Where should I begin with my 4.8??

[RU11550]

First off, thanks for having such a badass site. I have a bone stock 2005 2WD Tahoe, which is desperately in need of some modifications. What would you guys recommend to start off with (intake, headers, tuner, etc.). Also, what brands have you guys found to be the best. With a million out there, I want to buy the best the first time.

Looking to get some new life out of the engine, and then plan on lowering it next.

[Chevy-Art]

Step 1: http://www.nelsonperformance.com/
What best brand are you talking about?
Where are you located?

[RU11550]

I am located in Livermore CA. With all the different brands (K&N, Air Raid, Volant, etc), what have you all found works best. I know I can buy some cheap stuff online, but will $50 intakes be a waste of time? My tahoe is a dog off the line, and I would like to help it out a bit before I start to think extreme.

[Slow04xcab]

For the money your going to spend on the 4.8 you could easily buy a 6.0 and be way ahead.

[kerrige]

For the money your going to spend on the 4.8 you could easily buy a 6.0 and be way ahead.

Agreed a 6.0 swap is your best bet in California. You will spend right around 2k, but you will net 80rwhp. Here is some quick math.
Headers $500
High flow cats $500
Catback $400
Tune $300
Intake $250 you will need a Cali legal intake the $50 ones aren't legal.
All that will net maybe 45rwhp.
Basically you will spend 2k in a hurry for Cali legal mods and get way less power.

[kewljay223]

Agreed a 6.0 swap is your best bet in California. You will spend right around 2k, but you will net 80rwhp. Here is some quick math.
Headers $500
High flow cats $500
Catback $400
Tune $300
Intake $250 you will need a Cali legal intake the $50 ones aren't legal.
All that will net maybe 45rwhp.
Basically you will spend 2k in a hurry for Cali legal mods and get way less power.

headers and HF cats in cali??? HA! i wish!! LT's anyway.... i think they make shorties that are legal but from what ive read, GM did a pretty good job on the design of the stockers that the cost vs gain really isnt worth it. unless you have the spare cash, NEED the extra power and/or want the chrome... not saying i wouldnt if i had the cash though...

i passed my swap with a spectre intake that is legal and is only 150 bucks (reason i chose it).. as for it vs kn&n or others... who the hell knows but are you really gonna notice 5 horses? Just sayin. good luck!!

BTW, i have a 6.0 if you have anything more than a reg cab, just go with the motor swap. its basicallly a direct bolt/plug in for you. plus the thing looks basically identical on the outside... smog tech might not even notice it!!!

[RU11550]

Just bought and intake and gonna order a custom tune from Nelson Performance. I know I'm not gonna dominate on the street, but it will give a little life to my grocery getter.

[RU11550]

And just completed step #1 by purchasing a custom tune. Man I hope I get some awesome results. I got a quote to swap some new 3:73 gears in my rear end for $1,250.00. Sounded pretty nuts to me . Anyone know a good cheap place in the Bay Area?