getright99
least likely to succeed
i put a k&n filter in an '89 gmc sierra and noticed a difference. nothing insane but enough to justify the cost. i had a v8 so i probably didn't need it to begin with but it did improve the gas mileage.
What can I do to speed up my slowpoke 99 Silverado truck?
- Thread starter ta131js
- Start date
PioneerGuy85
needs more Fluroscan
This. Bring it back to 100% first. After that, chip + cold air intake/headers/exhaust if you're still not satisfied.
soundmotor
super modified
That's my experience. My father-in-law had a mid 90's Chevy (C1500?) w/ V6. I used the truck quite a bit to move stuff around and never felt it was underpowered. It wasn't overpowered but it had more than enough grunt to merge & climb grades. I agree that it seems like something is just 'off' with the baseline performance.
cityslicker
Active Member
The truck probably has a straight six in it. Chevy's are simple. Drop a v-8 in the bitch.
whoaru99
Epic Member
No, it's not a straight 6. It's a Vortec 4.3L V6.
And, living in California, may have vehicle inspections which might preclude such a swap...dunno.
At any rate, it's probably more than just dropping in a different mill given all the electronics. Would at least have to change the computer too.
fotno
Lunatic Member
Ayup! Stay simple and inexpensive. A tune up, with new plugs, wires, rotor distributor cap, check your fuel delivery and exhaust system for problems.
Edit: Dropping in a V8 in a California truck, would likely mean acquiring either a new engine, transmission and electrical & exhaust system, or sourcing one from a nearly identical wreck. Neither of which would be cheap.
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I think the real answer is a V-8. My 2000 Silverado has the 5.3 vortec and is -anything but- a slug. ( even though it's a 4x4) The thing will flat out scoot... and will pull 20-21 highway mpg running empty! (18.5 mpg for all around driving)
However, bearing in mind the expense and trouble of an engine swap, I'd just hang with what you've got until it's time to buy the next one.
However, bearing in mind the expense and trouble of an engine swap, I'd just hang with what you've got until it's time to buy the next one.
1. Get a smaller, lighter more fuel efficient car for your light transportation needs. Keep the truck for when you absolutely need it's few virtues.
2. If #1 is not practical lighten the truck. Take out all the heavy "junk" not absolutely needed. You only need a spare tire, a jack, a lug wrench. Or remove those things too and just carry a cell phone for emergencies. Whatever you're comfortable with.
3. If you have to replace ol' Pokey with another truck try to match the engine with the work load. Too small an engine in a heavy vehicle wastes gas because it runs at higher rpms in lower gears trying to do what an adequate engine can do in high gear. And the big gas savers: (1) opt for a standard shift transmission. For mileage nothing beats a solid mechanical connection 'tween the engine and the drive wheels. And (2) No 4-wheel drive.
2. If #1 is not practical lighten the truck. Take out all the heavy "junk" not absolutely needed. You only need a spare tire, a jack, a lug wrench. Or remove those things too and just carry a cell phone for emergencies. Whatever you're comfortable with.
3. If you have to replace ol' Pokey with another truck try to match the engine with the work load. Too small an engine in a heavy vehicle wastes gas because it runs at higher rpms in lower gears trying to do what an adequate engine can do in high gear. And the big gas savers: (1) opt for a standard shift transmission. For mileage nothing beats a solid mechanical connection 'tween the engine and the drive wheels. And (2) No 4-wheel drive.
soundmotor
super modified
You don't even need that if you want to be totally hardcore. On the WRX site that I frequent, a can of Fix-A-Flat is all that is needed and an AAA membership if that won't do.
Goodwill_HiFi
Super Member
It's been awhile since I've driven my dads old 90 GMC with the 4.3, but 55 seems rather slow on a hill to me.
If you want a good running truck to drive, figure out what is wrong with the 4.3.
If you want a hot rod truck, do the V8 swap. It'll be a lot of work, time and possibly money depending on your resourcefulness. If you're serious about a V8 swap......you're asking questions on the wrong forum
.......... Try fullsizechevy.com
If you want a good running truck to drive, figure out what is wrong with the 4.3.
If you want a hot rod truck, do the V8 swap. It'll be a lot of work, time and possibly money depending on your resourcefulness. If you're serious about a V8 swap......you're asking questions on the wrong forum
.......... Try fullsizechevy.com
Boosted_Z
New Member
Do a complete major tune-up. Don't forget to change the spark-plug wires and maybe upgrade to better spark-plugs (Platinums or iridiums).
Check timing & compression as well. Clean throttle body and get a can of fuel injection cleaner at K-mart or Walmart.
Change the oil/filter.
Check all filters (Air / fuel).
Something cheap, install a Low restriction air-filter (ex. K&N, etc.)
If catalytic converter is bad, upgrade to a hi-flow cat.
If you have extra cash, install after market headers and a low restriction exhaust muffler (Flowmaster, Etc.)
If you still have extra cash, ECU upgrade or high performance computer chip (Ex. hypertech, Superchip, Jet, etc.)
Goto this site for more information:http://summitracing.com
Good-Luck!
Check timing & compression as well. Clean throttle body and get a can of fuel injection cleaner at K-mart or Walmart.
Change the oil/filter.
Check all filters (Air / fuel).
Something cheap, install a Low restriction air-filter (ex. K&N, etc.)
If catalytic converter is bad, upgrade to a hi-flow cat.
If you have extra cash, install after market headers and a low restriction exhaust muffler (Flowmaster, Etc.)
If you still have extra cash, ECU upgrade or high performance computer chip (Ex. hypertech, Superchip, Jet, etc.)
Goto this site for more information:http://summitracing.com
Good-Luck!
I agree with getting it running right first.
If the O2 sensor is original then replace it.
Make sure the Cat. Converter isn’t clogged.
Replace the plugs with ones identical with the originals. For some reason some engines don’t like the expensive super plugs, or even different brands. (My Montecarlo had a bad misfire with Bosch and Champion plugs.)
As for mods I wouldn’t invest much, possibly a K&N filter and maybe a high flow muffler if you can stand the noise.
If you install a Chip, Air Box, and Headers / exhaust you might at best get at 15 HP gain at full throttle (if it even still runs right) and shorten the life of the motor. By then you will have spent more than you would to sell the truck and buy a similar one with a V-8.
If you still can’t go over 55 then how about adding an amp and speakers and just enjoy the ride!
If the O2 sensor is original then replace it.
Make sure the Cat. Converter isn’t clogged.
Replace the plugs with ones identical with the originals. For some reason some engines don’t like the expensive super plugs, or even different brands. (My Montecarlo had a bad misfire with Bosch and Champion plugs.)
As for mods I wouldn’t invest much, possibly a K&N filter and maybe a high flow muffler if you can stand the noise.
If you install a Chip, Air Box, and Headers / exhaust you might at best get at 15 HP gain at full throttle (if it even still runs right) and shorten the life of the motor. By then you will have spent more than you would to sell the truck and buy a similar one with a V-8.
If you still can’t go over 55 then how about adding an amp and speakers and just enjoy the ride!
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