truck contains contaminants dirt, water and air/vapour that is reducing power and damaging the diesel fuel injectors.
To resolve this problem, Afe comes with Fuel Filtration and Air Water Separation system for GM trucks that will completely uproot the contaminants from the fuel.
It will improve quality of diesel fuel and make your engine run more smoothly and efficiently.
It will basically remove or separate the entrapped air from your diesel fuel while improving the pressure and flow to your Duramax. It will also add additional filtration to deliver clean and pure fuel that will increase performance and reduce injector wear.
Not only this, it will also protect your fuel from dust intrusion and powerful water jets.
Easy to install, the system comes in several different models and available for vehicle-specific kit. Moreover, there is no need of cutting or drilling or modifying the fuel tank to install it.
You just have to attach harness (that comes with kit) to the battery and utilizes Deutsch weather-proof connectors for plug-n-play installation.
Comes with limited lifetime warranty, the system supports up to 1 Micron Filtration. So can easily imagine the quality of fuel fed to your engine.
We personally like this system, as this system is one of the best of its kind that will remove all the impurities and give your engine clean and pure fuel. It’s like, if you’re eating pure and healthy food you will definitely boost up with lots of energy. Same way engine works.
Bu using the pure fuel, the engine will work more efficiently and gives better results in form of increased HP, torque and overall better performance.
So why waiting!! Upgrade your vehicle with all new Diesel Filtration and Air-water separation system for increase engine efficiency and performance.
Note: Compatible with diesel and biodiesel fuels.
#5 Fuel management or Throttle Optimizer for your GM Trucks
Whether to use your Sierra in performance mode or in off-road mode to use it especially for towing purpose, you will need a device that will let you switch between these modes very quickly and easily.
This throttle Optimizer is the perfect mod that offers fully customizable control over your vehicle’s throttle response.
The simple control knob that allows you to switch between multiple modes and control the throttle intensity of each mode on-the-fly.
So, by using this, you will totally eliminate the hassle of switching and adjusting throttle response as per the driving needs.
The React throttle optimizer offers plug and play functionality and has capability to adjust automatically as per the driving needs without any need of disassembly.
You can also check other Active Fuel Management Disable Device for your truck
You will easily manage fuel with this throttle optimizer as it comes with three modes.. Performance mode (where throttle is adjusted to obtain maximum performance or economy with less response) , Tow Mode (where throttle is adjusted for maximum performance and response) and last is, Off-Road Mode ( where more power and acceleration part is considered while adjusting throttle).
#6 Spring Booster for Improved Drivability
If you’re looking to improve drivability without putting any extra tuning mods, then The Sprint Booster is a perfect alternative for you!
The best thing about this upgrade is -you can easily use it with or without other tuners/programmers due to its ability to work independently from other modifications.
Basically Sprint Booster modifies the signal between the accelerator pedal module and the ECU. The improved signal encourages the throttle to open “more” than what the stock signal was providing at a given pedal position. The end result is the idle-to-full-throttle pedal travel is reduced.
Also Check other Throttle Response Controller for your GM HD trucks
Sprint Booster basically makes your truck “feel” more powerful because the given pedal input produces greater throttle opening.
Easy and quick installation, this performance mod is one of the perfect and effective upgradation for your truck.
Apart from these mods there are other basic upgrades also that you can add in your list that will create noticeable increase in performance while increasing the life of your truck directly or indirectly.
It’s best practive to keep oil filter clean on regular basis to increase it’s life . Choose wisely and get the best upgrade for your beast.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed the article Top Rated Best Performance Mods/Upgrade for Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD – Buying guide to Boost Performance to its entire bits.
We do hope that this article helped you in making a definitive choice when it comes to upgrading your GM trucks and unleashes every pinch of its power.
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Vicky Dwaj, Founder and CEO of TrucksEnthusiasts , is an automobile engineer passionate about pickup trucks and accessories. Follow his journey to discover the latest trends in off-road accessories, cars, and truck parts.
Awesome post! I’m looking to upgrade my Silverado HD’s performance and this guide is super helpful. Can you elaborate more on the exhaust mods? I’m interested in knowing what kind of horsepower gains I can expect.