First Bombs....need some advice!

[Giachino]

See Sig for Truck Details... .



Ok, I've got 2k to spend, give me some opinions so I can start shopping..... my wifes *****ing, but at least it's not going toward dirtbikes (again)



Background: I'm pretty conservative, not ever going to try to make a drag racer... . would just like a good looking truck with some functional upgrades and perhaps a tad more power / responsiveness... I haven't towed anything yet, but might buy a 5th wheel toybox next year...



My plan in order of purchase/install (please provide feedback / recommendations)



1. Guages: ISSAPRO White (New ones) EGT & Boost utilizing the A Pilliar Twin Mount from Genos (anyone know if this will match the 05 Toupe Color?) I really like the attitude monitor, but it doesnt work standalone (without edge).



2. Muffler: DPPI's Muffler. I have an 05, so I understand that a full exhaust isn't necessary as it's already 4" end to end. Also, I've had past issues with going large on exhaust (gasser) and it caused a large loss of torque..... I just want a little more aggressive sound without being intrusive into the cab during mellow driving (a tad better flow is a bonus)... really need some advice on this one... . Chrome Tip: Who makes a good bolt/slip on chrome tip? Just a basic 4" to 4" Chrome tip that looks better than stock?



3. New Shocks: Bilsten OEMs. I believe the 5100's are for lifted trucks, so I'll stick with the OEM replacements... . anyone have any part numbers for these? Did they release the diesel specific shocks yet? I've had rancho 5k's on my old gasser truck and they weren't bad, but I've heard good things about the bilsten's... .



4. Westin Bull Bar (Chrome) with 2x 6" Lights... . dont like the ideal of loosing the tow hooks, but I do like the look of it... . any other recommendations for light bars? Any that let you keep your tow hooks, are small (i dont want an obnoxious one)... and able to mount 2 lights?



5. Perf Box: Xzillaraider XZT or Standard. I'm terrified of loosing my warranty, as I can work on dirt bikes, but dont want to touch my truck... . it only has 6k on it..... I'm not gonna be lighting burnouts every 5 minutes, but would like a tad more juice... . leaning toward the XZT so I'm not tempted. Can they really tell if you had one of these things on? I like the edge / attitude combo, but the reviews on the Xzillaraider are pretty impressive, and having a fixed setting will prevent jeckly / hide syndrome.



6. Air Intake: Is this necessary? I beleive it helps reduce EGT's and lets the perf box work a bit easier... . leaning toward the AFE Stage 1... . but are there any drawbacks... . filtration, heat ingestion from motor compartment, any downside too performance? My K&N FPIK on my dodge gasser would just suck a bunch of hot air, didn't really do much...



7. Anything else? 33" tires will come when the stockers are worn out... . dont plan on lifting it and dealing with the associated problems... .



... thanks for all your help in advance... .

 

[klenger]

I'm terrified of loosing my warranty, . .

I'd stay away from any performance mods if you are concerned about the warranty.

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

Confusing message

It would be easier to help you if you'd decide between appearance and performance. Reading between the lines, then warranty is a real concern. Here's a few thoughts to get you off top dead center. You already have 4" exhaust. You can spend a ton there (on exhaust) and really not get much for your $ except a different sound. Hang a nice tip on it and forget the exhaust. Intakes a different story. Scotty III or AFE proguard are both good choices and it will reduce EGTs for anything you do with the truck. Intake would be a good rational upgrade that shouldn't affect your warranty. With your cited budget I'd probably go with the VA C3. 1 and get a little pop and better fuel economy which can easily be removed for dealer visits. Don't forget the gauges. You need to know what your trucks doing at all times. That probably leaves you with $500 to $700 left for some appearance mods assuming you had someone install the aforementioned upgrades. If you did it yourself then you probably have about a grand. Appearance is a personal thing and you need to make those decisions based on your taste and where you want your truck to end up when you've completed all your upgrades. Good luck.